Published: 04/12/2014
Published: 04/12/2014
A laboratory study on core-plugs from a carbonate field confirmed the efficacy of an alkaline surfactant (AS) formulation at reservoir conditions. Continual monitoring of remaining oil saturation (ROS) in short core plugs using spatially resolved nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) can provide insights into the processes by which surfactants release post-water-flood remaining oil. In single short plugs, volumetric averages do not directly quantify remaining oil due to capillary end effects (high remaining oil saturation post water flood observed at the outlet face of the plug), oil banks, and other flow heterogeneities. These effects are all quantifiable by NMR, allowing accurate monitoring of ROS. Here, consistent ROS values are obtained in the laboratory, in single-well pilots, and in single-well chemical-tracer (SWCT) tests. Laboratory core floods with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) monitoring at low magnetic fields therefore provide a valuable calibration of the NMR logs, in addition to the direct assessment of ROS. Corroboration across multiple length scales, spatial resolution, and correspondence with preferred logging measurements, all contribute to the value of NMR-monitored core-floods as a complement to field pilot studies.