Simulation-based Determination of Relative Permeability in Laminated Rocks

Reservoir simulation using the extended Darcy's law approach requires relative permeability curves derived either via analytic saturation functions (Corey models etc.) or from special core analysis (SCAL). Since such experimental exploration of the space of influential parameters (pore geometry and wettability) is costly and time consuming, establishing ways to extract ensemble relative permeability from numerical simulation, kri, over the entire range of water saturation is highly desirable. In this work, a Steady State Saturation Variation (SSSV) technique is proposed. It computes ensemble kri(sw) for layered rocks when both capillary and viscous forces are strong.