Visualization of Mobility-Control by Polymer Waterflooding through Unconsolidated Porous Media using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

摘要

This article addresses the use of Centric Scan SPRITE Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technique to visualize the performance of polymer flooding as a mobility-control technique. The fronts and interfaces between displaced and displacing fluids are monitored. The development of a piston-like displacement front, as a result of polymer-augmented waterflood, and the effect of polymer concentration on the development of a favorable water displacement front are directly observed. MRI demonstrates to be a useful imaging tool for the evaluation of the efficiency of polymer flooding. Experiments indicate a close agreement between fluid saturations determined by MRI and fluid saturations estimated from material balance.