Improvement and effectiveness analysis of dynamic/static imbibition experiments

Area of Science:

• Petroleum Engineering
• Reservoir Engineering
• Geosciences

Background:

• Fluid displacement in low-permeability fractured reservoirs is critical for oil recovery.
• Existing static and dynamic imbibition experimental methods have limitations, including air pollution, long testing times, and inability to eliminate driving forces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design a dual-purpose experimental setup and method for both static and dynamic imbibition studies.
• To overcome the limitations of conventional experimental techniques.
• To investigate the effect of fracture width on dynamic imbibition.

Main Methods:

• A novel dual-purpose experimental setup and method for static and dynamic imbibition were developed.
• A fracture fluid flow rate calculation and motor speed conversion method was proposed to set dynamic imbibition parameters.
• The device was validated against traditional static imbibition bottles and dynamic replacement methods.

Main Results:

• The new device achieved a 1.55% higher static imbibition recovery rate compared to the static imbibition bottle.
• Dynamic imbibition recovery rates were 3-6% lower than driving dynamic imbibition methods but isolated flow rate effects.
• Optimal imbibition in fractured reservoirs occurs in fractures with widths between 50-100 μm.

Conclusions:

• The developed dual-purpose device offers a more accurate and efficient approach for studying imbibition in fractured reservoirs.
• The findings provide insights into the crucial role of fracture width in dynamic imbibition processes.
• This research contributes to improved reservoir development strategies for low-permeability fractured systems.