Effects of wettability on the distribution and mobilization mechanism of residual oil during immiscible displacement

Abstract

The interaction between the fluid and the rock surface may affect the wettability of the reservoir. The wetting characteristics of the reservoir influence the fluid distribution and flow behavior which in turn influence the oil recovery efficiency. Majority of the studies previously conducted used uniform wetting condition of either water-wet or oil-wet. Microscopic visual observation of the oil-water distribution and the residual oil mobilization events have been conducted using etched glass micromodel. The location of water and oil blobs was observed and the size shape and structure of the blobs were examined. From these examinations some insights of fluid and mobilization mechanism were obtained. The present study also incorporates wettability conditions such as fractional-wet and mixed-wet.