Reservoir Fluid Properties

A sound PVT model, production strategy and problem prevention require reliable data on fluid behavior at operating pressures and temperatures. Interfacial tension, viscosity, WAT and deposition tendency are often measured on different instruments and aliquots, which consumes scarce sample, and an onset value alone does not show how the process develops.

The studies run on one platform with minimal sample transfers. Interfacial tension is determined from the meniscus geometry in a conical microchannel and the pressure difference; viscosity from the pressure drop across a calibrated microgeometry at set P–T conditions. Wax appearance temperature is captured under cross-polarized light during programmed cooling.

Wax and asphaltene deposition is triggered by changes in temperature, pressure or composition or by adding solvent, and video analytics show particle onset, agglomeration, deposition and channel plugging. Inhibitors, dispersants and solvents can be compared, and the deposit can be prepared for compositional analysis.

The viscosity method was validated on reference fluids of about 0.05, 5 and 500 cP; in a comparative WAT series, the microfluidic result differed from the reference value by about 5.4%. The customer receives a single report with photos, video and plots for PVT and flow-assurance models.