A new technique for making visual observations of water imbibition processes in porous media saturated with oil is described. This technique uses a two-dimensional cell built with two ground glass plates set in contact one against the other. A porous space between the two plates is formed, where the microscopic pores have a random distribution similar to that of a natural rock. Using an oil with the same refraction index as that of the glass, it is possible to observe in detail the spontaneous penetration of the water by imbibition. Based on experimental results, a theoretical model is proposed for explaining imbibition processes.

Keywords:
upstream oil & gas, visual investigation, secondary recovery, fluid dynamics, imbibition cell, refraction index, illuminating system, natural rock, influx, displacement
Subjects:
Reservoir Fluid Dynamics, Improved and Enhanced Recovery, Flow in porous media
Copyright 1992, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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