X-ray tomography measurements of power-law cluster size distributions for the nonwetting phase in sandstones.
Three-dimensional images of sandstones containing residual nonwetting phase were obtained using synchrotron x-ray tomography with a resolution of approximately 9 µm. We determined the size distribution of disconnected nonwetting phase clusters (ganglia); the number of ganglia of size s is N(s)~s(-t)...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Journal Article |
| Published: |
The American Physical Society
2010
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| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/35477 |
| Summary: | Three-dimensional images of sandstones containing residual nonwetting phase were obtained using synchrotron x-ray tomography with a resolution of approximately 9 µm. We determined the size distribution of disconnected nonwetting phase clusters (ganglia); the number of ganglia of size s is N(s)~s(-t) with t=2.05 . The vast majority of the residual phase was contained in large clusters, spanning many pores. This result implies that we have clusters of all sizes providing a huge surface area for geochemical reactions and dissolution while allowing mobilization of the residual phase during improved oil recovery in hydrocarbon reservoirs and carbon dioxide storage in aquifers. |
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