Identifying the Optimum Wettability Conditions for the Near-Wellbore Region in Gas-Condensate Reservoirs

Abstract

Abstract The problem of condensate blocking in low permeability gas-condensate reservoirs is greatly affected by the rock-fluid interactions and capillary trapping. Many publications suggest wettability alteration to gas-wetting as a permanent solution to the problem. In this work, we present a simulation study on the optimum wettability conditions for maximum gas-condensate well productivity enhancement. Most of the work in this area focuses on reversal of wetting conditions from liquid-wetting (contact angle of 0 degree) to gas-wetting (with contact angle around 150 degrees). On the experimental side, chemicals are tested in its ability to change wettability. On the simulation side, research shows that changing the wettability to gas-wetting in the near wellbore region results in better productivity than the original liquid-wetting state. Our work investigates various states of wettability ranging from liquid-wetting to gas-wetting and its effect on gas-condensate well productivity. We also study the effect of reservoir permeability, reservoir pressure and treatment radius on the well productivity enhancement by wettability alteration.