HPHT PVT Analysis

APPLICATIONS
Description of phase behavior
■
Oilphase-DBR* fluid sampling and analysis service offers
for black oils, gas condensates,
and heavy oils
a global network of mercury-free fluid analysis laboratories
Identification of potential
■

solids problems
that provide PVT studies up to pressures of 172 MPa
Measurement of viscosity for
■ [25,000 psi] and temperatures up to 250 degC [482 degF].
fluid mobility and fractional flow
Estimation of reservoir recovery
■

Studies of various
■

production scenarios
Analysis of unaltered H2S
■

fluid samples
Equation-of-state (EOS) and
■

reservoir simulation modeling

BENEFITS
Optimizes design and
■

production strategies
Studies HPHT fluids up to
■

172.4 MPa [25,000 psi] and

250 degC [482 degF]
Customizes fluid studies
■

Uses in-house fluid

■

analysis expertise
Minimizes turnaround time
■

Maximizes production
■

FEATURES Schlumberger offers advanced technology and experience that can help you better manage reservoir production.
Provides dependable,
■

accurate data
Physical property and phase behavior pressure-vol- understand fluid behavior in the reservoir, which
Accurately quantifies dewpoint
■
ume-temperature (PVT) data provide the necessary influences both recovery and economics. Compo-
pressure and low-liquid volumes
information to properly manage reservoir production. sitional analysis and the physically measured fluid
in lean gas condensates
Initial measurements of fluid compressibility and properties are used as input and the basis for tuning
Provides expert
■
shrinkage factors are required to EOS modeling software. This complete dataset can
interpretation of results then be used to
■ determine oil in place and gas in place
Enables early detection
■

provide input for recovery estimates

■ understand phase behavior
of potential solids (wax or ■

asphaltene) flow problems ■ evaluate reservoir material balance calculations.

■ evaluate various production scenarios
Defines second immiscible
■
Constant composition expansion (CCE), differential
■ optimize reservoir production and oil
liquid phase or occurrence liberation (DL), or constant volume depletion (CVD) recovery schemes.
of solid phase and viscosity measurements are required to
Requires minimal sample volumes
■

Analyzes behavior in mercury-

■

free laboratories worldwide

Provides in-place quality, health,
■

safety, and environment system

HPHT PVT Analysis
PVT cell
The variable volume HPHT Oilphase-DBR PVT cell is the heart of the
phase behavior system. Direct visual cell readings of gas and liquid
phase volumes provide confirmation of dewpoint and bubblepoint pres-
sure. The cell is equipped with a magnetic mixer that provides vigorous
mixing for >1,000-cp fluids and ensures proper establishment of phase
equilibrium while reducing the total experimental time required.
The video-based cathetometer provides accurate direct measurements
of phase volumes. Precise quantification of low liquid volumes, such
as those found in lean gas condensate systems, is accomplished by
using the electronic cathetometer in conjunction with the truncated
cone piston.
Schlumberger also has developed specialized equipment for heavy oil Experienced personnel use the precision-machined HTHP PVT cell to measure
related vapor-liquid physical properties and study fluid phase behavior.
and enhanced oil recovery studies, such as a 250 degC [482 degF] PVT
cell for high-viscosity fluids, and the coreflood, slim tube, and rising bubble PVT experiments
apparatus. These studies can be customized to client specifications. CCE measures the saturation pressure (bubblepoint or dewpoint) of
the reservoir fluid, including live fluid densities and compressibilities
Side view in the single-phase region. Below the saturation pressure, liquid/vapor
High- volume fractions, which are typically required for equation-of-state
pressure Cathetometer
pumps modeling, are accurately measured.
DL simulates the gas liberation process from the oil in the reservoir and
is conducted at reservoir temperature. Data reported includes solution
Magnetic Mixer gas/oil ratio, liquid formation volume factor, and viscosity and density
of liquid and/or gas phases.
CVD is performed to simulate the pressure depletion process in a gas
16,030
condensate or volatile oil reservoir. Data reported includes the total
14,030
well stream recovery, produced gas properties, and retrograde liquid
12,030 Tres = 176 degF accumulation in the reservoir, all as a function of pressure.
T = 120 degF
10,030 T = 75 degF
Pressure, psi

Separation tests simulate the gas and liquid separation of a reservoir

8,030
fluid at the surface conditions. Results generated include gas/oil ratio
6,030 for each separator stage, liquid shrinkage factor, and evolved gas
4,030 properties at each stage. These data are often used in an EOS simulator
2,030 to optimize separator conditions for maximization of oil production.
30
25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 Oilphase-DBR services include reservoir fluid sampling, surface sampling,
Volume, cm3 sample management, improved oil recovery studies, flow assurance
The HPHT PVT cell can be used to generate pressure-volume plots at varying
studies, wellsite fluids analysis services, laboratory PVT studies, and
temperatures to simulate phase behavior of a reservoir fluid through the life software services for black oils, gas condensates, and heavy oil.
of a well or as fluid travels from reservoir to process facility.

Solids detection
Concurrent with the PVT measurements, the near infrared laser
Oilphase-DBR solids detection system (SDS) provides detection
of asphaltene precipitation onset and confirmation of saturation
pressure while the high-pressure microscope (HPM) provides direct
visual observation of the onset and growth of organic particles. Live
oil titration studies and chemical inhibition studies can be performed
to see impact on organic onset and growth.
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