Visualization of xanthan flood behavior in core samples by means of X-ray tomography

Presentation of examples of xanthan corefloods visualized by XR-tomography. Water and aqueous xanthan solutions are distinguished from each other by addition of sodium iodide at different concentrations. One reservoir sandstone and one outcrop (Rosbrae) sandstone core samples were used. The reservoir sample was naturally divided into two longitudinal zones differing in permeability by about 20-fold. The Rosbrea sample was homogeneous, with a permeability of 450 md. Miscible xanthan/water displacement tests were performed on both plugs. Immiscible displacement of light refined oil by xanthan were performed on the homogeneous sample.