Previous studies demonstrate that Montney rock samples present a dual-wettability pore network. Recovery of the oil retained in the small hydrophobic pores is uniquely challenging. In this study, the authors applied dual-core-imbibition (DCI) methods on several Montney core plugs and introduced the imbibition-recovery (IR) trio to investigate the recovery mechanisms in rocks with dual-wettability pore networks.
Introduction
Spontaneous imbibition of aqueous phases (water, brine, or surfactant solutions) in fractured sandstone has been studied as a possible mechanism for enhanced oil recovery. Extensive experimental and mathematical investigations have been conducted for relating the imbibition rate and total oil recovery to the capillary and gravity forces and geometrical parameters.
