Porous Sample Wettability Parameter Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining wettability parameters in porous media are complex, time-consuming, and prone to biases due to image resolution and experimental limitations, making it difficult to accurately simulate flow in porous media.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a porous sample placed in a flow cell, where the sample is saturated with fluids and undergoes spontaneous imbibition and drainage processes, allowing for high-resolution scans to determine wettability parameters through image processing and data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact angle measurements using multiphase micro-CT images are performed, then wettability parameters can be obtained, but the results are biased by image resolution and the technique is only applicable where interfaces exist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct contact angle measurement (mechanical/optical measurement) with capillary pressure measurement followed by pore scale simulation. Instead of directly measuring contact angles from images, the method uses pressure-volume relationships and numerical simulation to infer wettability parameters, avoiding the resolution and interface limitations of direct imaging methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces capillary pressure measurements and pore scale simulations as intermediary steps between the porous sample and the final wettability parameters. These intermediaries allow indirect determination of wettability characteristics without directly observing contact angles, thereby avoiding the measurement biases of direct imaging.
2Loss of information
If SEM and ESEM images analysis is used to assess radii correlation of wettability, then qualitative information can be obtained, but the technique is very time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual SEM/ESEM image analysis with automated pore scale simulations based on capillary pressure data. The simulation approach automatically extracts wettability correlation information from pressure-volume relationships, eliminating the manual image processing bottleneck while preserving the essential spatial correlation information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from direct image analysis to capillary pressure-saturation relationships. By measuring pressure and saturation states and using simulations to interpret these parameters, the method obtains wettability correlation information more efficiently than manual image analysis.
3Measurement precision
If water saturation at zero capillary pressure measurements are performed, then wettability information can be obtained, but an extra experiment is needed which complicates the method
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the capillary pressure measurement device multi-functional by using it for both obtaining the capillary pressure curve and determining wettability parameters through simulation. The same experimental setup and data provide multiple pieces of information (capillary pressure characteristics and wettability parameters), eliminating the need for separate specialized experiments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the determination of capillary pressure characteristics and wettability parameters into a single integrated process. By combining capillary pressure measurements with pore scale simulations, the method simultaneously extracts multiple wettability-related parameters from one experimental dataset, reducing the number of separate experiments needed.
4Measurement precision
If very long tests are conducted to determine wettability scheme, then accurate results can be obtained, but the measurement time is in the order of magnitude of one year
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces long-term empirical testing with pore scale simulations based on capillary pressure measurements. Instead of conducting year-long tests to observe wettability behavior, the method uses numerical simulations to rapidly predict wettability schemes from pressure-volume data, reducing measurement time from years to days or hours while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary capillary pressure measurements and simulations to determine wettability parameters before conducting full-scale flow simulations. This preliminary characterization provides the necessary input parameters for accurate pore scale simulations, enabling rapid and accurate wettability determination without requiring long-term observation tests.
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 method provides a simple, efficient, and precise way to determine wettability parameters, reducing experimental time and biases, and enabling more accurate pore scale simulations.
Implementation Method 1
carrying out a spontaneous imbibition from the first open face with a least one second fluid for a first given time
Implementation Method 2
carrying out a spontaneous drainage with the first fluid from the second open face for a second given time
Data Source
AI summary
The method comprises saturating a porous sample with a first fluid, determining a first pore occupancy image of a first section of the porous sample.It comprises carrying out a spontaneous imbibition from a first open face of the sample with a second fluid and determining a second pore occupancy image of the first section.It further comprises saturating the porous sample with the second fluid and determining a third pore occupancy image of a second section of the porous sample.The method comprises carrying out a spontaneous drainage with the first fluid from a second face of the sample and determining a fourth pore occupancy image of the second section.The method comprises processing data extracted from the first, second, third and fourth pore occupancy images to determine a wettability parameter associated with the porous sample.