Prediction of Three-Dimensional (3-D) Adhesion Maps, Using the Stability of the Thin Wetting Film during the Wettability Alteration Process

Abstract

The preferential attraction of fluid on the rock surfaces, known as wettability, has serious implication because of their impact on multi phase flow in the rock hence the recovery efficiency of petroleum reservoirs. However, the prediction of wetting and the mechanisms of wettability changes during the production are difficult because of the complex chemical composition of the crude oil and the formation brine as well as the interaction with the minerals very close to the rock surface. To understand these mechanisms one needs to investigate the interactions that take place between crude oil, brine and rock surfaces. The objective of this work is to present the results of developed model based on the rock/fluids interactions for the prediction of the wettability state in a solid/brine/crude oil system. In this model, a three-dimensional (3D) adhesion map and surface wettability are related to the film stability through disjoining pressure isotherm of the wetting phase film separating the solid and nonwetting phase. Besides, the mechanism of wetting changes and predominant surface forces is diagnosed through disjoining pressure. This model is especially designed to predict the wettability and its alteration for the tight rocks, which is seldom to be done through the laboratory measurements.