Multiscale digital core models: application experience

Introduction. During the experimental program setup with natural rock specimen collection, operating company has to face with particular difficulties and technology limitations associated both with equipment and intrinsic rock properties. The necessity of the application of multiscale approach in pore-scale digital simulations of the natural processes is governed by the key objective — provide a representative digital twin of the natural sample of the particular rock class in the context of the hydrocarbon reserves estimation and the investigation of dynamic of the reservoir properties during its development.

Objective. In this research work the main objective is to provide a systematic approach for obtaining adequate and reliable results of rock properties using digital models supplied with appropriate cases. Also perform the research of and pinpoint the nuances of the multiphase hydrodynamics problems solution for the oil-water system using digital simulations and provide sufficient comparison with lab data.

Materials and methods. In this work the modern methods and equipment is applied for data acquisition — computerized micro-CT of the core miniplugs, steady-state core flood tests for two-phase problem, radiography for interfacial tension measurement.

Results. In this work the multiscale digital rock models (MDRM) were constructed based on micro-CT data. In the article the results of the model calibration to experimental data are presented. The results of simulation versus laboratory data are discoursed in multiple problems statement: hydrodynamics of the single-phase and the two-phase flow, as well as the electric field simulation of water saturated rock samples.

Conclusions. Finally, the conclusions drawn about the future outlook of the Digital Core Analysis technology in the context of modern cutting-edge trends applied to the problems of hydrocarbon reserves and recovery factor estimation.

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