Simultaneous Evaluation of Time-Dependent Phase and Wetting Properties of Hydrocarbon Liquids for CO2-Enhanced Recovery of Oil and Gas from Tight Reservoirs

A new method is presented for simultaneous observation of time-dependent interfacial and wetting behavior for a system of hydrocarbon liquids, water, rock sample, and CO2. Application of this method for assessment of using CO2 to enhance oil and gas recovery from water-rich tight reservoirs is discussed with exemplary results. The discussion includes predicting time evolution of capillary pressure in tight rocks and swelling of liquid hydrocarbons trapped by water, and estimating the composition of the liquid phase composed by the trapped hydrocarbons and CO2 transferred through the water barrier.