Lattice Boltzmann simulation of oil–water forced imbibition in multi-scale pore structure

作者：Yuxuan Yang, Wu He, Guang Lu, Sen Wang, Zupeng Liu, Han Wang · 发表于：Physics of Fluids · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1063/5.0268352 · 被引用次数：3 · 研究领域：Lattice Boltzmann Simulation Studies、Generative Adversarial Networks and Image Synthesis、Aerosol Filtration and Electrostatic Precipitation

Shale reservoirs are characterized by tightness, extremely low permeability, and poorly developed natural fractures, typically requiring hydraulic fracturing technology to enhance oil recovery. Understanding displacement mechanisms and their influencing factors in fracture-matrix coupled media holds significant importance for optimizing hydrocarbon recovery. This study employed the lattice Boltzmann method with a fracture-matrix coupling model to simulate forced imbibition under varying wettability conditions and capillary numbers, systematically investigating the influence mechanisms of these parameters on recovery efficiency. The results demonstrated that enhanced water-wet characteristics in the matrix pore structure correlate with improved ultimate hydrocarbon recovery. During initial forced imbibition stages, similar oil recovery rates across different wettability conditions were observed due to water phase channeling through large pores. However, distinct recovery differentials gradually emerged with prolonged imbibition. In fracture-coupled models, the pronounced water channeling effect through fractures minimized wettability-induced differences in oil recovery. Furthermore, capillary number exhibited more substantial control over water phase flow paths and oil displacement efficiency compared to wettability, particularly in governing the preferential infiltration patterns during forced imbibition processes.