On the relationship between pore size distribution and wettability alteration of carbonate oil reservoir rock
Abstract
Pore size distribution (PSD) and wettability are critical factors in controlling the sweep efficiency of reservoir fluids, particularly crude oil. The alteration of wettability from oil-wet to water-wet is a key concern when injecting water into reservoirs. This study evaluates two rock samples from different formations, each with distinct characteristics. The cores were imaged under various wettability conditions—dry, water-wet, oil-wet, and post-injection of a sodium dodecyl sulfate surfactant—using a core scanner, and the PSD was analyzed through computer image analysis core photo analysis software. The results show that altering the wettability of the rock surface leads to changes in the pore size distribution. Furthermore, the relationship between wettability and PSD was investigated using the contact angle measurement method. It was observed that as the surfactant concentration increased, the surface wettability of cores with larger pore sizes shifted from oil-wet to water-wet to a greater extent than in cores with smaller pore sizes.
Keywords
contact angle, core image analysis, pore size distribution, wettability
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2026
ISSN
1091028X
Volume
29
Issue
5
Publication Title
Journal of Porous Media
Publisher
Begell House
School
Centre for Sustainable Energy and Resources / School of Engineering
Copyright
subscription content
Content Type
Metadata only
First Page
21
Last Page
36
Recommended Citation
Manshad, A. K., Azadehfar, H., Asl, F. O., Mohammadi, A. H., Iglauer, S., & Keshavarz, A. (2025). On the relationship between pore size distribution and wettability alteration of carbonate oil reservoir rock. Journal of Porous Media, 29(5), 21–36. https://doi.org/10.1615/JPorMedia.2025055475