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
Effect of Isomeric Structures of Branched Cyclic Hydrocarbons on Densities and Equation of State Predictions at Elevated Temperatures and Pressures
J. Phys. Chem. B 2013, 117, 8821–8830.
Wu, Y.; Bamgbade, B. A.; Burgess, W. A.; Tapriyal, D.; Baled, H.; Enick, R. M.; McHugh, M. A.
July 2013
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jp405795f
Viscosity Models Based on the Free Volume and Frictional Theories for Systems at Pressures to 276 MPa and Temperatures to 533 K
Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2012, 51, 16721–16733.
Burgess, W. A.; Tapriyal, D.; Gamwo, I. K.; Morreale, B. D.; McHugh, M. A.; Enick, R. M.
December 2012
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ie301727k
Hydrocarbon Mixtures: Phase Behavior, Density, and Modeling with PC-SAFT and a Volume-Translated, Cubic Equation of State
Presented at the 2012 AIChE Annual Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA, Oct 29, 2012.
Enick, R.; Baled, H.
Cubic- and PC-SAFT-Based Thermodynamic Models and a Free Volume Viscosity Model for Hydrocarbons at Pressures to 276 Mpa and Temperatures to 533 K
Presented at the 2012 AIChE Annual Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA, Oct 29, 2012.
Enick, R. M.; Baled, H.
Hydrocarbon Mixtures: Phase Behavior, Density, and Modeling with PC-SAFT and a Volume-Translated, Cubic Equation of State
Presented at the 2012 AIChE Annual Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA, Oct 28–Nov 2, 2012.
Bamgbade, B.; Wu, Y.; McHugh, M.; Baled, H.; Enick, R. M.; Burgess, W. A.; Tapriyal, D.; Morreale, B. D.
Viscosity of Several Hydrocarbons at Temperatures to 533 K and Pressures to 276 Mpa
Presented at the 2012 AIChE Annual Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA, Oct 28–Nov 2, 2012.
Baled, H.; Enick, R. M.; Burgess, W. A.; Tapriyal, D.; Morreale, B. D. ; Bamgbade, B.; Wu, Y.; McHugh, M.
Experimental density and PC-SAFT modeling of Krytox® (perfluoropolyether) at pressures to 275 MPa and temperatures to 260°C
Fluid Phase Equilib. 2012, 332, 159–164.
Bamgbade, B. A.; Wu, Y.; Burgess, W. A.; McHugh, M. A.
October 2012
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257209441_Experimental_density_and_PC-SAFT_modeling_of_Krytox_R_perfluoropolyether_at_pressures_to_275_MPa_and_temperatures_to_533_K
Volume-Translated Cubic Eos and PC-SAFT Density Models and a Free Volume-Based Viscosity Model for Hydrocarbons At Extreme Temperature and Pressure Conditions
Presented at the 2012 Spring Meeting and 8th Global Congress on Process Safety, Houston, TX, April 1–5, 2012.
McHugh, M. A.; Bamgbade, B.; Wu, Y.; Burgess, W. A.; Tapriyal, D.; Morreale, B. D.; Soong, Y.; Baled, H.; Enick, R. M.
High Temperature, High Pressure Equation of State Density Correlations and Viscosity Correlations
NETL-TRS-1-2012; EPAct Technical Report Series; U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory: Morgantown, WV, 2012; p 114.
Tapriyal, D.; Enick, R. M.; McHugh, M. A.; Gamwo, I. K.; Morreale, B. D.
July 2012
https://edx.netl.doe.gov/dataset/high-temperature-high-pressure-equation-of-state-density-correlations-viscosity-correlations/resource_download/cfc5b761-241d-4c42-9311-0a53bb68c764
Perfluoropolyether Oils as Candidates for the Deepwater Viscosity Standard of 20 cP at 500°F and 35,000 psia
Presented at the 18th International Conference on Thermophysical Properties, Boulder, CO, June 28, 2012.
Ramgopal, T.; Gui, F.; Hawk, J. A.; Ziomek-Moroz, M.
Perfluoropolyether Oils as Candidates for the Deepwater Viscosity Standard of 20 cP at 500°F and 35000 psia
Presented at the 12th IATP Conference, Boulder, CO, June 24, 2012.
Baled, H.; Enick, R. M.; Burgess, W. A.; Tapriyal, D.; Morreale, B. D.; Wu, Y.; Bamgbade, B. A.; McHugh, M. A.; Bair, S.; Krukonis, V.
A Windowed, Variable-Volume, Rolling Ball Viscometer Rated to 260°C and 275 MPa
Presented at the 18th Symposium on Thermophysical Properties , Boulder, CO, June 24–29, 2012.
Baled, H.; Enick, R. M.; Burgess, W. A.; Jain, J.; Morreale, B. D.; Soong Y.; Tapriyal, D.; Wu, Y.; Bamgbade, B.; McHugh, M. A.
High-Pressure, High-Temperature, Thermodynamics of Simulated Reservoir Mixtures: Phase Behavior, Density, and Modeling with PC-SAFT and a Volume-Translated, Cubic Equation of State
Presented at the 10th International Symposium on Supercritical Fluids (ISSF), San Francisco, CA, May 13–16, 2012.
Bamgbade, B.; Wu, Y.; McHugh, M.; Baled, H.; Enick, R. M.; Burgess, W. A.; Tapriyal, D.; Morreale, B.
Density, and Modeling with PC-SAFT and a Volume-Translated, Cubic Equation of State
Presented at the 10th International Symposium on Supercritical Fluids (ISSF), San Francisco, CA, May 13–16, 2012.
Bamgbade, B.; Wu, Y.; McHugh, M.; Baled, H.; Enick, R. M.; Burgess, W. A.; Tapriyal, D.; Morreale, B. D.
Viscosity of Hydrocarbons at Temperatures to 533 K and Pressures to 276 MPa: Experiment and Prediction
Presented at the 10th International Symposium on Supercritical Fluids (ISSF), San Francisco, CA, May 13–16, 2012.
Baled, H.; Burgess, W. A.; Tapriyal, D.; Morreale, B. D.; Enick, R. M.; Wu, Y.; McHugh, M. A.
Prediction of fluid densities at extreme conditions using the perturbed-chain SAFT equation correlated to high temperature, high pressure density data
Fluid Phase Equilib. 2012, 319 , 55–66.
Burgess, W.; Tapriyal, D.; Baled, H.; Enick, R. M.; Wu, Y.; McHugh, M. A.; Morreale, B. D.
April 2012
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257209379_Prediction_of_fluid_density_at_extreme_conditions_using_the_perturbed-chain_SAFT_equation_correlated_to_high_temperature_high_pressure_density_data
Equation of State Model Applied to Ultra Deepwater Conditions
Presented at the AIChE Spring Meeting, Houston, TX, April 1–5, 2012.
Enick, R. M.; Baled, H.; Burgess, W. A.; McHugh, M.; Tapriyal, D.
Prediction of Fluid Densities at Extreme Conditions Using the Perturbed-Chain SAFT Equation Correlated to High Temperature, High Pressure Density Data
Presented at the Upstream Flow Assurance Conference, AIChE Spring Meeting, Houston, TX, April 1–5, 2012.
Burgess, W. A.; Tapriyal, D.; Wu, Y.; Bamgbade, B.; McHugh, M. A.; Baled, H.; Enick, R. M.; Morreale, B. D.
Density and Viscosity of Hydrocarbon Fluids at Extreme Conditions-Modeling and Measurements
Presented at the 243rd ACS National Meeting, San Diego, CA, March 25–29, 2012.
Baled, H.; Enick, R.; Wu, Y.; McHugh, M. A.; Burgess, W.; Tapriyal, D.; Morreale, B. D.
Prediction of hydrocarbon densities at extreme conditions using volume-translated SRK and PR equations of state fit to high temperature, high pressure PVT data
Fluid Phase Equilib. 2012, 317, 65–76.
Baled, H.; Enick, R. M.; Wu, Y.; McHugh, M. A.; Burgess, W. A.; Tapriyal, D.; Morreale, B. D.
March 2012
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378381211006029
Experimental measurements and equation of state modeling of liquid densities for long-chain n-alkanes at pressures to 265 MPa and temperatures to 523 K
Fluid Phase Equilib. 2011, 311, 17–24.
Wu, Y.; Bamgbade, B.; Liu, K.; McHugh, M. A.; Baled, H.; Enick, R. M.; Burgess, W. A.; Tapriyal, D.; Morreale, B. D.
December 2011
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378381211003992
Using High Temperature, High Pressure Couette Viscometer to Assess Krytox Oils as a Deepwater Viscosity Standard
Presented at the 2011 AIChE Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, MN, Oct 16–21, 2011.
Tapriyal, D.; Burgess, W. A.; Jain, J.; Morreale, B. D.; Soong, Y.; Laesecke, A.; Bair, S.; Krukonis, V.; Koronaios, P.; Bamgbade, B.; McHugh, M.; Baled,H.; Enick, R. M.
PC-SAFT with New Pure-Component Parameters Fit to Density Data Collected At Temperatures to 260°C and Pressures to 276 MPa
Presented at the 2011 AIChE Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, MN, Oct 16–21, 2011.
Burgess, W. A.; Tapriyal, D.; Morreale, B. D.; Wu, Y.; Bamgbade, B.; McHugh, M. A.; Baled, H.; Enick, R. M.
Volume Translated SRK and PR Equations of State for the Prediction of High-Temperature, High-Pressure Hydrocarbon Density
Presented at the 2011 AIChE Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, MN, Oct 16–21, 2011.
Baled, H.; Enick, R. M.; McHugh, M. A.; Wu, Y.; Bamgbade, B.; Tapriyal, D.; Morreale, B. D.; Soong, Y.; Burgess, W. A.
PC-SAFT modeling of the density of Krytox at pressures to 275 MPa and temperatures to 260°C.
Poster presented at the 63rd Southeastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society, Richmond, VA, Oct 2011.
Bamgbade, B.; Wu, Y.; McHugh, M.; Baled, H.; Enick R. M.; Burgess, W. A.; Tapriyal, D.; Morreale, B. D.
Explore research products that are related to this project.
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*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
