Innovative Single-Phase Tank Technology for In-Situ Sample Validation Enhances Fluid Sampling Integrity

Abstract

Abstract Millions of dollars are spent each year drilling in deepwater areas to prove the presence of hydrocarbons. Wireline formation testers (WFT) are able to capture and retrieve multiple, discreet hydrocarbon discreet hydrocarbon fluid samples at in-situ conditions. Expeditious sample validation once the sample bottles are retrieved at the surface, expeditious sample validation is critical because it provides certainty on sample type and quality. The typical process for well-site wellsite sample validation can be very expensive and high risk because it requires a full laboratory restoration apparatus, a portable lab, and trained personnel to handle high-pressure samples —often under unfavorable conditions. The Advanced Optical Cylinder (AOC) is the latest evolution development in single phase single-phase sampling technology by Baker Hughes. The AOC sample chamber eliminates the high risk and costs associated with sample quality validation in the field and provides costs associated with sample quality validation in the field and provide the clients with very valuable and timely data regarding their fluid sample. The AOC is nitrogen charged sample tank that provides pressure compensation to retrieve a single phase sample and incorporates visible-near infrared (Vis-NIR)technology to obtain spectroscopic measurements of the sample within the tank. The AOC design incorporates nitrogen compensation, to retrieve a single single-phase sample, as well as visible-near infrared (Vis-NIR)technology to obtain spectroscopic measurements of the sample within the tank. The ability to capture Capturing a single single-phase sample is very important because the accuracy of reservoir fluid samples can provide critical parameters needed for optimal completion and production design. Vis-NIR spectroscopy is a well-established tool used for downhole fluid analysis that provides critical information such as fluid type, sample purity and PVT properties. With the AOC, it is now possible to verify the consistency visible-near-infrared spectra of the captured sample of the crude oil or gas obtained during sampling, as soon as the tanks are retrieved at surface without the need for sample transfer. The benefits include avoiding lengthy waiting periods for PVT laboratory analysis, ensuring the quality of retrieved samples, and enhancing critical economic decisions about the reservoir development. The AOC provides the best method for non-invasive sample validation of the captured formation fluid sample, using a high-resolution spectrometer that easily connects to the tank to capture detailed visible and NIR spectra of the pressurized fluid sample. This spectrum can then be compared to the fluid analysis data that was captured while the WFT was sampling, further analysis of the VIS-NIR spectra can determine contamination, GOR, bubble point, and API gravity. Field examples will be used to demonstrate the application and benefits of in-situ sample validation using the AOC.