A comparative study of predictive models for imbibition relative permeability and trapped non-wetting phase saturation

The available models for prediction of imbibition kr data are based on the calculations of trapped non-wetting saturation (Snwt). Therefore, in this study, a modified method was introduced which improved the estimations of trapped non-wetting phase saturation. The predicted values of imbibition relative permeability using this improved method were in good agreement with the experimental data. It was shown that this method can be used for both gas and oil as non-wetting phases in a water-wet medium. However, the trapped non-wetting phase is a function of capillary number and the Land trapping coefficient changes as the capillary number changes. Hence, the measured Land trapping coefficient cannot be assumed as constant in cases where severe changes in pressure result in changing interfacial tension (IFT) and fluid viscosity.