Process Measurement & Control Solutions

NOTE 14: HEAVY OIL, HIGH VISCOSITY WELL TESTING

Staatsolies, Surinames State Oil Company, operates the only oil field in Suriname that is an onshore operation producing
heavy crude between 13 and 16 API gravity. The extraction method utilized is Progressive Cavity Pump (PCP) and the
company does not inject any diluent nor have any thermal method to reduce viscosity. As a result, the produced oil is very
heavy with high viscosity (approximately 2000 cP at 80 100F). The water cut is between 0 80% with a Gas Void
Fraction from 0% to 60%.

Up until 2001, the well was tested using a 100 bbl tank with three to eight wells flowing through individual flowlines to each
tank. The tank filled for a distinct period of time to obtain the volumetric flow rate measurement by manual tank strapping,
then water cut was determined by averaging the water content
of samples collected at different depths of the tank (top, middle
and bottom). Due to the nature of the heavy, viscous crude oil,
tanks had large amounts of foam, which took up to 24 hours
to settle.

In 2001, Staatsolie bought an Agar MPFM-302-20 for high

viscosity service. The MPFM was mounted on a small trailer
(see attached picture). After an evaluation period in which test
tank readings were compared to that of the MPFM, Staatsolies
chose to test its wells utilizing Agars MPFM technology.

During well testing, the MPFM was powered by the same

transformer that powered the PCP pump. The test well flow line
was diverted through the MPFM using flexible hoses. Because
Staatsolie was satisfied with the MPFMs performance, they
chose it as their standard method for well testing. The tests
consists of approximately two hours of well stabilization time
followed by one hour of well testing. Once completed, the MPFM 2001 Model - trailer mounted by Surinames State Oil
can be relocated to another well site. By utilizing this process, Company
customers can test up to four wells per day.

Because many of Staatsolies wells were low producers,

falling below the measurable liquid rates of the MPFM 302-20
(250 5000 BPD Total Fluid Flow Rate), the company in 2004
ordered the MPFM 302-10 (50 1500 BPD Total Fluid Flow
Rate) to optimize low flowing wells. The latest models use a
MPFM 400, which operates in a batch mode. This model can
be utilized for wells with flow between 10 to 1000 BPD and is
appropriate for all well testing.

As a direct result of the proven efficiencies created by the

MPFM technology, Staatsolies has utilized additional units at
other low producing sites.

2004 Model - trailer mounted by Surinames State Oil

Company

APPLICATION NOTE 14
All Agar Corporation Instruments are covered by one or more of the following U.S. Patents: 4,503,383; 4,774,680; 5,099,697; 5,101,163; 5,101,367; 5,263,363;
5,503,004; 5,551,305; 5,589,642; 5,741,977, RE 36,597. Other patents pending in the USA and other countries.
 APPLICATION NOTE 14 - Heavy Oil - High Viscosity

MPFM-400 Series

MPFM-300 Series

MPFM-50 Series

USA CAYMAN ISLANDS VENEZUELA MALAYSIA ABU DHABI INDONESIA

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ER No. 5024; SL0024 Rev -