Method and apparatus for measuring properties of core samples including heating and pressurizing the core sample and measuring the dynamic and static capillary pressure of water in the core sample

An apparatus for obtaining data for simultaneously measuring relative permeability, dynamic capillary pressure, and electrical resistivity of a core sample taken from a subterranean reservoir, said apparatus comprising:

• an oven capable of producing high temperatures to simulate the temperature of said subterranean reservoir;
• a bath fluidly coupled to said oven whereby heated air from said oven can be circulated through said bath;
• a core holder positioned within said bath, said core holder having a body adapted to receive said core sample;
• means for applying an elevated pressure to said core sample when said core sample is in said core holder;
• means located in said oven for injecting fluids through said core sample when core sample is in said core holder whereby said fluids are heated to said simulated reservoir temperature before the fluids are injected through said core sample;
• a microwave scanning system for scanning said core sample at a plurality of spaced points along said core holder while said core sample is in said core holder for determining the water saturation of said core sample at each of said spaced points;
• means for measuring the pressure in core sample at points spaced along said core holder;
• means for measuring the dynamic capillary pressure of water and oil/gas in said core sample while said core sample is in said core holder;
• means for measuring the static capillary pressure of water in said core sample while said core sample is in said core holder;
• and
• means for measuring the electrical resistivity of said core sample while said core sample is in said core holder.

A method for simultaneously measuring relative permeability, static capillary pressure, dynamic capillary pressure, and electrical resistivity of a core sample taken from a subterranean reservoir, said apparatus comprising:

• placing said core sample under elevated temperature and pressure which simulate the original temperature and pressure of the reservoir from which said core sample was taken;
• saturating said core sample with water until said core sample is substantially 100% saturated with water;
• desaturating said core sample with a hydrocarbon fluid until the residual water saturation is substantially equal to the original water saturation of the reservoir from which the core sample was taken;
• flooding said core sample with water to simulate a waterflood;
• scanning said core sample with microwave signals at spaced points along said core sample during said saturating, desaturating, and flooding steps to determine the water saturation of said core sample at each of said spaced points at the time a particular scan is made;
• measuring the pressure in core sample at points spaced along said core holder during said flooding step;
• measuring the dynamic capillary pressure of water-hydrocarbon fluid in said core sample during said flooding step;
• measuring the static capillary pressure of said hydrocarbon fluid in said core sample during said flooding step;
• and
• measuring the electrical resistivity of said core sample between points spaced along said core sample during said flooding step.