The effects of displacement rate and wettability on imbibition relative permeabilities

Abstract

A new dynamic network model is used to investigate the effects of displacement rate and wettability on imbibition relative permeability. The network geometry and topology is representative of a Berea-type sandstone. In contrast to existing quasi-static network models where snap-off, the major pore-scale trapping mechanism in imbibition, is suppressed by contact angle alone, the dynamic model introduces displacement rate as an additional snap-off inhibiting mechanism. The network model is used to analyse the complex rate dependence of relative permeability and residual saturation displayed by laboratory measured data reported in the literature. Show more