PVT & Reservoir Fluids

 

For PVT and reservoir fluid studies, Hydrafact can utilise the laboratories and expertise of the Heriot-Watt Reservoir Fluids Research Group. This group has over 25 years R&D experience, and is one of the few international centres active in the measurement and theoretical modelling of phase behaviour and properties of petroleum reservoir fluids.

Technical studies can include:

      • Reservoir fluid sampling and analysis
      • Multiphase equilibria PVT studies
      • Fluid density, viscosity and interfacial tension measurements
      • Ultrasonic velocity in reservoir fluids

In addition to PVT and fluid property studies, tests simulating various reservoir processes can be undertaken, including:

      • Multiple contact miscibility
      • Swelling
      • Near well gas-condensate inflow
      • Gas cycling

The laboratory uses novel equipment and techniques, mostly developed in-house, to measure properties and composition of fluid phases at equilibrium conditions. Dynamic phase behaviour studies can also be conducted using slim tube displacement methods. More detailed on the different set-ups and capabilities are provided below.

 

High Pressure / High Temperature (HPHT) Set-Up

HPHT Set-upOperating at pressures up to 20,000 psia at 250 °C (or 30,000 psia and 200 °C), this set-up is designed for studies of fluid behaviour in deeper reservoirs where pressures in excess of 18,000 psia can be encountered at temperatures greater than 180 °C. Under these conditions, the increased volatility of water cannot be ignored in reservoir simulation. This equipment allows the investigation of the interaction between hydrocarbons and water under these challenging PT conditions. A total effective sample volume of about 15 ml means that high pressure sample volumes as low as 2-3 ml (under reservoir conditions) can be investigated.

The HPHT set-up can be used for measurements such as:

      • Viscosity of fluid samples, from light condensates to heavy black oils
      • Vapour/liquid and liquid/liquid interfacial tension (IFT) by the pendant drop method
      • Fluid density, by a modified pycnometer technique, for vapour or liquid or phase

 

Chandler 3000 PVT System

Chandler 3000 PVT System

This mercury-free PVT system has the capability to run Vapour-Liquid equilibrium (VLE) studies on a wide range of fluids, from black oils to lean gas condensates.

Capabilities include:

Black oil experiments to a maximum pressure of 15,000 psia at 204°C.

Gas condensate experiments to a maximum pressure of 20,000 psia at 204°C

 

 

Reservoir Fluid Sampling & Analysis

Oilphase – DBR Rig

A further advanced mercury-free PVT set-up, this equipment is ideally suited to the study of gas condensate systems.

Capabilities include:

Maximum operating pressure of 15,000 psia.

Working temperature range of -35 to 200°C.

 

 

Sound Velocity Set-Up

Designed for the measurement of sonic velocity in reservoir fluids, this equipment is currently being modified to work at higher pressures and temperatures. At present, it can operate up to 6,000 psia at temperatures up to 50 °C.

 

Compositional Analysis

Our laboratories are fully equipped for hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon qualitative and quantitative analysis. Our gas chromatographs are equipped with:

      • Flame Ionisation Detection (FID)
      • Thermal Conductivity Detection (TCD)
      • Electron Capture Detection (ECD) for tracer studies

In addition to Gas Chromatography, we have the added ability to perform fluid characterisation with a 90 theoretical plate fractional distillation set up.

 

Heriot Watt University Centre for Gas Hydrate Research