Your browser is not recommended for EDX, we suggest using the latest version of Google Chrome.

Gravitational pressure gradient in oil reservoirs containing free gas: model studies of the Elk Hills oilfield, California

License(s):

Other (Open)

The gravitational pressure gradient (GPG) in porous sandstone containing free gas was determined to define the proper GPG to use when calculating the rate of downdip flow of oil in the Sub-Scalez No. 1 sand, Elk Hills fields, Naval Petroleum Reserve 1. The GPG was determined at several gas saturations using long, artificially consolidated sandstone models that were mounted vertically in some tests and horizontally, with rotation, in others. Also determined by laboratory and field tests were relative permeability's, capillary pressure relations, critical gas saturation, water sensitivity and depletion drive performance. The critical gas saturation in the models having an absolute permeability of 1 to 2 darcys was about 2% of pore volume. The GPG with the critical gas saturation was that due to the weight of the gas-saturated oil. The GPG in the upper part of the models was reduced as gas saturation increased to a value considerably larger than the critical. The exact gas saturation at which the GPG became less than that due to the weight of the oil could not be determined but was estimated to be of the order of 10 percent of pore volume. Tests indicate that the rate of oil production is not permanently reduced by exposure of the sand to fresh water but that the rate of injection of fresh water will be considerably less than that to brine. Methods for determining the factors mentioned above are discussed.

Followers: 0

Citation (Click to Copy)

Data and Resources

    Gathering Resources...

Keywords

Additional Info

Field Value
Last Updated September 29, 2016, 19:01 (LMT)
Created September 29, 2016, 19:01 (LMT)
Citation Baptist, O.C. ---- Roy Long, Gravitational pressure gradient in oil reservoirs containing free gas: model studies of the Elk Hills oilfield, California, 2016-09-29, https://edx.netl.doe.gov/dataset/gravitational-pressure-gradient-in-oil-reservoirs-containing-free-gas-model-studies-of-the-elk-hi
Netl Product yes
Poc Email Roy.long@netl.doe.gov
Point Of Contact Roy Long
Program Or Project KMD
Publication Date 1967-12-1