Research Information System
TRANSPORT IN POROUS MEDIA, vol.152, no.12, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Understanding imbibition in multiscale porous carbonates is essential for predicting fluid distribution in subsurface applications. We measured the capillary pressure for spontaneous imbibition and forced water injection in a mixed-wet multiscale oolitic limestone with distinct macro-, intermediate-size-, and micropore structure using the differential imaging-based porous plate (DIPP) technique. Spontaneous imbibition was found to occur through water-wet micropore channels, whereas forced water injection was dominated by the flow in mixed-wet and oil-wet macro-pores with residual oil found in pores of intermediate size. The analysis of contact angle, curvature, macro-pore occupancy, and overall water Amott index demonstrated mixed-wet-to-oil-wet conditions, resulting in a percolation-like advance during forced water injection. The water Amott index calculated on each pore size classification indicated water-wet micropores and oil-wet intermediate-size- and macro-pores. Our results highlight the role of micropores in sustaining water flow at low saturation and the role of intermediate-size-pores in retaining residual oil, advancing the predictive understanding of fluid behavior in carbonate reservoirs.