RCI and IFX systems provide real-time fluid data and analysis in the North Sea

Challenges

• Long sampling times due to optical density masking actual sample contamination

Results

• Analyzed gradients and fluid composition

• Obtained fluid samples with minimal contamination

• Collected real-time density, viscosity, gas-to-oil ratio, and sound speed measurements

An operator in the North Sea wanted to determine the petrophysical characterization of the field to map the level of H2S concentrations and to predict the reservoir’s behavior during production. One of the concerns was taking the samples

with low enough contamination for accurate pressure/volume/temperature (PVT) testing.

Baker Hughes, a GE company (BHGE), had been using the Reservoir Characterization Instrument™ (RCI) service exclusively in a well development sampling campaign for

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The IFX module provides a real-time interpretation of the contamination levels when sampling.

this operator as its titanium construction minimizes loss of corrosive gases and compounds when sampling. The tool’s nickel alloy sample chambers reduce the adsorption of corrosive gases and compounds ensuring that PVT measurements within 10% are possible, which eliminates the need to perform additional expensive and time-consuming well tests.

The In-situ Fluids eXplorer™ (IFX™) system was used to determine the contamination levels when sampling by determining the density, viscosity, and sound speed stability measurements.

The sound speed measurement records the response of the acoustic travel time across the fluid so it is very sensitive to gas coming out of solution and contamination changes.

The samples collected by the RCI service were contained in single-phase nitrogen

charged sampling tanks. These tanks efficiently obtain downhole samples, keeping the hydrocarbons above or equal to formation pressure or at external atmospheric conditions. By using previous generation optical density spectroscopy, in addition to the new tuning fork technology, an accurate downhole PVT analysis of the reservoir fluid was obtainable.

The BHGE LiveWire™ service provided real-time fluid interpretation and contamination analysis. BHGE worked closely with the PVT laboratory that analyzed the samples to make sure the correct procedures were in place to extract the formation hydrocarbon from the sampling tanks. BHGE geosciences professionals were able to provide 24/7 coverage as needed, providing the client the necessary information to optimize their production strategy.

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Copyright 2017 Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC (“BHGE”). All rights reserved. The information contained in this document is company confidential and proprietary property of BHGE and its affiliates. It is to be used only for the benefit of BHGE and may not be distributed, transmitted, reproduced, altered, or used for any purpose without the express written consent of BHGE.

Baker Hughes reserves the right to make changes in specifications and features shown herein, or discontinue the product described at any time without notice or obligation. Contact your BHGE representative for the most current information. The Baker Hughes logo, Reservoir Characterization Instrument, In-situ Fluids eXplorer, and LiveWire are trademarks of Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC. GE and the GE Monogram are trademarks of the General Electric Company.

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