Overview
Increasing offshore domestic oil and natural gas activities associated with ultra-deepwater reservoirs, such as in the Gulf of Mexico, poses unique technical and operational challenges. One of the challenges is to develop critical data for predicting in-situ conditions that are required for assessing recoverable oil, drilling design, and control of blowouts in offshore settings.
This project developed methodologies and technologies to reduce subsurface uncertainty and improve deep drilling safety and oil production under high pressure/high temperature (HPHT) conditions by increasing the accuracy of equation-of-state models and viscosity correlations. The ability to reliably predict the thermophysical properties of hydrocarbons, over wide ranges of temperatures and pressures, provides a means to accurately predict the recoverable reserves and promotes safe and secure production.
Approach
NETL focused on improving the accuracy of thermodynamic and transport properties models under HPHT conditions, allowing for better characterization of reservoir fluids and the dynamics of these fluids during extraction. Improved models decrease uncertainty associated with fluid quantity and flow at and near the borehole. Accurate understanding of the reservoir and associated well behavior is an important component of our ability to predict the behavior of wells under both controlled and uncontrolled scenarios. The current lack of information and understanding of these extreme environments inhibits our ability to predict well behavior and develop methods for safely handling fluids under these conditions. NETL researchers have expanded the density and viscosity databases for hydrocarbon compounds to span HPHT conditions. The results have been integrated with existing lower pressure and temperature data, resulting in a comprehensive database.
Outcomes
This project improved the accuracy of thermodynamic and transport properties models under HPHT conditions, enabling better characterization of reservoir fluids and the dynamics of these fluids during extraction. Improved models decrease the uncertainty associated with fluid quantity and flow, at and near the borehole. The information and understanding of these extreme environments gained through this work increased our ability to predict well behavior and aided the development of methods for safely handling fluids. As a result, the researchers have expanded the density and viscosity databases for hydrocarbon compounds to span HPHT conditions, which have been integrated with existing lower pressure and temperature data. This work is reviewed in High Temperature, High Pressure Equation of State Density Correlations and Viscosity Correlations, and in an interactive database and associated application. The preliminary databases have been released through EDX.
The primary outcome of this project was the reduction of subsurface uncertainty with new HPHT crude oil property data. Other key outcomes included:
- Unique research capabilities were developed to measure and predict thermophysical properties of hydrocarbons at extreme conditions.
- The modeling platform demonstrated the potential to expand the knowledge base for crude oil properties at HPHT conditions.
- Availability of the HPHT property database and models to be used by equipment manufacturers of advanced diesel engines to design fuel delivery systems operating at HPHT conditions, which leads to reduced soot formation and improved fuel efficiency.
- Project results are used at Michigan State University and the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center for further research.
Research Products
Exploring the Temperature and Pressure Dependence of the Viscosities of Two Potential Deepwater Viscosity References
Presented at the Thermodynamic and Transport Properties Under Pressure, AIChE Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, Nov 13–18, 2016; paper 52b.
Baled, O. H.; Gamwo, I. K.; Tapriyal, D.; McHugh, A. M.; Enick, M. R.
Viscosity Measurements of Two Potential Deepwater Viscosity Standard Reference Fluids at High Temperature and High Pressure
J. Chem. Eng. Data 2016, 61, 2712–2719
Baled, O. H.; Tapriyal, D.; Gamwo, I. K.; Bamgbade, A. B.; McHugh, A. M.; Enick, M. R.
June 2016
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jced.6b00128
High-temperature, high-pressure viscosity of n-octane and isooctane
Fuel 2016, 164, 199
Baled, O. H.; Koronaios, P.; Xing, D.; Miles, R.; Tapriyal, D.; Gamwo, I. K.; Newkirk, M. S.; Mallepally, R. R.; McHugh, M.; Enick, M. R.
January 2016
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016236115009680?via%3Dihub
Measurement and Modeling of Crude Oil Density at Temperatures to 250°C and Pressures to 275 MPa
Presented at the Upstream Engineering and Flow Assurance Forum, AIChE Annual Meeting, Salt Lake City, UT, Nov 8-13, 2015; Paper 352c.
Gamwo, I. K.; Bamgbade, A. B.; Burgess, A. W.; Bamgbade, A. B.; Tapriyal, D.
High-Temperature, High-Pressure Viscosity Measurements for the Binary System Cyclohexane + n-Hexadecane at Extreme Conditions
Presented at the Engineering Sciences and Fundamentals, AIChE Annual Meeting, Salt Lake City, UT, Nov 8-13, 2015; Paper 436d.
Baled, O. H.; Koronaios, P.; Tapriyal, D.; Gamwo, I. K.; Bamgbade, A. B.; Mallepally, R. R.; Newkirk, M. S.; McHugh, M. A.; Enick, R. M.
Molecular Statistical Thermodynamics to Model Quartz Solubility in Ultra High-Enthalpy Geothermal Systems
Presented at GEOS15, October 2015; 10.5176/2251-3353_GEOS15.44.
Lvov, S. N.; Hall, D. M.; Gamwo, I. K.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301422546_Molecular_Statistical_Thermodynamics_to_Model_Quartz_Solubility_in_Ultra_High-Enthalpy_Geothermal_Systems
Complex Hydrocarbon Fluid Volumetric Properties: Experimental Investigation and PC-SAFT Modeling
Presented at the Recent Advancements in Government Research, NOBCChE National Conference, Orlando, FL, Sept 21-25, 2015.
Gamwo, I. K.; Bamgbade, A. B.; Burgess, A. W.
High-Temperature, High-Pressure Volumetric Properties of Propane, Squalane, and Their Mixtures: Measurement and PC-SAFT Modeling
Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2015, 54, 6804–6811
Bamgbade, A. B.; Wu, Y.; Burgess, A. W.; Tapriyal, D.; Gamwo, I.; Baled, O. H.; Enick, M. R.; McHugh, A. M.
June 2015
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.iecr.5b01173
Measurements and Modeling of High-Temperature, High-Pressure Density for Binary Mixtures of Propane with N-Decane and Propane with N-Eicosane
J. Chem. Thermodynamics 2015,84, 108–117
Bamgbade, A. B.; Wu, Y.; Burgess, A. W.; Tapriyal, D.; Gamwo, I.; Baled, O. H.; Enick, M. R.; McHugh, A. M.
May 2015
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0021961414003863
Development of High-Pressure High-Temperature Crude Oil Equation of State
Invited Paper, Special Session: Festschrift for Professor Dimitri Gidaspow’s 80th Birthday and Career Long Accomplishments, AIChE National Conference, Atlanta, GA, Nov 16–21, 2014.
Gamwo, I. K.; Burgess, A. W.; Tapriyal, D.; Baled, O. H.; McHugh, A. M.; Bamgbade, B.; Wu, Y.; Enick, M. R.
Viscosity of Hydrocarbons and Hydrocarbon Mixtures at Extreme Conditions
Presented at the Thermodynamic and Transport Properties Under Pressure, AIChE Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA, Nov 16-21, 2014; Paper 597f.
Enick, M. R.; Baled, O. H.; Xing, D.; Koronaios, P.; Miles, R.; Luo, M.; Burgess, A. W.; Soong, Y.; Gamwo, I. K.; Tapriyal, D.; Wu, Y.; McHugh, A. M.; Bamgbade, B.
High Temperature, High Pressure Equation of State: Solidification of Hydrocarbons and Measurement of Krytox Oil Using Rolling-Ball Viscometer Validation
NETL-TRS-5-2014; EPAct Technical Report Series; U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory: Morgantown, WV, 2014; p 48.
Gamwo, I. K.; Tapriyal, D.; Enick, R. M.; McHugh, M. A.; Morreale, B. D.
October 2014
https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1350962
Density Measurement of Hydrocarbon and Crude Oil: Pressures up to 40,000 psi (270 MPa) and Temperatures up to 500°F (250°C)
Presented at the 18th Annual Gulf of Mexico Deepwater Technical Symposium, New Orleans, LA, Aug 5–7, 2014.
Tapriyal, D.; Gamwo, I. K.; Burgess, W. A.; Baled, H. O.; Enick, M. R.; Bamgbade, B.; McHugh, A. M.
Status of Equation of State Project at the NETL
Presented at the Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, TX, May 5-8, 2014; Manuscript 25425-MS.
Gamwo, I. K.; Burgess, A. W.; Morreale, B. D.; Soong, Y.; Bamgbade, B. A.; McHugh, M. A.; Baled, H. O.; Enick, R. M.; Wu, Y.; Tapriyal, D.
Viscosity of n-Hexadecane, n-Octadecane and n-Eicosane at Pressures up to 243 MPa and Temperatures up to 534 K
Journal of Chemical Thermodynamics 2014, 72, 108–116.
Baled, O. H.; Xing, D.; Katz, H.; Tapriyal, D.; Gamwo, I. K.; Soong, Y.; Bamgbade, B. A.; Wu, Y.; Liu, K.; McHugh, M. A.; Enick, R. M.
May 2014
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jct.2014.01.008
New Group-Contribution Parameters for the Calculation of PC-SAFT Parameters for Use at Pressures to 276 MPa and Temperatures to 533 K
Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2014, 53, 2520–2528.
Burgess, W. A.; Tapriyal, D.; Gamwo, I. K.; Wu, Y.; McHugh, M. A.; Enick, R. M.
January 2014
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ie4034973
Volume-translated cubic EoS and PC-SAFT density models and a free volume-based viscosity model for hydrocarbons at extreme temperature and pressure conditions
Fluid Phase Equilib 2013, 359, 38–44.
Burgess, W. A.; Tapriyal, D.; Morreale, B. D.; Soong, Y.; Baled, O. H.; Enick, R. M.; Wu, Y.; Bamgbade, B. A.; McHugh, M. A.
December 2013
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378381213003555
Status of EOS Model Development for Extreme Temperatures and Pressures
Presented at the Complex Subsurface Processes, AIChE Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, Nov 3–8, 2013; Paper 353c.
Gamwo, I. K.; Tapriyal, D.; Burgess, A. W.; Baled, O. H.; Enick, M. R.; Wu, Y.; McHugh, A. M.
Experimental Measurements and Modeling of Viscosity for Liquid Hydrocarbons At Pressures Up to 243 Mpa and Temperatures Up to 534 K
Presented at the Thermodynamics and Transport Properties, AIChE Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, Nov 3–8, 2013; Paper 278e.
Baled, O. H.; Xing, D.; Enick, M. R.; Gamwo, I. K.; Tapriyal, D.; Bamgbade, B.; Wu, Y.; McHugh, A. M.
Development of a User-friendly Predictive Tool for Hydrocarbon Properties at High-temperature and High-pressure Conditions
Presented at the 40th NOBCChE National Conference, Indianapolis, IN, Oct 1–4, 2013.
Mbateng, S.; Burgess, A. W.; Tapriyal, D.; Gamwo, I. K.
Computational Models for Density and Viscosity of Hydrocarbons in Ultradeep Reservoirs
Presented at the 40th NOBCChE National Conference, Indianapolis, IN, Oct 1–4, 2013.
Gamwo, I. K.; Burgess, A. W.; Tapriyal, D.; Wu, Y.; McHugh, A. M.; Enick, M. R.
Exploratory Characterization of a Perfluoropolyether Oil as a Possible Viscosity Standard at Deepwater Production Conditions of 533 K and 241 MPa
Int. J. Thermophys. 2013, 34, 1845–1864.
Baled, O. H.; Tapriyal, D.; Morreale, D. B.; Soong, Y.; Gamwo, I. K.; Krukonis, V.; Babatunde, A. B.; Wu, Y.; McHugh, A. M.; Burgess, A. W.; Enick, M. R.
October 2013
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10765-013-1500-5
Investigation on the solidification of several pure cyclic and aromatic hydrocarbons at pressures to 300 MPa
Fuel 2013, 111, 75–80.
Wu, Y.; Liu, K.; Bamgbade, A. B.; McHugh, A. M.
September 2013
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016236113003682
Experimental density measurements of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate at elevated temperatures and pressures
J. Chem. Thermodyn. 2013, 63, 102–107.
Bamgbade, B. A.; Wu, Y.; Baled, H. O.; Enick, R. M.; Burgess, W. A.; Tapriyal, D.; McHugh, M. A.
August 2013
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jct.2013.04.010
Liquid Densities of Xylene Isomers and 2-Methylnaphthalene at Temperatures to 523 K and Pressures to 265 MPa: Experimental Determination and Equation of State Modeling
Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research 2013, 52, 11732–11740.
Wu, Y.; Bamgbade, B. A.; Baled, H.; Enick, R. M.; Burgess, W. A.; Tapriyal, D.; McHugh, M. A.
2013
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ie400805y
Explore research products that are related to this project.
See related Phase 2 projects.
*Image Source: NETL
*Image Source: NETL
High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) Environment in Ultra-Deepwater Reservoirs (up to 35,000 psi and 500°F).
Contacts
Isaac Gamwo
Principal Investigator
Kelly Rose
Offshore Portfolio Lead
David Berry
Associate Director
Energy Conversion Engineering
Roy Long
Offshore Portfolio Technical Manager
Effective Resource Development
Alexandra Hakala
Senior Fellow (Detail)
Geological & Environmental Systems
