Method and apparatus for determining distribution of fluids

Apparatus for measuring the distribution of fluids in a porous sample, comprising:

• a centrifuge having a predetermined number of sample holders for containing said sample and capable of operating at a plurality of speeds;
• a source of electromagnetic energy positioned to radiate onto at least one preselected holder as it passes adjacent said source;
• a detector array positioned to detect electromagnetic energy transmitted through said at least one preselected holder;
• synchronizing means for preselecting said at least one preselected holder;
• recorder means for recording signals from said detector array;
• and
• controller means for controlling said synchronizing means, said recorder means, and the operating speed of said centrifuge.

Apparatus for measuring the distribution of fluids in a porous sample, comprising:

• a centrifuge having a predetermined number of sample holders for containing said sample and capable of operating at a plurality of speeds;
• a source of electromagnetic energy positioned adjacent at least one preselected holder to irradiate said preselected holder;
• and
• a detector array positioned adjacent said at least one preselected holder and opposite said source to detect electromagnetic energy transmitted through said at least one preselected holder.

Apparatus for measuring the distribution of fluids in a porous sample, comprising:

• a centrifuge having a predetermined number of sample holders for containing said sample and capable of operating at a plurality of speeds;
• a source of electromagnetic energy in at least one of said fluids in said sample located in a preselected sample holder;
• and
• a detector array positioned adjacent said preselected sample nolder to detect electromagnetic radiation from said source.

A method for measuring the linear attenuation coefficient of a fluid in a porous sample, comprising:

• centrifuging said sample;
• periodically imaging said sample in a plurality of points during centrifuging;
• and
• calculating the linear attenuation coefficient in functional relationship with the thickness of said sample.

A method for determining the relative permeability curve of a porous sample, comprising:

• centrifuging said sample;
• periodically imaging said sample in a plurality of points during said centrifuging;
• determining fluid saturations at said plurality of points in functional relationship with time;
• determining relative permeability at said plurality of points;
• and
• generating a relative permeability curve versus saturation based upon the relative permeability determined at said plurality of points.

A method for determining the capillary pressure curve for a porous sample, comprising:

• centrifuging said sample at a preselected speed;
• periodically imaging said sample in a plurality of points during said centrifuging;
• determining fluid saturations at said plurality of points;
• determining the capillary pressure curve versus saturation at said plurality of points;
• and
• centrifuging said sample at a different preselected speed.