PVT Cell Viscosity Measurement with Gas Venting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high temperature and pressure viscometers in the oil and gas industry face limitations in sample preparation and data repeatability for dynamic viscosity measurements of reservoir fluids below bubble point pressures, hindering accurate reservoir fluid studies and subsurface model quality.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) electromagnetic viscometer system with a temperature control chamber, sample preparation cell, and gas venting system is used to measure viscosity accurately across a range of pressures, including below bubble point pressures, by adjusting temperature and pressure, homogenizing fluids, and removing released gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional high temperature and pressure viscometers are used for dynamic viscosity measurements, then viscosity data can be obtained, but sample preparation limitations and data repeatability issues occur below bubble point pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a sample preparation cell for fluid conditioning, a temperature control chamber for maintaining reservoir conditions, and an electromagnetic viscometer for measurement. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function, improving both measurement accuracy and repeatability below bubble point pressures
Solution Approach 2:
The sample preparation cell performs preliminary actions by homogenizing the fluid and removing gas bubbles before the fluid enters the viscometer. This preliminary preparation ensures that the fluid is in the desired single-phase liquid state, eliminating the repeatability issues that occur when gas bubbles are present during viscosity measurements
2Adaptability or versatility
If measurements are taken below bubble point pressures, then more comprehensive reservoir fluid data is obtained, but sample preparation limitations prevent accurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The sample preparation cell performs preliminary homogenization and degassing of the fluid before measurement. This preliminary action enables the system to handle fluids at pressures below the bubble point by ensuring gas bubbles are removed beforehand, thus expanding the measurement range without compromising preparation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sample preparation cell acts as an intermediary between the fluid supply and the viscometer. It conditions the fluid by removing gas bubbles and homogenizing it, thereby enabling accurate measurements below bubble point pressures that would otherwise be impossible with conventional direct measurement systems
3Measurement precision
If conventional viscometers are used, then viscosity measurements can be obtained, but gas bubbles interfere with measurement accuracy below bubble point pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful effect of gas bubbles into a beneficial process by using the pressure reduction below bubble point to intentionally release gases, which are then systematically removed through the sample preparation cell's degassing function. This controlled approach transforms the problem of gas interference into an opportunity for thorough fluid conditioning
Solution Approach 2:
The sample preparation cell extracts and removes gas bubbles from the fluid sample before it enters the viscometer. This extraction process eliminates the harmful interference of gas bubbles, ensuring that only homogeneous liquid phase fluid is measured, thereby improving measurement accuracy below bubble point pressures
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves improved repeatability and accuracy in viscosity measurements, enhancing the quality of subsurface models and oil and gas extraction, transportation, and processing system designs.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic viscometer (EMV) inside the temperature control chamber to measure a viscosity of a fluid
Implementation Method 2
The sample preparation cell includes a stirrer; a first valve between a fluid supply reservoir and the sample preparation cell; a second valve between the sample preparation cell and the EMV
Implementation Method 3
a temperature control chamber with a temperature system to alter and monitor a temperature of the temperature control chamber
Implementation Method 4
homogenizing the fluid by stirring the fluid with a stirrer disposed within the sample preparation cell
Implementation Method 5
a venting fluid line between the sample preparation cell and a gas capturing system, and a venting fluid line to remove released gases from the sample preparation cell
Data Source
AI summary
A system and methods are disclosed. The system includes a temperature control chamber with a temperature system to alter and monitor a temperature of the temperature control chamber and an electromagnetic viscometer (EMV) inside the temperature control chamber to measure a viscosity of a fluid. The system also includes a sample preparation cell within the temperature control chamber pressurized by a constant displacement pump outside the temperature control chamber. The sample preparation cell includes a stirrer; a first valve between a fluid supply reservoir and the sample preparation cell; a second valve between the sample preparation cell and the EMV, a venting fluid line between the sample preparation cell and a gas capturing system, and a venting fluid line to remove released gases from the sample preparation cell. The system further includes a controller to operate the sample preparation cell, temperature system, and EMV.