Subsea PVT Sampling Device for In-Situ Fluid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
In subsea well environments, collecting fluid samples and determining PVT data and H2S levels is difficult and inefficient due to temperature and pressure gradients, requiring improved methods for accurate reservoir characterization and production optimization.
Innovation Solution
A sampling and data collection device is designed to be coupled to a flowline, equipped with a probe and sensor system for in-situ collection of fluid samples and determination of PVT properties and H2S levels, utilizing a remotely operated vehicle for deployment and umbilical connections for power and data transmission, enabling remote control and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluid samples are collected at subsea locations for land-based PVT laboratory analysis, then reservoir characterization and production optimization can be achieved, but the process becomes difficult and inefficient due to temperature and pressure gradients
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary PVT analysis and measurements directly at the subsea sampling location before the fluid sample leaves the wellbore environment. By conducting the analysis in-situ, the system captures authentic reservoir conditions without subsequent temperature and pressure changes that would alter fluid properties, thereby maintaining measurement precision while improving sampling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
A subsea PVT sampling device acts as an intermediary between the wellbore environment and surface laboratories. This device includes a sampling chamber that maintains reservoir conditions, a PVT cell for measurements, and temperature/pressure control systems that mediate between the harsh subsea environment and sensitive measurement equipment, enabling accurate measurements without bringing samples to surface
2Loss of information
If samples are collected and transported to land-based PVT laboratories, then detailed fluid property analysis can be performed, but time is lost during transport and the fluid properties may change due to temperature and pressure gradients
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary PVT analysis and measurements directly at the subsea sampling location before the fluid sample leaves the wellbore environment. By conducting the analysis in-situ, the system captures authentic reservoir conditions without subsequent temperature and pressure changes that would alter fluid properties, thereby maintaining measurement precision while improving sampling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The subsea PVT sampling device is self-contained with integrated sensors, PVT cells, and control systems that enable it to perform measurements autonomously at the sampling location. The device independently maintains reservoir conditions, conducts measurements, and transmits data without requiring external laboratory facilities, eliminating transport time and preserving fluid property integrity
3Ease of operation
If H2S level detection and PVT data collection are performed at subsea locations, then production optimization can be facilitated, but the detection process is difficult due to environmental constraints
Solution Approach 1:
A subsea PVT sampling device acts as an intermediary between the wellbore environment and surface laboratories. This device includes a sampling chamber that maintains reservoir conditions, a PVT cell for measurements, and temperature/pressure control systems that mediate between the harsh subsea environment and sensitive measurement equipment, enabling accurate measurements without bringing samples to surface
Solution Approach 2:
The system actively controls and maintains temperature and pressure parameters within the sampling chamber and PVT cell to match reservoir conditions. By dynamically adjusting these parameters despite external temperature and pressure gradients, the system creates a stable measurement environment that enables accurate H2S detection and PVT data collection
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method facilitates the analysis and sampling of well fluid. A sampling and data collection device is used to detect well fluid properties in situ at a flowline installation. In an exemplary embodiment, the sampling and data collection device comprises a sample collection system having a probe adapted to selectively insert into and selectively retract from the flowline to collect a fluid sample, and a sensor system to determine PVT data in situ at the location where the probe is inserted into the flowline.