Dynamic Rock Wettability Alteration Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining rock wettability alteration in hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs, such as waterflooding, are inefficient and uncertain, particularly in assessing the impact of salinity gradients and varying brine compositions on hydrocarbon production.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically measure contact angles between a rock sample and hydrocarbon fluid using a test cell with controlled brine fluids of varying properties, allowing for in-situ assessment of wettability alteration by circulating and replacing brine fluids based on measured parameters like conductivity, thereby simulating real reservoir conditions and reducing the need for multiple experimental tests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate experimental tests are used to assess wettability alteration under different brine compositions, then measurement completeness is improved, but experimental time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate experimental tests into a single integrated test cell system that can evaluate wettability alteration under different brine compositions sequentially. The test cell maintains the rock sample and hydrocarbon fluid while allowing dynamic replacement of brine fluids with varying salinity and chemical properties, eliminating the need to conduct separate experiments for each brine type and significantly reducing experimental time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic brine fluid replacement within the test cell, allowing the brine composition to be changed during the experiment while maintaining other test conditions constant. This dynamic approach enables the assessment of multiple brine scenarios in one continuous experiment, improving time efficiency while maintaining measurement accuracy for wettability alteration under varying reservoir conditions.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate experimental tests are conducted with different brine compositions, then measurement completeness is improved, but device complexity and operational procedures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test cell is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate various brine compositions and experimental conditions within a single apparatus. The system includes a rock sample holder, hydrocarbon fluid supply, and brine fluid replacement mechanism that can handle different salinity and chemical compositions, making the same device capable of performing multiple experimental scenarios without requiring separate specialized equipment for each test type.
3Ease of operation
If traditional wettability measurement methods are used, then procedural simplicity is maintained, but realism of reservoir condition simulation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of brine fluid parameters including salinity, pH, and chemical composition to match actual reservoir conditions. By allowing these parameters to be changed and monitored during the experiment, the system achieves realistic simulation of reservoir environments while maintaining a relatively simple operational framework through automated fluid replacement and contact angle measurement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides efficient and realistic measurements of wettability alteration, accurately depicting the impact of salinity gradients and other parameters on hydrocarbon recovery, enhancing the management of experimental time and minimizing solvent use, while offering a more precise assessment of enhanced oil recovery technologies.
Implementation Method 1
circulating a first brine fluid into a test cell that includes a rock sample and a hydrocarbon fluid disposed on a surface of the rock sample
Implementation Method 2
measuring a first contact angle between the rock sample and the hydrocarbon fluid in contact with the first brine fluid
Implementation Method 3
at least partially displacing the first brine fluid with a second brine fluid in the test cell, the second brine fluid having the property at a second value
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for determining a rock wettability alteration include circulating a first brine fluid into a test cell that includes a rock sample and a hydrocarbon fluid disposed on a surface of the rock sample, the first brine fluid having a property at a first value; contacting the rock sample and the hydrocarbon fluid with the first brine fluid; measuring a first contact angle between the rock sample and the hydrocarbon fluid in contact with the first brine fluid; at least partially displacing the first brine fluid with a second brine fluid in the test cell, the second brine fluid having the property at a second value; contacting the rock sample and the hydrocarbon fluid with the second brine fluid; measuring a second contact angle between the rock sample and the hydrocarbon fluid in contact with the second brine fluid; and determining a wettability alteration of the rock sample based on at least one of the measured first or second contact angles.