Image Processing Techniques in Foam Characterization

Abstract

Foam is one of the most widely used energized fluids in petroleum industry at fracturing and drilling operations. The influence of bubble size and texture on foam rheology has been observed for years. However, no mathematical description has been introduced yet. This study aims to consider the effects of bubble size and texture in determining the rheological parameters. Rheological analysis using digital image processing techniques and conventional methods are compared using information acquired from a developed set-up. It has been observed that by using digital image processing techniques, the rheological parameters of foam could be determined accurately.

Keywords:

• foam characterization
• foam drilling
• foam rheology
• image processing
• underbalanced drilling