Spontaneous Imbibition in Low Permeability Media

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Abstract/Contents

Abstract
A systematic experimental investigation of capillary pressure characteristics and fluid flow in diatomite was begun. Using an X-ray CT scanner and a specially constructed imbibition cell, we study spontaneous water imbibition processes in diatomite and, for reference, Berea sandstone and chalk. The mass of water imbibed as a function of time is also measured. Imbibition is restricted to concurrent flow. Despite a marked difference in rock properties such as permeability and porosity, we find similar trends in saturation profiles and weight gain versus time functions.Imbibition in diatomite is relatively rapid when initial water saturation is low due to large capillary forces. Using a non-linear regression analysis together with the experimental data, the capillary pressure and water relative permeability curves are determined for the diatomite in the water-air system. The results given for displacement profiles by numerical simulation match the experimental results.

Description

Type of resource text
Date created December 1998

Creators/Contributors

Author Schembre, Josephina
Primary advisor Kovscek, Anthony R.
Degree granting institution Stanford University, Department of Petroleum Engineering

Subjects

Subject School of Earth Energy & Environmental Sciences
Genre Thesis

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User agrees that, where applicable, content will not be used to identify or to otherwise infringe the privacy or confidentiality rights of individuals. Content distributed via the Stanford Digital Repository may be subject to additional license and use restrictions applied by the depositor.

Preferred citation

Preferred Citation
Schembre, Josephina. (1998). Spontaneous Imbibition in Low Permeability Media. Stanford Digital Repository. Available at: https://purl.stanford.edu/cm931mp4061

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Master's Theses, Doerr School of Sustainability

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