New Continuous Flow Viscometer Measures Oil Reservoir Viscosity in Real-time
Posted on Wed, May 18, 2011
Boston – The permeability o
f rock formations and the viscosity of underground fluid have a significant impact on the economics of an oil field. Characterizing the oil flow through the rock enables analysts to predict the productivity of an oil well, determine the best extraction techniques, and design optimal flow additives to enhance production.
As reservoir fluids flow through a reservoir and are extracted, they mix with brine and other fluids. Additives injected into the reservoir can have a significant impact on oil extraction efficiency. Searching for optimal additive packages under various conditions, leading oil labs have begun to study rock permeability under flow conditions with non-homogenous reservoir fluids, and turned to Cambridge Viscosity for support.
With industry guidance, Cambridge Viscosity has developed an adaptor to allow its well-known high pressure viscosity sensor to be utilized in flow conditions to better understand core permeability under dynamic fluid conditions. This enables researchers to track oil extraction effectiveness in conditions of varying reservoir fluid mixtures found in target oil fields and potential flow-improving additive packages. This new continuous flow adapter incorporates an inlet/outlet manifold that attaches to the top of Cambridge’s SPL-440 sensor. Fluid is directed through the coaxial manifold directly in and out of the SPL-440 sensor to analyze viscosity under flow conditions, and then into the core sample for permeability analysis.
“Cambridge’s new continuous flow high pressure viscometer enables the industry to gather new perspectives on the efficacy of various additives to optimize oil extraction. This can have a significant impact on oilfield economics, “says Cambridge Viscosity President Robert Kasameyer. “The adaptor is available as an add-on device and does not change the measurement quality of the viscosity sensor itself.”
About Cambridge Viscosity
Cambridge Viscosity, the leader in small sample viscosity systems, provides automated viscometers used by oil companies in exploration, refining and products; as well as in coating, chemical and life science applications worldwide to optimize product and process performance. Cambridge's global reach provides application engineering support and service wherever and whenever needed.