Relative Permeability in Immiscible Flow — Lesson 6

This lesson covers the concept of relative permeability in the context of immiscible flow through porous media. It delves into the factors that influence relative permeability, such as saturation, surface tension, contact angle, and pore structure. The lesson explains how to calculate relative permeability using Darcy's law and how to experimentally determine it through core flooding experiments. It also discusses the impact of changing parameters like interfacial tension on relative permeability. The lesson further explains the assumptions made in the process, such as the independence of flow at interfacial boundaries and the steady state of the system.

Video Highlights

01:43 - Explanation of relative permeability
09:25 - Understanding the impact of saturation on relative permeability
12:48 - Experimental determination of relative permeability through core flooding experiments
26:15 - Discussion on the influence of surface tension, contact angle, and pore structure on relative permeability

Key Takeaways

- Relative permeability is a crucial concept in understanding immiscible flow through porous media.
- It is influenced by factors such as saturation, surface tension, contact angle, and pore structure.
- Darcy's law can be extended to two-phase flow by defining relative permeability.
- Core flooding experiments are a practical way to determine relative permeability.
- The assumptions made in the process include the independence of flow at interfacial boundaries and the steady state of the system.