Use of X-Ray saturation measurements in flow-through investigations for the characterization of two- and three-phase relative permeability of carbonate rock

We illustrate the results of a suite of laboratory-scale experimental investigations of multi-phase (oil/ water/ gas) relative permeabilities. Two- and three-phase relative permeability data are obtained on a core of Portland limestone by way of a Steady-State (SS) technique. Our laboratory methodology allows improved relative permeability acquisition through a joint use of traditional flow-through investigations and direct X-Ray measurement of the core local saturation distribution. The latter renders detailed distributions of (section-averaged) fluid phases along the core, which can then be employed for the characterization of relative permeabilities. The three-phase Steady-State relative permeability experiments have been conducted by resorting to a dual energy X-Ray methodology. The experimental setup also includes a closed loop burette system to validate and support saturation measurements/estimates. The three-phase experiments are performed by following an IDI (Increasing- Decreasing - Increasing) saturation path. The study demonstrates the capability of the methodology to obtain reliable two- and three-phase data for model calibration and simulation.