1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Oil/Water Flow Through Fractures (45250 AC9)
Matthew Becker, Geological Sciences, California State University Long Beach
Fractured oil reservoirs are common, but immiscible fluid flow through fractures is not well understood. We imaged hydrocarbon (dodecane) and water flow through fractured cores using MRI while measuring fluid pressure resistance across the sample.
A differential transducer recorded pressure across the sample while fluid flow was imaged through the fracture.
Fractured dolomite rock core
MRI instrument designed for lab mice
Contrary to current models of flow in porous and fractured media, buoyancy forces were as important as capillary resistance. Buoyancy effects may reduce water flood efficiency more than previously thought.