Porous Sample Saturation Measurement via Capillary Ascension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the relation between initial and residual gas saturation in rock formations are time-consuming and require numerous experiments, especially for low-permeability rocks, making them inefficient for accurate and rapid assessment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a porous sample saturated with a second fluid, where a mechanical load is applied to establish a steady state profile, and capillary ascension flow is generated to measure local volumes, allowing for the determination of the initial and residual gas saturation relation using techniques like nuclear magnetic resonance imaging or X-Ray tomography.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional experimental methods are used to determine the relation between initial and residual gas saturation, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The porous sample is divided into multiple regions along its length, with each region subjected to a different mechanical load to create distinct saturation profiles. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of multiple saturation points in a single experiment, reducing the number of repeated experiments needed while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a spatial dimension to the measurement process by creating a steady state saturation profile along the length of the sample. Different regions at different positions experience different loads, transforming a single-point measurement into a multi-point spatial distribution measurement, thereby obtaining comprehensive Sgi/Sgr data from one experiment.
2Productivity
If the number of experiments is reduced to save time, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sample into multiple regions and applying different mechanical loads to each region, the invention obtains multiple saturation data points simultaneously. This eliminates the need for repeated experiments while ensuring sufficient data density and statistical reliability for accurate curve determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention maintains continuous useful action by performing all measurements on a single continuously loaded sample rather than conducting discrete sequential experiments. The steady state saturation profile provides continuous saturation information across the sample length, ensuring comprehensive data coverage.
3Productivity
If mechanical load is applied to create different saturation profiles, then productivity is improved through simultaneous measurements, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple measurement functions into a single experimental setup. The same porous sample serves as both the test object and the measurement platform, with saturation measurements taken at multiple positions along its length. This consolidation achieves simultaneous multi-point measurements without requiring multiple separate experimental apparatuses.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous sample performs multiple functions: it is the test material, the measurement medium, and the data source. By measuring saturation at different positions along the sample under different loads, a single sample provides comprehensive Sgi/Sgr relationship data that would otherwise require multiple samples and repeated experiments.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a relation between an initial saturation and a residual saturation in a first fluid in a porous sample, comprising the following steps saturating a porous sample with a second fluid; measuring a local volume of the second fluid in the porous sample; establishing a steady state profile of a saturation in the first fluid in the porous sample; generating a rise of a capillary ascension flow of the second fluid through the porous sample; during the capillary ascension flow, simultaneously measuring a local volume of the second fluid; and determining the relation between the initial saturation and the residual saturation based on the measured local volume.