Developing a Proficient Relative Permeability Resource from Historical Data

Abstract

Having reliable and readily accessible relative permeability information is a problem for many reservoir engineers. In the absence of laboratory measured data or in the case when a more general representation of fluid flow in a reservoir is needed, empirical relative permeability correlations become useful. 416 sets of relative permeability data were obtained from published literature and various industry sources, and were modified to fit a common format. The central database thus constructed allows relative permeability data to be easily retrieved and processed. Categorizing and modifying the original data for applicability to similar systems is considered, allowing for variations in connate water, residual oil, and critical gas saturations. Information such as fluid type, wettability, lithology, geographical location, and method of measurement is used to search applicable results. A linear regression model approach is employed to develop prediction equations for water-oil, gas-oil, gas-water, and gas-condensate relative permeability from the measured data. Improved equations were developed for water-oil and gas-oil systems based on formation type and wettability. Additionally, general equations for gas-condensate and gas-water systems were formulated. Craig's rule for determining wettability has been modified to include a wider range of relative permeability data. Available data has increased significantly since the last published work in this area. The prediction equations are compared with previously published correlations. The database and prediction equations may be downloaded at no charge from a University of Missouri-Rolla web site.

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

978-161399109-1

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2024 Society of Petroleum Engineers, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2002

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