Experimental observation and mathematical modeling of immiscible displacement in oil wet reservoirs

Abstract. Here, a series of immiscible displacement processes have been performed on the fractured porous medium developed on glass micro-models in order to investigate the role of fracture characteristics in oil displacement eciency during the immiscible displacement process. Oil recoveries were determined from image analyses of continuously recorded pictures during dierent ooding schemes. A clear bypassing of displacing uid which results in premature breakthrough of injected uid due to the fracture has been observed. Moreover, the results showed a decrease in oil recovery when fractureʹs length increased. In contrast, an increase in fracture orientation from ow direction increased oil recovery. The results of this work may be useful in gaining a thorough understanding of the immiscible displacement process as well as the optimal eld development plans.