Based upon observations made with a two-dimensional porous cell, which allows direct visualization of fluid displacement processes, theoretical formulations were established for explaining oil displacement by water in a fractured porous medium. The theory rests on the idea that fluids are transported essentially through the fractures by a convective process, whereas water inflow to the matrix blocks is carried out by a dispersive process which depends on the difference between fracture and matrix water saturation. With these considerations, a derivation is presented of an expression for water saturation as a function of distance and time. Agreement between theory and experiment is reasonably good.

Keywords:
waterflooding, spe 28702, porous medium, reservoir characterization, displacement, swt, matrix saturation, theoretical experimental consideration, flow in porous media, water saturation
Subjects:
Hydraulic Fracturing, Reservoir Characterization, Reservoir Fluid Dynamics, Improved and Enhanced Recovery, Formation Evaluation & Management, Faults and fracture characterization, Flow in porous media, Waterflooding
Copyright 1994, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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