Abstract
This paper describes a new Downhole Fluid Analysis technology (DFA) being implemented in Latin America for improved reservoir management. DFA is a unique process in fluid characterization for improving fluid sampling, reservoir compartmentalization evaluation and support flow assurance analysis. It combines known and new fluid identification sensors, which allow real time monitoring of a wide range of parameters as GOR, fluorescence, apparent density, fluid composition (CH4, C2, C3-C5, C6+, CO2), free gas and liquid phases detection, saturation pressure, as well WBM & OBM filtrate differentiation and pH, which is key for real time contamination monitoring at the well site with the objective of representative sampling and reservoir compartmentalization analysis. This process is not limited to light fluid evaluation or sandstones.
The combination of DFA Fluid Mapping with pressure measurements has shown to be very effective for compartmentalization characterization. The ability of thin barriers to hold off large depletion pressures has been established, as the gradual variation of hydrocarbon quality in biodegraded oils. In addition, heavy oils can show large compositional variation due to variations in source rock charging but without fluid mixing [1].
Using this method we present field DFA data acquisitions and integrate into numerical simulation modeling to conceptually evaluate the impact of fluid composition / properties gradation and compartmentalization in the productivity of some Latin America reservoirs.
