Effects of hydrocarbon physical properties on caprock’s capillary sealing ability

A new mechanics formula of caprock’s capillary sealing ability has been established in this paper, in which the boundary layer resistance was considered and characterized by starting pressure gradient. The formula shows that capillary sealing ability of caprock is determined not only by the capillary force of rock and the buoyancy of hydrocarbon column, but also by the starting pressure gradient of hydrocarbons and the thickness of caprock. The buoyancy of hydrocarbon column, the starting pressure gradient of hydrocarbon, and the capillary force of caprock are affected by hydrocarbon density, hydrocarbon viscosity, and hydrocarbon-water interface tension respectively. Based on hydrocarbon property data of reservoirs of Jiyang Depression and equations from literature, the effects of hydrocarbon density, hydrocarbon viscosity, and hydrocarbon-water interface tension on the sealing ability of caprock are analyzed. Under formational conditions, the sealing ability of oil caprock can vary up to dozens times because of the variations of the oil density, oil viscosity, and oil-water interface tension. Thus, the physical characters of hydrocarbon should be considered when evaluating the capillary sealing ability of caprocks. Study of the effects of physical characters on sealing ability of caprock can provide guidance to exploring special physical property hydrocarbon resources, such as viscous oils, and hydrocarbon resources in special pressure-temperature environments.