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Chemical composition determines behavior of reservoir fluids

Journal Article · · Petroleum Engineer International; (United States)
OSTI ID:5960986
 [1]
  1. S.A. Holditch and Associates, College Station, TX (United States)

The most important factors in classifying the five types of reservoir fluids are the differences in composition. These also affect the sizes and shapes of each fluid's phase diagram. Further, phase diagram shapes affect the actions of the fluids in the reservoir. Subsequent parts of this article will address fluid classification using the initial gas-oil ratio, stock-tank liquid gravity, and stock-tank liquid color. The paper classifies petroleum reservoir fluids into five types--black oils, volatile oils, retrograde gas-condensates, wet gases, and dry gases. Each type is produced by different engineering techniques. The type of fluid is critical to production decisions and, therefore, must be determined early in the life of a reservoir. The reservoir fluid type determines the: Method of fluid sampling. Laboratory tests used in analyzing the samples. Surface equipment types and sizes. Procedures for determining oil and gas in place. Techniques for predicting oil and gas reserves. Processes for predicting future production rates. Plan of depletion. Selection of secondary or enhanced recovery methods.

OSTI ID:
5960986
Journal Information:
Petroleum Engineer International; (United States), Vol. 65:10; ISSN 0164-8322
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English