A Generalized Functional Model for Predicting Hydrocarbon Shrinkage Factors

Abstract

Abstract Hydrocarbon shrinkage factor is one of the essential parameters required in the inventory of produced hydrocarbons at operating conditions of temperature and pressure different from standard conditions. When shrinkage factor is ignored, the well would be overproduced with the attendant consequence of water coning and/ or gas cusping. Laboratory determination of shrinkage factors is rigorous, expensive and time consuming. Since hydrocarbon inventory is a daily affair, it is usually desired that shrinkage factors be obtained analytically based on system operating conditions instead of from laboratory experiments. This work has investigated the dependence of shrinkage factors on operating conditions that are readily measured in the industry. Available data has confirmed that hydrocarbon shrinkage factor is a function of fluid gravity, operating pressure and temperature. This paper presents the experimental data and the functional model generated therefrom, the model of which would be employed in determining hydrocarbon shrinkage factors without recourse to extensive laboratory analysis.