Ministry of Higher

Education and scientific

Research University of Maysan
Engineering College-Petroleum
Department

Reservoir ENG.
lab #2

Wettability
The supervisor:
Ahmed H. Qasim

Students
Ali Saddam Saber ( Tools & Materials ,Results & Calculations)
Abbas Jaber Abbas ( Introduction ,Purpose , Procedure )
2024 / 12 / 9
Table of content

Table of content ............................................ 1

Introduction.................................................. 2
Purpose ......................................................... 3
Tools & Materials .......................................... 3
Procedure...................................................... 4
Results & Calculations .................................. 5
Discussion ..................................................... 6
References .................................................. 10
Introduction
Wettability is the ability of a liquid to spread over or adhere to the surface of a solid. It
describes how a fluid interacts with the solid surface and is characterized by the contact angle
formed between the liquid and the surface. Wettability determines the distribution of fluids
on the solid surface and plays a crucial role in various applications, including oil and gas
production, where it affects how fluids move and are retained in porous rock formations.
• Water-wet surfaces have a low contact angle (typically < 90°), indicating that water spreads
easily on the surface.
• Oil-wet surfaces have a high contact angle (typically > 90°), indicating that oil prefers to
stay on the surface rather than spreading.
• Neutral or intermediate wettability occurs when the contact angle is around 90°, suggesting
an equal affinity between the liquid and the solid.

When two immiscible fluids contact a solid surface, one tends to spread or adhere to it more so than
the other.
For example, for the water-oil-solid system at equilibrium, the following equation (known as Young’s
equation) can be expressed:
σ SO − σ SW = σ wO cosθ

where σso is the interfacial tension between the oil and solid, σsw between the water and
solid, σwo between the oil and water, θ is the contact angle measured through the water phase
(Fig. 1).

Adhesion tension, a function of the interfacial tension, determines which fluid preferentially
wets the solid. In the case of water-oil-solid, the adhesion tension AT is defined as
AT = σ so − σ sw = σ wo cosθ (Fig.1)

A positive adhesion tension AT indicates that water preferentially wets the solid surface
(water wet). An AT of zero indicates that both phases have an equal affinity for the surface
(neutral system). A negative AT indicates that the oil wets the solid surface (oil-wet).

The magnitude of the adhesion tension determines the ability of the wetting phase to adhere
to the solid and to spread over the surface of the solid. The wettability of a reservoir rock-
fluid system is defined as the ability of one fluid in the presence of another to spread on the
surface of the rock.
Purpose
The goal of using the Theta Flex device is to measure how well a liquid, like crude oil,
spreads on a solid surface (like rock or glass). This helps us understand how the liquid
interacts with the surface, which is important for:
• Oil extraction: Knowing how oil moves in rocks to improve recovery.
• Coating and lubrication: Making sure liquids spread well on surfaces.
• Material studies: Checking the properties of different surfaces.

Measuring the contact angle helps determine if a surface is water-wet, oil-wet, or neutral,
which helps make better decisions in industrial and research work.

Tools & Materials

• Theta Flex device.
• Solid surface (glass or other material).
• Droplet of sample (water or oil).
• High-resolution camera or microscope.
• Proper lighting.
• Sample syringe (Pipette).
• Image analysis software (e.g., ImageJ).
• Dispenser & Dispenser holder.
• Sample Stage.
Procedure
1. Prepare the Surface:
• Clean the solid surface well to remove dirt and debris.
• Dry the surface and make sure it’s level.

2. Set Up the Device:

• Turn on the Theta Flex device and let it start up.
• Make sure the camera and lighting are set up correctly for clear imaging.

3. Place the Oil Droplet:

• Use a syringe or pipette to drop a small amount of crude oil onto the surface.
• Ensure the droplet is consistent in size.

4. Capture the Image:

• The Theta Flex device will use its camera to take a picture of the droplet on the surface and
automatically measure the contact angle.

5. Review and Record:

• Check the contact angle displayed on the device screen.
• Repeat the process at different points on the surface for accuracy.

6. Analyze the Results:

• Average the contact angle measurements.
• Classify the wettability:
• Water-wet if the angle of contact < 90°.
• Neutral if the angle of contact around 90°.
• Oil-wet if the angle of contact > 90°.
Results & Calculations

To calculate angle of contact (𝜭):

𝟐𝑯
𝜭 = 𝟐𝒕𝒂𝒏−𝟏 ( )
𝑫
𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆:
𝜭: 𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒄𝒕(𝒅𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒆).
𝑯: 𝑫𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕(𝒎𝒎).
𝑫: 𝑫𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓(𝒎𝒎).

Group B

𝐻: 1.2𝑚𝑚
𝐷 = 2.5𝑚𝑚
−𝟏𝟐𝑯 −𝟏 𝟐 ∗ 𝟏. 𝟐
𝜭 = 𝟐𝒕𝒂𝒏 ( ) = 𝟐𝒕𝒂𝒏 ( )
𝑫 𝟐. 𝟓
𝜭 = 𝟖𝟕. 𝟔𝟔 𝒅𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒆

Group Rock type H(mm) D(mm) 𝜭(degree) Wettability

A Sandstone 1.4 3 86.05 Intermediate
B Limestone 1.2 2.5 87.66 Intermediate
C Dolomite 1.6 3.5 84.87 Intermediate
D Shale 4 2 90 Intermediate

The difference in contact angle (𝛳) is due to the variation in surface properties of the rocks.
As the surface changes, the contact angle and wettability also change. Wettability depends on
how the rock surface interacts with the fluid, influenced by factors like mineral composition,
surface roughness and texture.
Discussion
Name: Ali Saddam Saber
1. What is wettability?
Wettability is the tendency of a liquid to spread on or adhere to a solid surface in the presence
of another immiscible fluid.

2. What are the types of wettability?

The types include water-wet, oil-wet, and neutral-wet surfaces.
-
3. Why is the contact angle important in wettability studies?
The contact angle determines if a surface is water-wet or oil-wet and helps understand liquid
solid interactions, also provides a quantitative measure of the degree of wettability.

4. What are the types of contact angles?

• Acute (< 90°) for water-wet surfaces.
• Obtuse (> 90°) for oil-wet surfaces.
• Moderate (~ 90°) for neutral-wet surfaces.

5. Which is better: oil-wet or water-wet surface? Why?

It depends on the application. For example, in enhanced oil recovery (EOR), water-wet surfaces
are generally more favorable as they facilitate the displacement of oil by injected water.

6. What is the difference between surface tension and interfacial tension?

Surface tension occurs at the liquid-air interface, while interfacial tension occurs between two
immiscible liquids.

7. What is adhesion tension, and why is it important?

Adhesion tension is the difference between surface and interfacial tensions, determining liquid
adhesion strength to surfaces
Adhesion tension determines the wettability of a system and impacts the behavior of fluids in
porous media.

8. What are the methods to measure wettability?

These include contact angle measurement and Amott method.

9. Why is calibration important in scientific measurements?

To ensure accuracy, reliability, and minimal error in results.
10. Why minimize syringe height in experiments?
To avoid pressure or flow changes that could affect measurement accuracy.

11. Why are glass surfaces used in experiments?

because it’s smooth, clear, and easy to clean, making it perfect for accurate liquid
measurements like contact angles

12. On what contact angle between oil, water and a solid surface depend?
• Composition of crude oil.
• Electric properties of the surface (e.g., pH and salinity).
• Surface roughness and heterogeneity.
• Dynamic effects.
• Reservoir pressure and temperature

13. On what the wettability of a reservoir rock system depend?

The wettability of a reservoir rock system depends on:
• Reservoir rock material and pore structure.
• Geological processes (e.g., accumulation and migration).
• Composition and volumes of oil and brine.
• Physical conditions such as pressure and temperature.
• Changes during production, including saturation, pressure, and fluid composition.”

14. What do you conclude about the contact angle from the difference in surface?
The difference in contact angle (𝛉) is due to the variation in surface properties of the rocks. As
the surface changes, the contact angle and wettability also change. Wettability depends on how
the rock surface interacts with the fluid, influenced by factors like mineral composition, surface
roughness and texture.

15. What are the limitations of the contact angle/imaging method in measuring wettability?
Limitations Affected by skill, surface roughness, heterogeneity, and environmental conditions.
Name: Abbas Jaber Abbas

1. What is wettability?
Wettability is the ability of a liquid to maintain contact with a solid surface, resulting from the
balance between cohesive forces (within the liquid) and adhesive forces (between the liquid
and the solid). It determines how a liquid spreads or beads up on a surface.

2. What are the types of wettability?

Wettability types include water-wet, oil-wet, and intermediate-wet, indicating fluid affinity to
a solid surface .

3. Why is the contact angle important in wettability studies?

Contact angle measures the degree of wettability; smaller angles indicate higher wetting by
water, while larger angles suggest oil-wettability .

4. What are the types of contact angles?

• Acute (< 90°) for water-wet surfaces.
• Obtuse (> 90°) for oil-wet surfaces.
• Moderate (~ 90°) for neutral-wet surfaces.

5. Which is better: oil-wet or water-wet surface? Why?

A water-wet surface is generally preferred in petroleum reservoirs as it allows better water
displacement for oil recovery, while oil-wet surfaces hinder efficient recovery .

6. What is the difference between surface tension and interfacial tension?

Surface tension occurs between a liquid and gas, while interfacial tension exists between two
immiscible liquids like oil and water .

7. What is adhesion tension, and why is it important?

Adhesion tension is the difference between the solid-liquid and solid-gas interfacial tensions
and is important as it governs the stability and behavior of the fluid-solid contact .

8. What are the methods to measure wettability?

Methods to measure wettability include the contact angle method, Amott test, and USBM (U.S.
Bureau of Mines) test .

9. Why is calibration important in scientific measurements?

Calibration ensures the accuracy and reliability of scientific instruments, reducing
experimental errors .
10. Why minimize syringe height in experiments?
Minimizing syringe height prevents droplet deformation, ensuring accurate contact angle
measurements .

11. Why are glass surfaces used in experiments?

Glass surfaces are used because of their chemical inertness, smoothness, and optical clarity,
allowing easier experimental observations .

12. What are Common methods used to measure wettability?

The most common methods for measuring wettability on core samples are
1. Displacement test with two different fluids
2. Capillary pressure measurements
3. Measurements of nuclear magnetic relaxation rate
4. Measurement of dye absorption
5. Imbibition measurements
6. Imbibition and displacement (Amott method).

13. On what contact angle between oil, water and a solid surface depend?
1. Composition of crude oil.
2. Electric properties of the surface (e.g., pH and salinity).
3. Surface roughness and heterogeneity.
4. Dynamic effects.
5. Reservoir pressure and temperature

14. On what the wettability of a reservoir rock system depend?

The wettability of a reservoir rock system depends on:
1. Reservoir rock material and pore structure.
2. Geological processes (e.g., accumulation and migration).
3. Composition and volumes of oil and brine.
4. Physical conditions such as pressure and temperature.
5. Changes during production, including saturation, pressure, and fluid composition.”
References
1. Investigation of Wettability Using Imaging Technology - Missouri University of
Science and Technology: scholarsmine.mst.edu
2. Characterization of Rock/Fluids Interactions at Reservoir Conditions -
Louisiana State University: repository.lsu.edu
3. Basics of Wettability in Petroleum Reservoirs - Stanford University Resources:
searchworks.stanford.edu