Rock Sample Wettability Analysis Cell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preliminary wettability studies of rock samples are inefficient and costly, particularly in optimizing hydrocarbon recovery, as they rely on closed systems and do not effectively account for capillary forces and in situ conditions.
Innovation Solution
An open system method and apparatus where a rock sample is immersed in a circulating second fluid, allowing for continuous fluid exchange and temperature control, with optional scraping to remove adsorbed fluid, enabling more accurate and efficient measurement of spontaneous fluid release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the Amott test is used for preliminary wettability study, then the experimental time and cost are reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cell is divided into distinct functional zones: a sample chamber for holding the rock sample, a collection chamber for collecting displaced fluid, and flow paths connecting them. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters (fluid displacement volume, flow characteristics) without increasing overall experimental complexity, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining reasonable experimental time
Solution Approach 2:
A circulating fluid system acts as an intermediary between the sample and the measurement system. The fluid continuously flows through the cell, mediating the interaction between the injection fluid and rock sample, while enabling accurate measurement of spontaneous imbibition and drainage processes. This intermediary system enhances measurement reliability without requiring complex direct measurement apparatus
2Measurement precision
If the sweeping test is performed for accurate wettability assessment, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and experimental cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cell design integrates multiple functions into a single apparatus: it can perform both spontaneous imbibition measurements and forced drainage measurements, collect and measure displaced fluids, and maintain controlled flow conditions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment for different measurement types, reducing device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The circulating fluid system automatically maintains flow through the cell without requiring complex external control mechanisms. The system self-regulates fluid circulation, sample immersion, and displaced fluid collection, reducing the need for complex instrumentation and control systems while ensuring accurate measurements
3Device complexity
If a closed system is used for fluid measurement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of representing in situ conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static closed system to a dynamic open system with continuous fluid circulation. The circulating fluid continuously enters and leaves the cell, dynamically interacting with the rock sample to simulate reservoir conditions. This dynamic approach maintains system simplicity while significantly improving the representativeness of in situ conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows continuous variation of fluid flow parameters (flow rate, pressure, temperature) to match reservoir conditions. By changing these parameters dynamically during experimentation, the system accurately represents in situ conditions without requiring a complex closed-system design, thereby improving reliability while maintaining reasonable system simplicity
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 reduces experimental time and cost by providing a more representative assessment of wettability and oil recovery potential, allowing for the identification of optimal fluids for enhanced oil recovery techniques.
Implementation Method 1
measuring an amount of first fluid spontaneously released from the rock sample
Implementation Method 2
determine the wettability of the reservoir's rock by an aqueous solution intended to be used as an injection fluid
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of analyzing a rock sample, comprising: - placing a rock sample (2) containing a first fluid into a cell (1 ); - feeding the cell (1 ) with at least one second fluid and withdrawing said second fluid from the cell (1 ), leaving the rock sample (2) immersed in the second fluid; and - measuring an amount of first fluid spontaneously released from the rock sample (2). The invention also relates to an apparatus adapted for implementing this method.