Relative Permeability Hysteresis in Hydrophilic Collectors with Different Saturation types

Multiphase flow is a subject of study in many knowledge areas. Cyclic changes of pore space saturation causes the appearance of relative permeability hysteresis. Correct account of this phenomenon is needed to avoid errors and inaccuracies in flow simulation of technological and natural processes. Role of relative permeability hysteresis and impact of this phenomenon on oil recovery process is insufficiently studied: Researches usually observe one cycle of saturation change. Goal of the present work is to identify consistent patterns of hysteresis processes in porous hydrophilic systems with different types of fluid saturation. The article presents results of relative permeability experimental studies at cyclical saturation changes in water-gas, water-oil-gas, water-oil (kerosene) systems. Hysteresis phenomenon was found in all systems explored. Qualitative and quantitative description of the observed effects is presented with interpretation in terms of the surface energy at fluid’s interface. For water-oil (kerosene) system permeability hysteresis and qualitative differences in drainage/imbibition stages are mechanism of coverage ratio increase in cyclic flooding EOR.