Journal of Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Technology

Journal of Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Technology

The Comparison of Experimental Relative Permeability Data with Corey’s Model Results: A Case Study

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Naomi Amoni Ogolo 1
Obinna S. Ezeaneche 2
Mike O. Onyekonwu 1
1 Institute of Petroleum Studies, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
2 Laser Engineering and Resources Consultants Limited, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
10.22034/jogpt.2023.355385.1106
Abstract
Using Corey model for determining relative permeability in a two-phase flow in porous media has been a remarkable achievement; however, determining the correct exponents for relative permeability to oil and water still remains a challenge. In addition, laboratory obtained relative permeability data is very essential because it is more reliable despite being tedious and expensive. In this work, laboratory relative permeability values were obtained with exponents of 3.39 and 3.22 for Kro and Krw respectively as against the closest Corey exponents of 3.3 and 3.2 for Kro and Krw respectively. These results and the assumed Corey exponents of 3.5 and 3.1 for Kro and Krw respectively selected in error were used to show how seemingly insignificant errors in Corey exponents can be magnified when used for calculations in reservoir studies. Therefore, in this study obtaining laboratory relative permeability data is emphasized since it captures most rock properties that affect relative permeability which Corey models do not consider.
Keywords
Reservoir
Sweep Efficiency
Saturation
Error
Exponent
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Journal of Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Technology
Volume 10, Issue 1
March 2023
Pages 25-34