WorldOil

Sampling and fluid characterization during well testing

Efficiently managing oil and gas production requires accurate data on reservoir fluid characteristics, phase and property change, as the fluid moves from the reservoir through the transport and production systems. The objective of reservoir fluid sampling is to collect a representative sample of the reservoir fluid at the depth and time of sampling, and one that is suitable for laboratory studies of the physical and chemical property changes during production. A non-representative sample may result in costly errors in design and reservoir management. The sample best represents the point in the reservoir where it was obtained, and there is no assurance that the sample is representative of the fluid throughout the reservoir. A representative reservoir fluid sample is best collected during the exploration phase, prior to formation pressure drop. Specialized fluid studies may be identified later, using samples taken during production.