Fluid Analysis Characterization for Flow Assurance Modeling

The development and modeling of reservoir fluid production systems that may be prone to flow disruption resulting from solid phase formation (wax, hydrate, asphaltenes, scale) require a thorough understanding of the produced fluid properties over the life of the reservoir. In this regard, numerous laboratory measurements have or are being developed to help characterize the behavior of produced fluid phases and thus reduce the uncertainty in system modeling and specification.

A number of fluid property measurements are typically employed in flow assurance characterization studies. The initial starting point for any fluid characterization is compositional analysis of the produced fluid phases. Secondly, equilibrium fluid thermodynamic measurements are employed to define the various vapor-liquid-solid phase boundaries, thereby defining ranges of operating conditions where solid phase formation may occur. It is noted that not only must solid phases form within a produced fluid system, but they must form in a given time period and subsequently deposit within the production system to result in a flow disruption. As a result, the final class of laboratory measurements is focused on the measurement of phase formation kinetics and solid phase deposition rates.

This talk will focus on providing an outline of the various laboratory techniques that are typically employed to address the above requirements. It will focus on the challenges and uncertainties associated with these measurements and identify where consideration should be taken prior to their use in subsequent production system modeling and development. An example case demonstrating the use of fluid deposition rate measurements in flow assurance modeling will be provided.