STUDIES OF FLUID DISPLACEMENT BY FOAM IN POROUS MEDIA.

Studies of the displacement of water and oil by foam from well-characterized sand-packs, under controlled conditions of pressure and flow have been carried out. Gamma-ray scanning equipment was used to monitor (continuously) changes on in-situ fluid saturation during gas-drive or foam flood recovery experiments. In order to demonstrate the nature of the flow of foam through graded sand-packs, a subsidiary apparatus was also designed so that the modification of the displacing front by foam would be demonstrated visually. Comparison of the displacement efficiencies of water and oil by gas-drive with and without the presence of surfactant solution and subsequent foam formation, showed that foam formation enhanced the displacement efficiency of both fluids.