Measuring rock properties and recovering PVT Samples in a heavy oil

An SPE paper discussing innovative approaches to heavy oil rock and fluid property measurement and analysis.

We have often discussed the importance of fluid and reservoir property characterization in the planning and production of heavy oil reservoirs. Formation fluid sampling earlier in the life of a heavy oil well is key for reservoir completion planning and can have significant impact on ultimate recovery. We have also discussed the challenges in getting accurate samples and measurements in heavy oil environments.

SPE 102460 summarizes some innovative approaches using combinations of wireline formation testing, downhole fluids analysis (DFA), and lab analysis for the determination of formation pressure, oil mobility, and permeability anisotropy in the challenging heavy oil environments of Russia’s Northwest Siberian fields.

The paper demonstrates how both new technology and the innovative application of conventional techniques in combination can be very effective in solving rock property and PVT measurement in heavy oil reservoirs.

Kambiz.