A Novel Experimental Setup to Analyze Model Thin Films Representing Cores for an Ultrasonic Radiation Study of Petroleum Reservoirs

摘要

An apparatus was developed for a visual representation of conventional core flooding tests using a Model Thin Film (MTF) setup. The configuration was intended to provide direct visual representation of a flooding process. For our purposes, we investigated asphaltene deposition on a thin-film core sample, by evaluating the oil recovery before and after subjecting rock samples to a sonication process to remove asphaltene deposits, part of an ongoing project. The process involved saturating a specific volume of core sample with an asphaltic crude oil sample and recording flow pressures throughout the process. In order to have a full grade asphaltene deposition on the core sample, an alkane reagent, heptane, was used as a solvent to subsequently flood the rock system. After the formation of the skin and asphaltic sediments, we conducted an oil flood and monitored flow pressures, higher inlet pressures confirmed plugging and asphaltic deposition in the rock matrix. The model thin film setup proved to be a very good demonstrational and experimental apparatus, as it provided excellent visual information relating to the oil flood, and allowed routine experimental pressure, temperature and flow readings to be taken. The prospect of obtaining accurate experimental results from the model thin film is bright. This apparatus is designed to be used for the ultrasonic radiation study of petroleum reservoirs.