Research Article
Impact of Pore Structure and Wettability on CO2-water Displacement and Relative Permeability
Abuzar Abdollahi*
,
Mohsen Masihi
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 3, June 2025
Pages:
37-48
Received:
21 May 2025
Accepted:
12 June 2025
Published:
10 July 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ogce.20251303.11
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Abstract: Understanding the influence of pore structure and wettability on fluid displacement is critical for optimizing enhanced oil recovery and carbon dioxide sequestration. This study investigates the impact of porous media structure and wettability on carbon dioxide-water displacement and relative permeability at the pore scale. Three digital porous media models—real (derived from CT scans), simplified (spherical grains), and homogeneous (uniform grains)—were simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics. Carbon dioxide was injected at 0.001m/s into water-saturated models with wettability angles of 30°, 60°, and 75° in a water-wet system. The Level Set method coupled with Navier-Stokes equations modeled two-phase flow, and relative permeability was calculated using a modified JBN approach. Results revealed that homogeneous models exhibited the shortest breakthrough time and highest water recovery, while complex real models showed the longest breakthrough time and lowest recovery. Increasing wettability delayed breakthrough, increased water relative permeability, and decreased gas permeability, though differences across models were modest due to the water-wet condition. The homogeneous model displayed near-piston-like displacement, contrasting with the complex flow paths in the real model. These findings underscore the critical role of pore structure in fluid recovery and inform strategies for carbon dioxide injection. Future research should explore dynamic wettability changes and three-dimensional modeling to enhance predictive accuracy for reservoir-scale applications.
Abstract: Understanding the influence of pore structure and wettability on fluid displacement is critical for optimizing enhanced oil recovery and carbon dioxide sequestration. This study investigates the impact of porous media structure and wettability on carbon dioxide-water displacement and relative permeability at the pore scale. Three digital porous med...
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