The accurate prediction of crude oil properties is essential for a comprehensive reservoir modelling and fluid characterization. Therefore, various analytical systems and measurement techniques are applied. The reservoir fluid composition and physical properties are determined in certified laboratories on live oil and gas samples. The required samples are provided by wireline as well as while drilling fluid sampling services or obtained during production tests. The analytical data is then delivered to the production and field developing companies in turnaround times of several weeks to months.
For early decision making during the field development this is unsatisfactory. Obtaining the volumetric and phase behavior of the hydrocarbons already while drilling or soon after POOH provides important information on reservoir characteristics, such as compartmentalization, whereas local compositional variability of oil and gas enables an efficient field development. In addition, the provided data is essential for the reservoir and production management to mitigate operation risks, and to maximize production. Optical spectroscopy is the most common non-destructive fluid evaluation technique for sampling services. Due to limitations in current measurement systems and missing or inaccurate correlations to fluid laboratory data the prediction of the fluid pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) behavior based on this measurement technique is dissatisfying.
This paper presents a new measurement and quality control system to provide analytical data of live hydrocarbons to determine the fluid composition and PVT properties in a fast and non-destructive way. Fluid measurements are performed in the lab or at the well-site using a high resolution spectrometer which covers the whole range from visible to near or mid infrared light in combination with an advanced optical sample tank or fluid transfer kit. This enables fast PVT correlations and contamination measurements without altering the fluid sample prior to the detailed laboratory measurement. Benefits of the new technique will be discussed on first lab applications.
