A Review of the Percolation Mechanism in Low-Permeability Fractured Oil Reservoirs
School of Petroleum Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, China
| Abstract: | Low-permeability fractured reservoirs represent a critical frontier for future oil and gas development, whose production performance heavily relies on the efficiency of imbibition in displacing oil from the rock matrix. This review aims to provide a systematic elaboration of the fundamental mechanisms of imbibition-driven oil recovery in such reservoirs and a comprehensive overview of the associated research advances and application prospects. The paper begins with a detailed analysis of the basic principles of imbibition, driven primarily by capillary and gravitational forces, and discusses the criteria (e.g., the inverse Bond number, NB−1) for distinguishing co-current and counter-current imbibition, along with their controlling factors. Subsequently, by synthesizing relevant domestic and international studies, it summarizes key findings from theoretical modeling, numerical simulation, and laboratory experiments (e.g., utilizing nanofluids for wettability alteration, optimizing imbibing fluid performance, and analyzing the impacts of fracture networks and temperature). The mechanisms by which chemical agents, such as surfactants and modified brine, enhance imbibition effects are also critically reviewed. Finally, based on the current state of research, this paper outlines promising future research directions. These include deepening the understanding of flow mechanisms in coupled fracture-matrix systems, promoting the synergistic application of imbibition with other enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques, establishing quantitative models that bridge laboratory results and field-scale practices, and developing novel, efficient, and low-damage imbibition fluids. This study serves as a valuable reference for enhancing the understanding of imbibition mechanisms and optimizing development strategies for low-permeability fractured reservoirs. |
| Keywords: | Low-Permeability Reservoir; Wettability; Capillary Force; Imbibition; Research Prospect |
| DOI: | 10.57237/j.jest.2025.03.001 |
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Received: 21 September 2025
Accepted: 21 November 2025
Published Online: 24 December 2025
Funding
| 1. | 哈法亚油田Sadi碳酸岩油藏压裂前置微乳液渗吸增油规律研究 (基金号: YKJCX2320126) |
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