Temperature Effects on Oil-Water Relative Permeabilities for Unconsolidated Sands

摘要

This study presents an experimental investigation of temperature effects on relative permeabilities of oil-water systems in unconsolidated sands. In the past, various reasons have been given for observed temperature dependence of relative permeabilities. With increasing use of thermal recovery methods, it becomes important to understand the principles governing these effects. The fluids used in this study were refined mineral oil and distilled water. A rate sensitivity study was done on residual oil saturation (S/sub or/) and oil and water relative permeabilities. The temperature sensitivity study of relative permeabilities was conducted in three parts. The first was to investigate changes in S with temperature where the cores were 100% saturated with oil at the start of the waterflood. Second, changes in S/sub or/ with temperature were studied when connate water was present at the start of the waterflood. The third part continued the floods for a longer time until the water-cut was virtually 100%. Temperature effects on irreducible water saturations were studied. A study on viscous instabilities was also performed. Results of these studies are discussed, and conclusions are presented. 35 figures, 54 tables. (ERA citation 08:009126)