Relative permeability measurement using different core samples from Burgan Field

Abstract

This paper describes experimental efforts towards obtaining relative permeability for two phase flow in a homogeneous porous medium under adiabatic unsteady-state conditions. The porous media used in the experiments were Berea sandstone core samples. Porosity and permeability were measured using a routine core analysis while relative permeability is measured by core-flooding and mercury injection in special core analysis. Accurate relative permeability data is an essential input parameter for many reservoir engineering applications. Methods of [Kr] determination are discussed with specific emphasis being given to the calculation of the relative permeability curves from unsteady state displacement experiments. This study showed that relative permeability could be calculated satisfactorily by choosing a suitable model, especially in drainage processes. In the reverse procedure, capillary pressure could also be computed once relative permeability data are available.