Evaluation of chemically-induced pore surface modifications on rock cores

Chemical modification of pore surface properties due to active components of crude oils could significantly affect production processes. Specific chemical treatments can prevent surface alteration, protecting pores from deposition of heavy oils components. Both relaxation times analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging technique are a valuable method for nondestructive monitoring of solid/liquid interface alteration especially if applied to heterogeneous rock cores, which are impossible to study using conventional methods (e.g., Amott tests and dynamic angle contact). In our work, we examined carbonate core plugs subjected to aging treatments in crude oil. Relaxation times measurement, revealing modifications of fluid/surface interactions and imaging, was applied in characterise heterogeneous systems and reveal fluid distribution changes. Nuclear magnetic resonance results were compared with a special microscopy technique (Cryo-SEM) that allows observation of fluids at the pore level, providing a better understanding of the processes involved.