Computer Application to Estimate PVT Conditions in Oil Wells in the Ecuadorian Amazon

Abstract

A reservoir behaviour's characterisation is determined by analysing the fluids' physical properties, reported in Pressure, Volume and Temperature (PVT) tests. These tests are performed in the laboratory or are estimated by mathematical correlations with the well's basic properties. The eastern basin of Ecuador is considered a hydrocarbon zone, and the analysis of the physical properties of the fluid from oil wells is essential. The aim is to develop the PVTTESTSYSTEM software to estimate PVT conditions when there are no laboratory tests. The study methodology is based on (i) Compilation of 10 PVT laboratory tests of oil wells in the eastern basin of Ecuador; (ii) Analysis of mathematical correlations; (iii) Development of the PVTTESTSYSTEM software, with the wells' initial conditions' input, selecting the mathematical correlation and estimation of results, based on the relationship of the properties of oil and gas; iv) Comparison of data obtained by laboratory tests and PVTTESTSYSTEM software reports. The software used with a graphical interface presents a registration and login platform and five modules that allow: inserting company and field data, initial oil well data, selecting correlations, calculating PVT properties and generating a graphic report. The results show that the mathematical correlations that estimate PVT properties were systematised, which approximate the laboratory tests' real results. The approximation of the calculated results with the actual results establishes a high confidence level for the PVTTESTSYSTEM software.