Modelling the capillary imbibition kinetics in sedimentary rocks: Role of petrographical features

The kinetics of capillary imbibition into sedimentary rocks has been measured experimentally and calculated with a model that has been described previously by Hammecker and colleagues (1993). The validity of this model has been discussed and compared to other models. Three limestones, two clean sandstones and three clayey sandstones have been studied. The capillary processes are discussed as a function of their petrography and the pore structures. The role of the grain surface, described by the specific surface area, has been especially studied. The influence of clay coating on detrital grains on capillary processes has been quantified.Nomenclature A weight increase rate by capillary imbibition (A=W/(S ₁t)) - B capillary rise rate (B=l/t) - l height of the capillary fringe or the meniscus over the free water level - g gravitational constant - L height of the geometrical elements - P _a pressure in the air - P _c capillary pressure - P _w pressure in the water - Q flow rate - N _l free porosity - Nt total porosity - r radius of the pore (meniscus) - r ₁ pore access radius (neck) - R pore radius (widening) - R _s particle radius - S specific surface area - S ₁ macroscopical area of the sample surface throughout which imbibition occurs - t time - W weight - z height - surface tension - dynamic viscosity - contact angle - density - _r true density