Velocity-saturation relation in partially saturated rocks: Modelling the effect of injection rate changes

J. W. Liu, T. M. Muller, Q. M. Qi, M. Lebedev, W. T. Sun

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The relationship between P-wave velocity and fluid saturation in saturated porous media is of importance for reservoir rock characterization. Forced imbibition experiments in the laboratory reveal rather complicated velocity-saturation relations including rollover-like patterns induced by injection rate changes. Poroelasticity-theory based patchy saturation models with a constant fluid patch size are not enough to describe these velocity-saturation relations. Therefore, we incorporate a saturation-dependent patch size function into two models for patchy saturation. With this, we can model the observed velocitysaturation relations obtained at different injection rates well. The results indicate that there can exist a distinct relation between patch size and injection rate. Moreover, we assess the relative importance of capillarity on velocity-saturation relations and find that capillarity stiffening impairs the impact of patch size changes. Capillarity stiffening appears to be a plausible explanation when a decrease of the injection rate is expected to boost the importance of capillarity.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication78th EAGE Conference and Exhibition 2016
Subtitle of host publicationEfficient Use of Technology - Unlocking Potential
PublisherEuropean Association of Geoscientists and Engineers, EAGE
ISBN (Electronic)9789462821859
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016
Externally publishedYes
Event78th EAGE Conference and Exhibition 2016: Efficient Use of Technology - Unlocking Potential - Vienna, Austria
Duration: 2016 May 302016 Jun 2

Publication series

Name78th EAGE Conference and Exhibition 2016: Efficient Use of Technology - Unlocking Potential

Conference

Conference78th EAGE Conference and Exhibition 2016: Efficient Use of Technology - Unlocking Potential
Country/TerritoryAustria
CityVienna
Period16/5/3016/6/2

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geophysics
  • Geochemistry and Petrology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Velocity-saturation relation in partially saturated rocks: Modelling the effect of injection rate changes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this