Effects of low frequency external excitation on oil slug mobilization and flow in a water saturated capillary model

Abstract

The present research is to experimentally study the joint effects of external pressure and vibratory excitations of low frequency on oil slug mobilization and flow in a capillary model. During and after the oil slug mobilization, the flow phenomena and pressure drop variation across the model are investigated. The distance travelled by the oil slug subjected to various external pressure and vibratory excitations are also studied. The experimental results obtained indicate that the external vibratory excitation acting on the model has positive effect on the flow and mobilization of the oil slug in the model. It is found in the research, with the application of the excitation, the contact angle between the oil slug and tube-wall is changed; the maximum pressure required to mobilize the oil slug is reduced accordingly; and the oil slug travel distance is increased in comparing with that without external excitations. This research contributes to the comprehension of improved liquid mobilization in porous media under the application of external excitations. The finding of the research is significant for studying the two-phase liquid flow in porous media subjected to external excitations and provides insights for Enhanced Oil Recovery with waterflooding and vibratory stimulations.

Keywords

Two-phase liquid motion / Oil slug mobilization / Vibratory excitation / Liquid mobilization / Porous media / Capillary model / Low frequency stimulation

Acknowledgements

The Authors would like to thank with great appreciation the support provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to this research. The facilities made available to this research by the University of Regina are valuable to the performance of the experiment of the research.

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