Design and Operation of the Three-Phase Relative Permeability Apparatus (X-Ray/Microwave System)

摘要

Measurements of three-phase relative permeability will improve understanding of multiphase flow behavior in porous media and will be helpful in predicting hydrocarbon recoveries and production rates by secondary or tertiary (EOR) processes. In measuring three-phase relative permeability, capabilities are required for accurately determining fluid saturation in the core samples. Since three fluid phases are involved, the measurement of the existing saturation of two of the phases is sufficient to establish the relative content of all three phases. In this report procedures for designing and calibrating a combined x-ray and microwave absorption technique are presented. The x-ray absorption technique is used to measure oil saturation, whereas the microwave absorption technique is used to measure water saturation. By scanning the core along its length using the x-ray/microwave apparatus, the fluid distribution along the length of the core can be obtained. The saturation distribution obtained may also be used to improve the estimation of three-phase relative permeability from unsteady-state or displacement runs. The x-ray/microwave scanning table is also described. As part of the development work in this project, three-phase flow relative permeabilities were measured at steady-state condition using conventional (volumetric, gravimetric, and resistivity) techniques for fluid saturation determination and compared with the fluid saturation obtained by the x-ray/microwave technique. Conclusions about trends of the relative permeability curves of the three flowing phases cannot be made at this point since not enough data are available. However, brine relative permeability was observed to be independent of gas and oil saturation, as has been reported previously. 29 refs., 14 figs., 2 tabs. (ERA citation 12:000079)