Capillary Pressure Determination Using Thermodynamic Desorption Isotherms and Porosity Measurements

Abstract

AbstractCharacterization of fluid flow in porous media depends on the capillary pressure. Experimental investigations on the capillary pressure are complicated and require advanced monitoring technologies. The objective of this study is to determine the capillary pressure by employing desorption isotherms measurements and using the Kelvin equation. The desorption isotherms curves were determined by the gravimetric method. The capillary pressure is presented as a function of the material's level of saturation, which is linked to the material moisture content and total porosity. Investigations were conducted over three types of clays to give classical behavior of their capillary pressure curves. The obtained results were compared with those of the literature concluding the reliability of the employed method to achieve good capillary pressure curve predictions.