X-ray computerized tomography applications in petroleum recovery

The X-ray Computerized Tomography (CT), as well as others imaging systems, has been widely applied in oil recovery research to the nondestructive visualization of internal rock features. The images are now being used ordinarily to investigate oil field cores to select samples for special analysis. Heterogeneities and fractures in samples are easily identified, minimizing experimental errors and leading to the best reservoir performance predictions. Studies have been developed in the area of petrophysics to provide information about porosity, fluid saturations and permeability, in order to improve and support reservoir modeling. For drilling operation, the selection of fluids should be guaranteed by careful evaluation. Equipment specially constructed to simulate reservoir conditions in laboratory can reproduce fluid displacement, which is monitored by CT imaging. This paper presents the applications of CT scanning in studies developed at the Research and Development Center of PETROBRAS. (author)