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WinProp
Phase Property Program
Version 2010
New Features 1
New Features in WinProp 2010.10...............................................................................1
New Features in WinProp 2009.10...............................................................................1
New Features in WinProp 2008.10...............................................................................2
New Features in WinProp 2007.10...............................................................................2
New Features in WinProp 2006.10...............................................................................3
New Features in WinProp 2005.10...............................................................................3
New Features in WinProp 2004.10...............................................................................4
New Features in WinProp 2003.11...............................................................................4
New Features in WinProp 2003.10...............................................................................5
New Features in WinProp 2002.10...............................................................................6
New Features in WinProp 2001.10...............................................................................6
New Features in WinProp 2000.15...............................................................................7
New Features in WinProp 2000.10...............................................................................8
New Features in WinProp 1999.10...............................................................................9
New Features in WinProp 98.00.................................................................................12
New Features in WinProp 97.00.................................................................................14
Introduction 17
What is WinProp?.......................................................................................................17
Use of this Manual......................................................................................................18
Installation ..................................................................................................................18
Confidentiality ............................................................................................................18
Template Data Files ....................................................................................................19
Tutorial Section 21
Overview.....................................................................................................................21
Getting On-Line Help .................................................................................................21
Creating, Opening and Saving Data Files...................................................................21
Running, Viewing Output and Creating Plots ............................................................22
Copying Between Different Data Files.......................................................................23
Setting Up a Regression Run ......................................................................................23
Titles/EOS/Units Selection 33
Overview .................................................................................................................... 33
Data Input ................................................................................................................... 33
Comments...................................................................................................... 33
Title 1, Title 2, Title 3 ................................................................................... 33
Equation of State ........................................................................................... 34
Units .............................................................................................................. 34
Feed ............................................................................................................... 34
Components 35
Component Selection and Definition ......................................................................... 35
Library Components...................................................................................... 35
User Component with Known Properties...................................................... 36
User Component with Known SG, Tb and MW ............................................ 37
Component Properties ................................................................................................ 38
Notes on Component Properties.................................................................... 39
Interaction Coefficients .............................................................................................. 43
Hydrocarbon-Hydrocarbon Interaction Coefficients..................................... 44
Other Interaction Coefficients ....................................................................... 46
Viscosity Parameters .................................................................................................. 46
Jossi-Stiel-Thodos Correlation ...................................................................... 46
Pedersen Correlation ..................................................................................... 47
Aqueous Phase ........................................................................................................... 48
Aqueous Phase Salinity ................................................................................. 48
Henry’s Law Constant Correlation................................................................ 49
Activation of Second Set of Component Properties................................................... 49
GEM Fluid Model Generation and Component Properties Printing .......................... 50
Importing Components with the Table Import Wizard .............................................. 51
Flash Calculations 63
Overview.....................................................................................................................63
Common Input for Two-Phase Flash, Multiphase Flash and Asphaltene/Wax
Modelling Calculations...............................................................................................63
Two-Phase Flash Calculations....................................................................................64
Multiphase Flash Calculations....................................................................................64
Asphaltene/Wax Modelling ........................................................................................65
Theoretical Background.................................................................................65
Input Data - Asphaltene/Wax Modelling.......................................................67
Single-Phase Calculation ............................................................................................70
Isenthalpic Flash Calculations ....................................................................................70
Theoretical Background.................................................................................70
Input Data - Isenthalpic Flash ........................................................................72
Laboratory Calculations 87
Overview .................................................................................................................... 87
Recombination of Separator Oil and Gas................................................................... 87
Compressibility Calculation ....................................................................................... 90
Constant Composition Expansion .............................................................................. 90
Differential Liberation................................................................................................ 92
Constant Volume Depletion ....................................................................................... 94
Separator Test............................................................................................................. 97
Swelling Test............................................................................................................ 101
Importing Laboratory Experiment Data with the Table Import Wizard................... 103
Regression 111
Overview .................................................................................................................. 111
Organization of the Input Data ................................................................................. 111
Parameter Selection.................................................................................................. 112
Automatic Regression Parameter Selection ............................................................. 114
Grouping Regression Variables................................................................................ 114
Regression Variable Bounds .................................................................................... 115
Regression Control Parameters ................................................................................ 116
Transferring Results to Other Data Sets ................................................................... 116
References 149
List ............................................................................................................................149
Appendix A 153
Case Studies..............................................................................................................153
Case Study Number 1: Gas Condensate Modelling....................................153
Case Study Number 2: Solubility of CO2 in Brine .....................................163
Case Study Number 3: Asphaltene Precipitation Modelling ......................174
Appendix B 183
Equations ..................................................................................................................183
Cubic Equation of State ...............................................................................183
Phase Stability Test......................................................................................188
Two-Phase Flash Calculation ......................................................................190
Saturation Calculation..................................................................................191
Cricondenbar/Cricondentherm Equations....................................................193
Phase Diagram Construction .......................................................................193
Three Phase Flash Calculation with Equation of State ................................197
Three Phase with Isenthalpic Flash Calculation ..........................................198
Flash Calculation Involving Water ..............................................................200
What is WinProp?
Welcome to WinProp, the Windows version of CMGPROP.
WinProp is CMG's equation of state multiphase equilibrium property package featuring fluid
characterization, lumping of components, matching of laboratory data through regression,
simulation of multiple contact processes, phase diagram construction, solids precipitation,
and more. Laboratory experiments considered in WinProp include recombination of
separator oil and gas, compressibility measurements, constant composition expansion,
differential liberation, separator test, constant volume depletion and swelling test.
You can use WinProp to analyze the phase behavior of reservoir gas and oil systems, and to
generate component properties for CMG's compositional simulator GEM, black oil simulator
IMEX and steam and additives thermal simulator STARS.
WinProp contains a graphical interface that allows you to prepare data, run the phase property
calculation engine, view the output with an editor, and create plots with Excel™.
WinProp creates keyword data files to drive the phase behavior calculation engine. Besides
the regular keywords that were required by the CMGPROP program, these data files contain
special control character strings for the graphical interface. A conversion utility is provided
within WinProp for users who have been using CMGPROP on a UNIX platform or on the PC
to facilitate the migration to WinProp.
Installation
All CMG software must be installed from the CD-ROM by running the Setup program.
Please refer to the detailed installation instructions that are packaged with the software for
additional information.
Confidentiality
All components of CMG's technology including software and related documentation are
protected by copyright, trademark and secrecy. CMG technology can be used only as
permitted by your license from CMG. By the license, you have agreed to keep all CMG
technology confidential and not disclose it to any third party. All rights reserved. No part of
this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, or otherwise, including photocopying, recording, or by any information
storage/retrieval system, to any party other than the licensee, without the written permission
of Computer Modelling Group Ltd.
Overview
This chapter includes information on the mechanics of creating, editing, saving and running
data sets in WinProp, as well as viewing the output files and creating plots.
Example case studies with step-by-step instructions for performing some PVT modelling
tasks are described in Appendix A.
Detailed instructions for using all of the calculation options available in WinProp are given in
the remaining chapters.
The help on current form can be also invoked by pressing the function key F1
It is important to note that selection of units in this step should correspond to the units used in the
original file from which the table is being imported. No unit conversion is done at this stage.
At this point, the table import may be completed by clicking on the Finish button. Any
conversions to the current WinProp unit system will be performed and the data will be
entered into the WinProp table.
To view the table with quantities converted to different units or to save the table to a file,
check on the box labeled Apply unit conversion and click Next to continue.
Step 7: Choose units for table columns to convert data to
In this step, the user has a choice of viewing the table with different units applied. Note that
changing the units in this step does not affect what units will be used to display the data in
WinProp. The table can also be saved to a separate file by clicking on the button labeled
Save converted table to NEW file. In this example, the table from the previous step is
shown after conversion to field units.
Overview
This form contains the structure of the data set. This is the first form presented to the user when
WinProp is invoked. The column of the table labeled Forms contains the title for each
calculation form included in the data set. By default the required forms Titles/EOS/Units, and
Component Selection/Properties are pre-selected and cannot be removed. The Composition
form is also required following these forms, thus it is included by default as well.
The data entry form corresponding to a given row can be activated by double clicking on that
row. Data can be entered and edited on each form.
To insert a calculation option: (1) select the row where the new calculation will be inserted by
clicking on that row; (2) select a calculation option from the menu or by clicking one of the
buttons on the calculation option toolbar.
The Inc (Included) column indicates whether or not a calculation option will be executed
when the data set is run. A checkmark in this column indicates that the option will be
included, while an X-mark indicates that the calculation will be excluded. Calculations can be
included/excluded by right-clicking on the desired row and selecting Include Calculation or
Exclude Calculation from the pop-up menu.
Undo This will undo the previous edit function. This menu item is not
available if there is nothing to undo.
Cut This option will cut the options and the data associated with them into the
Clipboard. You cannot cut the Titles/EOS/Units or the Component
Selection/Properties forms.
Copy This option will copy the options and the data associated with them into
the Clipboard.
Paste This option will paste the data from the Clipboard into the current data
set.
You can use the Copy and Paste option to transfer information and calculation options within
one WinProp data set or from one data set to another.
Overview
This form is pre-selected by WinProp and appears as the first form in all WinProp data files.
It is used for documenting the run, selecting the unit system and for choosing the equation of
state (EOS) to be used for all calculations included in the data file.
Data Input
Comments
Enter your comments regarding this data set. These comments will be shown in the Data set
structure form.
Title 1, Title 2, Title 3
Enter up to 3 titles to identify the runs.
The critical pressure, critical temperature, acentric factor and molecular weight are required
input. Values will be estimated for any of the OPTIONAL DATA parameter fields that are
left blank. Critical compressibility is used only to calculate critical volume. Critical volume
is used in the calculation of binary interaction parameters (see the section on “Interaction
Coefficients” below). Specific gravity and boiling point temperature are used to estimate
ideal gas enthalpy coefficients. Specific gravity is also used along with the critical properties
to estimate Rackett’s compressibility factor, which is employed in calculating temperature
dependent volume shifts.
A minimum of two of the three properties must be entered. If one of the properties is not
entered, it will be estimated using the selected Physical Properties Correlation. Note that
critical properties are calculated from specific gravity and normal boiling point; molecular
weight is used for determination of mass densities only. Thus if you enter SG and Tb, the
critical properties will be unaffected by the choice of Physical Properties Correlation. The
stated ranges of accuracy for the correlations are as follows. Twu: Tb up to 715 °C and SG
up to 1.436 (Twu, 1984). Goossens: MW from 76 to 1685 (C120), Density from 0.63 to
1.08 g/cc and Tb from 33 to 740 °C (Goossens, 1996). Riazi-Daubert: Tb up to 455 °C and
MW from 70 to 300 (Riazi and Daubert, 1980).
For petroleum fractions up to about C20, all three correlations give similar results. For
heavier fractions, the Riazi-Daubert correlation shows larger errors than the other two. The
Goossens correlation gives very good predictions of MW from the other properties for
alkanes up to C120. It should be noted that the form of this correlation limits boiling points
to a maximum of 805 °C, regardless of the molecular weight and specific gravity.
Once the physical properties are known, the critical constants for the component are
determined using the selected Critical Properties Correlation. The ranges of applicability
of the Twu and Riazi-Daubert correlations are as given above. The Lee-Kesler correlation
was developed for Tb up to 650 °C, but is internally consistent for extrapolation above this
temperature (Kesler and Lee, 1976).
For acentric factors, the Lee-Kesler correlation is recommended for petroleum fractions.
This form contains several tabs. The properties shown on Tab Component are listed in the table
below. Additional explanation regarding some of the parameters is given in the notes following
the table. Use of the temperature dependent volume shift feature is described under “Rackett’s
compressibility factor” in the notes.
Rackett’s compressibility factors are available for all library components. For pseudo-
components, Rackett’s compressibility factors are back calculated from the critical properties
and specific gravity using the assumption that the specific gravity is approximately equal to
the saturated liquid density at 60 °F.
Critical Volume: Critical volumes are used only in the calculation of hydrocarbon-
hydrocarbon binary interaction parameters as described below under “Interaction coefficients”.
Example: Consider an 8-components fluid, with the last three components being pseudo
components. In Field units, the heating values as written out by WinProp would result in the
following lines appearing in the .gem output file:
*NC 8 3
*COMPNAME 'CH4' 'C2H6' 'C3H8' 'NC4' 'NC5'
'FRAC1' 'FRAC2' 'FRAC3'
*HEATING_VALUES 844.29 1478.46 2105.16 2711.54
3353.66 0.0 0.0 0.0
Interaction Coefficients
Interaction coefficients (δij) are introduced to account for the molecular interaction between
dissimilar molecules. Their values are generally obtained by fitting the predicted saturation
pressures to experimental data. Interaction coefficients for component pairs are shown on
Tab Int. Coef..
An example is shown below.
where vci is the critical volume of component i, and θ is the hydrocarbon – hydrocarbon
interaction coefficient exponent. It has been shown that a value of 1.2 provides a good match
of the paraffin – paraffin interaction coefficients of Oellrich et al (1981). However, it is
recommended that this value be obtained by matching experimental data (e.g. saturation
pressure data).
To avoid cluttering the table of interaction coefficients, the HC interaction coefficients are
not shown when the form is loaded. To view them, click on Show HC Int. Coef. button. To
hide them, click on Hide HC Int. Coef. button.
With this version of WinProp, it is possible to define multiple HC:HC interaction coefficient
groups, each with its own value of the exponent. HC:HC groups can also be selected as
independent parameters in regression, please see the chapter on “Regression”. The list of groups
currently defined is shown in the list box with the caption HC Int. Coef. Exp.. The entries
include a name and in brackets the value of the exponent. To see the group ID for all HC-HC
pairs on the interaction coefficient table, click on the Show HC-HC Group(s) on grid button.
The currently selected group is shown under the Name label. The list of pairs that belong to
this group is shown in the list box labeled Selected pairs. The user can scroll through all
defined groups in the drop down list box under the Name label. The full list of pairs that do
not currently belong to any group can be seen on the list box under the Select pairs frame.
These pairs can be assigned to any defined group(s). If any “orphans” remain when this form
is saved then these are assigned to the default group, i.e. group # 1.
Initially only a single group is created with the exponent value of 1.2. The value of the
exponent can be changed via the text box with the label Exponent value. All HC:HC pairs
initially belong to this group. To create a new group first select the HC:HC option button
under Type and then click on the Create New button. This new group will be assigned the
name HcIntCoefExp-2 with a value of 1.2 for the exponent. For pairs to be assigned to this
new group # 2, group #1 must first relinquish these. This is done by first selecting group # 1
from the group list, identifying the pairs that will be removed (by pressing the left mouse
button while holding the CTRL key down) from the Selected pairs list box and then clicking
on the Delete selection(s) button. These pairs will be removed from group # 1 as reflected in
the revised list in the Selected pairs box. To pick these pairs up for group # 2, change the
name to group # 2, select pairs by highlighting and then pressing the Apply selection(s)
button. At least one pair must be assigned to each group and a given pair can be assigned to a
single group only. To delete a group click on the Delete Group button.
Viscosity Parameters
There are two types of viscosity correlation available in WinProp: the Jossi, Stiel and Thodos
(JST) correlation as described in Reid et al. (1977), and the Pedersen corresponding states
correlation as presented in Pedersen et al. (1984) and Pedersen and Fredenslund (1987). The
viscosities of liquid and vapor phases are calculated with the same correlation. The choice of
correlation is made on the Viscosity tab of the Component Selection/Properties form by
selecting one of the option buttons under Viscosity Model Type.
Jossi-Stiel-Thodos Correlation
An example of the data entry form for the JST correlation is shown below.
[ ( μ − μ )ξ + 10 ]
* − 4 0.25
= a 0 + a 1ρ r + a 2 ρ 2r + a 3 ρ 3r + a 4 ρ 4r
Where
μ = Oil or gas viscosity in cP or MPa⋅s
μ∗ = Low-pressure viscosity in cP or MPa⋅s
ξ = Group Tc1/6 M-1/2 Pc-2/3 where Tc is in K and Pc is in atm
M = molecular weight
ρr Reduced molar density, ρ/ρc = vc/v
Two options are available for calculating the low-pressure mixture viscosity. The Yoon-
Thodos + Herning-Zipperer method computes low pressure component viscosities according to
a formula developed by Yoon and Thodos and then computes the mixture viscosity according
to the mixing rule of Herning and Zipperer. Both of these formulas are reported in Reid et al.
(1977). The Lee-Eakin method calculates the low-pressure mixture viscosity directly using a
correlation based on the molecular weight of the mixture presented by Lee and Eakin (1964).
The value of ξ is calculated by first obtaining mole – fraction weighted average values for the
mixture critical temperature, pressure and molecular weight.
The mixture critical volume vc is calculated from:
1/ α
⎛ nc ⎞
v c = ⎜ x i v ci
∑ α⎟
⎜ ⎟
⎝ i =1 ⎠
Where α is the mixing exponent parameter, xi is the composition and vci is the critical volume
for viscosity calculation (vc(viscosity) on Tab Component).
α, a0, a1, a2, a3, and a4 are entered on Tab Viscosity. Default values are shown when the form
is first activated.
As well as the correlation coefficients (α, ai) and critical volumes for viscosity (and to a
lesser extent, the critical temperatures and pressures), the JST method depends very strongly
on the density of the mixture predicted by the equation of state. Thus, use of the JST
correlation may result in large errors if the phase densities are incorrect. It is recommended
that the EOS be tuned to match volumetric data before attempting to predict or match
viscosities with the JST correlation.
Pedersen Correlation
The Pedersen viscosity correlation uses the principle of corresponding states to calculate the
viscosity of a component or mixture, knowing the viscosity of a reference substance at the same
conditions of reduced pressure and temperature. The deviation from simple corresponding
states is accounted for by a “rotational coupling coefficient,” α. The viscosity of the mixture is
calculated according to the following formula:
−1 / 6 2/3 1/ 2
μ mix ( P, T ) ⎛ Tc,mix ⎞ ⎛ Pc,mix ⎞ ⎛ MWmix ⎞ ⎛ α mix ⎞
=⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
μ o (Po , To ) ⎜⎝ Tc,o ⎟
⎠
⎜ P
⎝ c ,o
⎟
⎠ ⎝ MWo ⎠ ⎝ αo ⎠
Aqueous Phase
The Aqueous phase tab is used for setting properties of the water phase for use in multiphase
Oil-Gas-Water calculations. The form is shown below.
Aqueous Phase Salinity
The salinity of the aqueous phase is expressed as NaCl concentration. The units available for
specifying the brine salinity are weight fraction, molarity, grams of NaCl per litre of water,
molarity, and mole fraction. All other water properties are determined from correlations.
The brine salinity is used to adjust the internally estimated Henry’s constants for the library
components N2, CO2, H2S, C1, C2, C3, iC4, nC4, iC5, nC5, nC6, nC7 and nC8 to account for the
salting-out effect. Note that this adjustment is not performed when solubility parameters are
specified in the component table, or when Henry’s constants are entered for individual flash
calculations.
Overview
This chapter describes the common data required for most calculations. These include
Composition specification, Initial K-values, Output level, and Stability test level. Generally, the
built in default values are used in the calculations. The saturation pressure calculation, which is
common to most laboratory experiment simulation options, is discussed in the next chapter.
Composition Specification
Compositions are entered in moles or in weight units, specified as fraction or percent. Values
are normalized internally. If weight fractions or percents are entered, they are converted
internally to mole fractions. To use weight units, select the appropriate option on form
Titles/EOS/Units. The table on form Composition contains two columns for composition
input. The primary composition corresponds generally to the composition of the oil or gas in
place. Values must be entered for the primary composition. The secondary composition
corresponds normally to the injected fluid. The secondary composition need not be entered and
will default to zero. An example of form Composition is shown below.
Initial K-Values
Initial K-values are required to start most calculations. These can be
• estimated internally from Wilson’s equation (Internal), i.e.
ln K i =5.37 (1 + ωi ) (1 − Tci / T )+ln ( p ci / p)
Output Level
The Output level for a normal run is 1. If more information is required, for example the
results of each iteration of a flash calculation, select an Output level value of 2.
Overview
This chapter describes calculations for mixtures on the phase boundaries:
• Bubble point and dew point calculations
• Phase boundary diagram construction (pressure-temperature, pressure-composition,
temperature-composition and pseudo-ternary)
• Critical-point calculation
• Multiple-contact calculation
The phase boundary calculations can also generate lines of constant phase mole fraction or
lines of constant volume fraction (quality lines).
Saturation Pressure
This option is invoked by selecting Calculations|Saturation Pressure. An example data set
for this option is sat-pressure.dat.
For data entry corresponding to items on tab 2, that is Feed, K-values, Output level and
Stability test level specifications, see the Chapter “Common Data Required for all Options”.
A value of the temperature at which the saturation pressure is to be calculated is required. Enter
a value in the text box labelled Temperature. An estimate of the saturation pressure is also
required; enter a value in the text box labelled Saturation Pressure Estimate. If this is a poor
estimate, ask WinProp to generate internally a better initial guess for saturation pressure
calculation by checking the box Improve saturation pressure estimate. Details of the
calculation techniques can be found in Nghiem et al. (1985). Finally at a given temperature
there are two saturation pressures, the upper and lower values respectively. The upper value
can be a dew point or bubble point fluid, the lower is a dew point fluid. By default the upper
value is calculated as this corresponds to the reservoir saturation pressure at the given
temperature. The lower value can be chosen instead by selecting the button Lower dew point
in the frame labelled Calculation option.
Experimental data related to a saturation pressure calculation that can be matched via
regression are shown on the table on the first tab, Calculations. These include saturation
pressure, liquid and vapor mass densities, compressibilities and viscosities. The weight
assigned to each experimental data value can also be specified.
User's Guide WinProp Two-Phase Saturation and Phase Boundary Calculations • 57
Saturation Temperature
This option is invoked by selecting Calculations Saturation Temperature. An example data
set for this option is sat-temperature.dat.
For items on tab 2, Feed, K-values, Output level and Stability test level specifications, see
the Chapter “Common Data Required for Options”.
A value for the pressure at which the saturation temperature is to be calculated is required.
Enter a value in the text box labelled Pressure. An estimate of the saturation temperature is
also required; enter a value in the text box labelled Saturation Temperature Estimate. If
this is a poor estimate, ask WinProp to generate internally a better initial guess for saturation
temperature calculation by checking the box Improve saturation temperature estimate.
Generally there are two possible values for the saturation temperature at a given pressure.
The larger value corresponds to a dew point fluid whereas the lower value corresponds to a
bubble point fluid. By default the larger value is calculated. The lower value is chosen by
clicking on the button Lower sat. temperature in the frame labelled Common options.
Details of the calculation techniques can be found in Nghiem et al. (1985).
Experimental data related to a temperature pressure calculation that can be matched via
regression are shown on the table provided on tab Calculations. These include saturation
temperature, liquid and vapor mass densities, compressibilities and viscosities. The weight
assigned to each experimental data value can also be specified.
4,000
2,000
0
-200 0 200 400 600 800
Envelope Specification
The type of envelope to be calculated is specified on tab Envelope Specification. First, select
either X-Y Phase Envelope or Pseudo-Ternary Phase Envelope at the top of the tab. This
selection will activate the corresponding data entry area.
X-Y Phase Envelope
For X-Y phase envelopes, you must select which variable to use on the X-axis (independent
variable) and the Y-axis (dependent variable). The choices are Temperature and Composition
for the X-axis and Pressure or Temperature for the Y-axis. For a Pressure-Temperature (P-T)
diagram select Temperature as the independent variable and Pressure as the dependent variable.
For a Pressure-Composition (P-x) or swelling curve select Composition as the independent
variable and Pressure as the dependent variable. Finally for a Temperature-Composition (T-x)
diagram select Composition as the independent variable and Temperature as the dependent
variable. The envelope is generated by taking steps in terms of the independent variable, and
determining the corresponding value of the dependent variable on the phase boundary.
Minimum and maximum values for the X- and Y- variables are specified along with the axis
definitions. The calculation stops when any of these limiting values are exceeded. When
composition is selected as the independent variable, minimum and maximum independent
variable step sizes are also specified, as well as the upper and lower limits for the axis. P-x and
T-x diagrams are generated by adding a fluid defined by the secondary composition on the last
Composition form to the fluid defined as the feed for the envelope calculation.
Overview
Flash calculations determine the split of a system at a given pressure, temperature and feed
composition. The number of phases and the properties for each phase are calculated.
WinProp can perform many types of flash calculations:
1. Two-phase vapor-liquid
2. Three-phase vapor-liquid_1-liquid_2
3. Three-phase vapor-liquid-aqueous
4. Four phase flash calculation (fluid phases only)
5. Multiphase flash calculations with a solid phase
6. Isenthalpic flash calculation
In the above calculations, the fluid phases are modeled with an EOS, except for Calculation No.
3 where the component solubility in the aqueous phase is modeled by Henry's law. Calculation
No. 5 can be used for modelling asphaltene and wax precipitation. Flash calculations
performed in the single-phase region will yield a single-phase system. An option for single-
phase calculation is also available in WinProp and is described in this chapter.
Common input for two-phase flash, multiphase flash and asphaltene/wax modelling
calculations is described below, followed by descriptions of each of the flash types.
Asphaltene/Wax Modelling
Theoretical Background
Thermodynamic Model
The precipitation of asphaltene and wax phases is modelled using a multiphase flash
calculation in which the fluid phases are described with an equation of state and the fugacities
of components in the solid phase are predicted using the solid model described below. The
solid phase can consist of one or more components. The approach for modeling asphaltene
and wax precipitation is described in detail in Nghiem et al. (1993, 1996) and Kohse et al.
(2000). The precipitated phase is represented as an ideal mixture of solid components. The
fugacity of a precipitating component in the solid phase is:
v ⎡ p − p tp p * − p tp ⎤
ln f s = ln f s* + s ⎢ − ⎥
R ⎢ T T * ⎥
⎣ ⎦
ΔH tp ⎡ 1 1 ⎤ ΔC p ⎡ ⎛ T* ⎞ ⎤
− ⎢ln⎜ ⎟ − Ttp ⎛⎜ 1 − 1 ⎞⎟⎥
⎢ − ⎥− ⎜ ⎟
R ⎣ T T* ⎦ R ⎢⎣ ⎜⎝ T ⎟⎠ ⎝ T T * ⎠⎥⎦
Single-Phase Calculation
A flash calculation in the single-phase region yields a single-phase system. However, if the
fluid is known a priori to be single phase, its properties can be calculated directly with the
single-phase calculation option. This option is invoked by selecting Calculations|Single-
phase Fluid. Please be advised that WinProp will assume single-phase for all calculations
even if the fluid is multiphase. An example data set for this option is singlephase.dat.
Background
For systems that exhibit three-phase behavior, there exist conditions where one of the phase
mole fractions goes to zero. Under these conditions, there are two phases in equilibrium with
an infinitesimal amount of a third phase. The locus of all these conditions corresponds to a
three-phase boundary. Nghiem and Li [21] describe calculation techniques for constructing
the three-phase boundary; these are extensions of the two-phase boundary calculations
described in a separate chapter. You can calculate the following envelopes:
• Pressure-Temperature (PT) diagram
• Pressure-Composition (PX) diagram
• Temperature-Composition (TX) diagram
Input Data
The three-phase boundary calculation is invoked by selecting Calculations|Three-phase
Envelope. Examples of three-phase PT envelope and PX envelope are in envel_3ph-pt.dat
and envel_3ph-px.dat respectively. This calculation requires good initial guesses for
convergence. Therefore the pressure, temperature, and K-values must be obtained from a
previous three-phase flash calculation near the boundary as in envel_3ph-pt.dat, or entered by
the user as in envel_3ph-px.dat.
Envelope Specification Tab
Specify the type of envelope (PT, PX, or TX) to be calculated by selecting the variables for the
x- and y-axes on this tab. For the PT diagram the composition is fixed. The composition is
determined based on the data entered on the form Composition and the feed specification
entered on Tab Feed/Output/Stability. For the PT envelope, also specify the first point to be
calculated by entering a value for the x-variable and an estimate for the y-variable in the combo
boxes labelled Pressure and Temperature respectively. The x-variable and y-variable are also
called independent and dependent variables respectively. The choices for the combo box for the
y-variable are: Previous, or enter a value explicitly. For PX and TX diagrams the composition
changes as the envelope is traversed. The x-axis variable in these cases is the mole fraction of
the secondary fluid. The initial value of this mole fraction is as defined by the feed specification.
For the PX diagram, enter the initial guess for the pressure in the combo box labelled Pressure.
Also enter a value for the temperature (fixed) in the combo box labelled Temperature.
The estimates of the K-values for the first point on the boundary can be from a previous
calculation, or entered in the appropriate table as shown in the above figure.
Overview
Our experience shows that two representations of the components are normally required in
the modelling of the phase behavior of reservoir fluids. In the first stage, the fluid system is
represented by a large number of components (e.g. C1, C2, C3, ..., C29, C30+). Simple
calculations such as saturation pressure calculations are performed on this many-component
system to verify the adequacy of the EOS. We found that in most cases the EOS can predict
accurately the saturation pressure with only minor adjustment to the Hydrocarbon Interaction
Coefficient Exponent (HICE). See the chapter entitled “Regression” for more details. This
many-component representation is not practical for compositional simulation because of the
excessive run time and memory requirements. The second stage involves the lumping of the
many-component system into fewer components (e.g. 10).
Reservoir fluids typically consist of pure, well-defined components such as CO2, N2, C1, C2,
etc., and many hundreds of heptanes and heavier components (C7+). The laboratory analysis of
a reservoir fluid includes generally a gas chromatograph analysis of the C7+ fraction into Single
Carbon Number (SCN) fractions up to C30+ for example. Characterization of the C7+ fraction as
a number of pseudo-components is accomplished using WinProp’s Plus Fraction Splitting and
Component Lumping calculation options.
If a full extended analysis is available with mole fraction, MW and SG or Tb given for each
SCN fraction, the SCNs may be entered as user components directly on the Component
Selection/Properties form. If a complete analysis is not available, the Plus Fraction Splitting
calculation is used to define a distribution function relating mole fractions to molecular weights
of the C7+ fraction.
Three distribution functions are available in WinProp: exponential, two-stage exponential,
and gamma distribution. The implementation of the distribution functions depends on the
experimental data available.
If a partial extended analysis is given (e.g. only MW and mole fraction of the SCN fractions)
and one of the exponential distribution types is selected, the splitting calculation does not use
the distribution function. SG and Tb values for the SCN fractions are determined from
correlations based on the SG and MW of the plus fraction. Subsequently, critical properties
of the SCNs may be generated. After the splitting, the SCNs representing the C7+ fraction can
be lumped into fewer components based on K-values estimated from Wilson's correlation
using the Lee-Kesler mixing rules, (Lee and Kesler [15]).
When using the gamma distribution and gaussian quadrature without extended analysis, the
number of pseudo-components cannot be estimated via correlation and will be set equal to 3.
Lumping Method
Log(K) lumping is available when characterizing a single sample with any of the distribution
functions. Gaussian quadrature lumping may be used with the gamma distribution, and is
required for characterizing multiple samples. Log(K) lumping defines pseudo-components as
having equal ranges of log(K). Gaussian quadrature lumping defines pseudo-components via
analytical integration of the gamma distribution.
Critical Properties Correlation
Three correlations are available to calculate the critical properties of the SCNs.
1. Lee-Kesler (Kesler and Lee [12])
2. Riazi (Riazi and Daubert [34])
3. Twu (Twu [36])
On the Distribution Tab, parameters relating to the chosen distribution are entered. Three of
these properties are common to both exponential and gamma distribution types, as follows.
Lumping of Components
This option is invoked by selecting Characterization|Component Lumping. An example
data set for this option is lumping.dat. An example interface for this option is shown below.
Overview
WinProp performs the following laboratory calculations:
1. Recombination of separator oil and gas
2. Compressibility measurements
3. Constant composition expansion
4. Differential liberation
5. Separator test
6. Constant volume depletion
7. Swelling test
Descriptions of the above laboratory procedures can be found in Pedersen et al. [29] and McCain
[17]. You can also include experimental data in these calculations for regression purposes.
The values of λ, n, m and C are available in the literature for common compounds, see for
example Danesh [3]. For the C7+ fraction, a and b are obtained from an equation with the
specific gravity and molecular weight as well as the temperature being the inputs. Provision
is made to enter the specific gravity and molecular weight of the C7+ fraction on the
Recombination form. The values of a and b for the mixture are determined by molar
averaging. Please refer to reference [3], page 76-77 for more extensive presentation of this
material including an example calculation.
For the gas density the EOS value is reliable. However, a value may be entered directly or
calculated from the entered compressibility factor. A third option is to use the correlations of
Dranchuk, Purvis and Robinson [4]. Two methods are available for calculating the pseudo-
critical temperature and pressure: Kay’s rule and the Wichert and Aziz correlation [42].
The Hoffmann plot for the recombination can be generated by selecting the checkbox labelled
Perform Hoffmann, Crump, Hocott (HCH) Test at the bottom of the form.
The gas and oil are not in equilibrium from an EOS calculation viewpoint. Thus, a separator
calculation on the recombined fluid will not give the measured gas-oil ratio or oil and gas
compositions.
Another approach for doing recombination is to use the Separator calculation, and through a
trial-and-error approach find the fraction of gas in the gas/oil mixture that will give the
measured gas-oil ratio. The composition of the gas and oil are entered as the primary and
secondary compositions on Form Composition. The feed is specified on the second tab of
the Separator calculation by selecting the mole fraction of the primary fluid.
Differential Liberation
Laboratory Procedure
This procedure is generally performed for a black-oil fluid to simulate the conditions
encountered in the reservoir. The sample of reservoir liquid in the laboratory cell is brought
to the bubble point pressure, and the temperature is set to the reservoir temperature.
Pressure is reduced by increasing the cell volume. All the gas is expelled from the cell while
pressure is held constant by reducing the cell volume. The gas is collected, and its quantity and
specific gravity are measured. The process is repeated in steps until atmospheric pressure is
reached. The temperature is then reduced to 15 °C or 60 °F, and the volume of the remaining
liquid is measured. This corresponds to the residual oil from the differential liberation.
Each of the values of liquid volume in the cell is divided by the volume of the residual oil to
obtain the relative oil volume or formation volume factor, Bo. The compressibility of the gas
(Z-factor), the gas density and the formation volume factor of gas (Bg) are also measured.
The total volume of gas removed during the entire process is the amount of gas in solution at the
bubble point. The solution gas-oil ratio (Rs) is calculated by dividing the total volume of gas by
the volume of residual oil. The solution gas at any lower pressure is obtained by subtracting the
sum of gas removed down to the pressure of interest from the total volume of gas removed.
A schematic of the differential liberation process is shown below:
Gas off All gas
displaced
Gas
Gas
Gas
Oil
Oil
Oil
Oil
Oil
Hg
Hg Hg
Hg Hg
P 1 = P sat P 2 < P sat P 2 < P sat P 2 < P sat P 3 < P 2 < Psat
Hg Oil Hg
Hg Oil
Hg
Hg
P 1 = P sat P 2 < P sat P 2 < P sat P 2 < P sat P 3 < P 2 < Psat
Input Data
You invoke this option by selecting Lab|Constant Volume Depletion from the menu or by
selecting the CVD button on the options toolbar. An example data set is cvd.dat. For
illustration of consistency checks calculations on CVD experimental data, see the template
case, matbal-gc.dat. You enter data on Tabs Pressure Levels, Consistency Checks,
Separator and Feed/K-values/Output level/Stability test level.
On tab 1, Pressure Levels, enter the reservoir or CVD test temperature in the text box labeled
Temperature. For this test, an initial guess for the saturation pressure is required. This value is
entered on row 1 and column 1 of the main table on Tab 1. The program can use this value
directly in a saturation pressure calculation or refine the guess with a stability test. The latter
choice is selected by checking off the check box labeled improve saturation pressure estimate.
Further details are provided in the section entitled “Saturation Pressure”. The only other
required data are the values of the pressure steps. These are entered in the column labeled Pres.
on the main table provided on Tab 1. The first row of this table is reserved for the saturation
pressure. Enter values from highest pressure to the lowest pressure starting on row 2. Do not
leave any empty rows. Columns 2 through 4 are to be used for entering experimental data which
can be used for regression. On the column labeled Cum Gas produced (%), enter the percentage
recovery, that is total moles removed as a percentage of the initial moles (at saturation pressure)
charged to the cell. On the column labeled Liq. Sat (% of CVS) enter the percent of the cell
volume occupied by the liquid phase at each pressure step, relative to the volume occupied at
saturation conditions. For fluids with a dew point, at saturation pressure, this value is 0.0. For
volatile oils which exhibit a bubble point enter a value of 100 at the saturation pressure. On the
column labeled Gas Z factor enter the gas phase compressibility factor at each pressure. For a
given property such as Gas Z factor if experimental data is not available for a given pressure, then
enter a value of –1.0 for that row. A table below the main table on Tab 1 can be used to assign
weights to the different types of data entered. Please see also the section on “Convention for
experimental data input”. If data has been entered on Tab 2, Consistency Checks, that the user
would also like to use for regression purposes then clicking on the button labeled Copy
where Δnpi is the incremental moles of vapor produced from the cell during stage i. In terms
of the table entries, Δnpi is the difference in the values of “gas produced %” expressed as
fraction between stage i and stage (i-1). Note the initial stage (saturation conditions) is being
denoted as stage 1. The corresponding material balance equation for a component j is:
i=k
n tk z jk = z j1 − ∑ Δn pi .y ji
i=2
where zjk is the overall composition of the fluid remaining in the cell at stage k and yji is the
composition of the vapor phase removed from the cell at stage i. For density calculations the
mass and volume of each phase in the cell is required. The cell volume can be calculated
from the knowledge of initial fluid properties:
Separator Test
Laboratory Procedure
The reservoir fluid is sent to a multistage separator where the pressure and temperature are
selected to optimize liquid production. The last stage of the separator corresponds to the
stock tank.
A schematic of a conventional three-stage separation process is shown below:
The overall gas-oil ratio, the stock-tank specific gravity or API, and the oil formation volume
factor Bo are measured.
The implementation of the Separator option provides for considerable flexibility in
modelling separation strategies which do not conform to the conventional scheme described
above. This is often encountered with gas condensate fluids. Each separator has the
limitation of a single required input and two outputs corresponding to the vapor and liquid
streams. However the liquid output need not feed the next separator and the gas output is not
limited to join the gas product stream. For a given separator one of these output streams can
potentially become a product stream or feed a separator downstream. Recycling is not
allowed. The user can also specify new product streams aside from oil and gas such as LPG.
The oil and gas product streams however must always be present. Quantities that can be used
for regression calculation such as GOR will always therefore be defined.
Two examples via schematics are shown below of alternative separator calculations. In the
first case the oil product stream is made up of contributions from the liquid phase from the 3
separators. This is essentially a reversal of the conventional case where the gas product
stream is made up of the vapor phase from all the separators. In the second case a third
product stream labeled as LPG is defined.
GAS
OIL
GAS
LPG
OIL
The above equations all yield mass of initial in place fluid, gas removed and residual oil in
units of kg. The gas oil ratio appearing in the expression for the gas removed in stage k is the
liberated GOR and λk is the specific gravity of the gas coming out of solution in stage k. ρstc
is the stock tank density of the oil and ρs is the saturated fluid density. Bo is the formation
volume factor at saturated conditions.
Swelling Test
LABORATORY PROCEDURE
This experiment provides information on the fluid behavior under gas injection processes.
When a gas is injected into a reservoir, it can go into solution and swell the oil, i.e. the
volume of the oil becomes larger. Measurements of this effect can be performed as follows.
The reservoir oil is loaded in a cell, and the temperature is set at the reservoir temperature.
The bubble point of the oil and the corresponding volume are measured. A small amount of
injection gas is transferred into the cell. A new saturation pressure is determined and a new
saturation volume recorded. This process is repeated until the upper bound of injection-gas
concentration is reached or the saturation pressure of the fluid is equal to the estimated
injection pressure.
A constant composition expansion experiment may be performed for each mixture of
injection-gas and oil in the above process.
Input Data
This option is invoked by selecting Lab|Swelling Test or alternatively by clicking on the
SWL TEST button on the options toolbar. An example data set is swelling.dat. Enter data
on Tabs Mixtures and CCE.
The required data on Tab 1, Mixtures, include the temperature at which the experiment is
performed and an initial guess for the saturation pressure of the oil at the specified
temperature. If the Improve saturation pressure estimate box is checked this value will be
refined further via a stability test. For additional details refer to the section entitled
“Saturation Pressure”. The original oil is labelled as mixture #0. The initial guess for
saturation pressure entered in the text box Saturation pressure is also shown on the table on
Tab 1 to be used to specify the data for the other mixtures. The oil and gas compositions are
entered on the Composition form as primary and secondary fluids respectively.
The data on Tab 1, Mixtures, corresponding to template case swelling.dat is shown below.
Overview
The design of gas or solvent injection processes often involves a multiple-contact calculation to
study the vaporization or extraction process. There are two methodologies to analyze the gas
drive mechanism and miscible process in WinProp. Traditionally, with cell-to-cell simulation,
a pseudo-ternary diagram is generated from the calculations to help with the interpretation of
the results. Most gas or solvent injection floods operate in a regime where true miscibility is
not achieved, rather near miscible conditions are realized. High recoveries can be achieved
even though miscibility is not truly realized. As compared to conditions required for
miscibility, operation in this regime translates to lower operating costs as compression costs
increase with pressure and feedstock costs increase with the solvent enrichment level. These
are known as vaporizing/condensing processes (Zick [44]), and the resulting ternary diagram has
an hourglass shape. By analyzing the ternary diagrams from the MCM option in conjunction
with slim tube or core flood experiments, optimal operating conditions or solvent composition
can be determined. Please refer to Nutakki et al. [25] for a detailed discussion of this subject.
Besides the pure vaporizing or pure condensing processes, there is a combined drive
mechanism that has features of both vaporizing and condensing drives. In such a system, the
crossover tie line controls the development of miscibility, instead of initial oil tie line or
injection gas tie line. Geometric construction in the composition space is used to locate
all the key tie lines.
The MCM option in WinProp is used to calculate the minimum miscibility pressure (MMP) or
first contact miscible pressure (FCM) for a given oil and solvent at a particular temperature or
the minimum miscibility enrichment level (MME) required for multiple or single contact
miscibility at a given temperature, pressure, oil composition, primary and make up gas
compositions. Users can select the Cell-to-Cell simulation method or the Tie Line method to
calculate MMP or MME.
For both methods, the minimum miscibility pressure may be determined for a given solvent
composition by entering a range of pressures to be tested. Conversely, the minimum rich gas
enrichment level may be determined to achieve miscibility at a specified pressure by entering
a range of rich gas mole fractions to be tested. In both cases, the program reports the MMP or
MME if found and the mechanism by which miscibility is achieved, that is vaporizing or
condensing drive mechanism, or the combined vaporizing and condensing drive mechanism.
If FCM is within the entered pressure limits then it is reported as well. For the MMP
Data Input
The multiple-contact calculation option is invoked by selecting Calculations|Multiple
Contacts or by selecting the MCM button on the options toolbar. Example data sets for this
option are mcm-condensing.dat, mcm-vaporizing-co2.dat, mcm-combined-H95-8lean-
mmp.dat and mcm-Z12-5-mme.dat etc. The required data include the temperature, entered in
the text box on Tab 1, Conditions and a pressure or alternatively a pressure range for the
calculation. For calculation at a single pressure, enter the value in the text box Pressure. To
specify a pressure range enter the minimum pressure, Pmin, in the text box labelled Pressure
and enter a value for pressure step, Pstep, and the number of pressure steps, Nsteps. The
maximum pressure, Pmax = Pmin + Pstep *Nsteps. The user needs to select one of the calculation
methods: Cell-to-Cell simulation or Tie Line method. The other required data are the oil
composition entered on the Composition form, the primary and make up gas compositions
entered on Tab 2, Composition, the make up gas fraction or range of fractions and the
pseudoization scheme for the ternary diagram entered on Tab 2, Composition as well. For
calculation at a single solvent enrichment level, enter a value between 0.0 and 1.0 in the
Make-up gas fraction text box. The default value for the make-up gas fraction is zero,
implying the solvent composition equals the primary gas composition. In this case the make-
up gas composition is not required and values of zero can be entered. To specify a range of
make-up gas mole fractions, enter the minimum value in the Make-up gas fraction text box,
enter a value for the Make-up gas fraction step and for the No. of make-up gas fraction
steps. If Cell-to-Cell simulation is selected, the pseudoization scheme need to have a value
of 1, 2 or 3 to group a given component into the first, second or third pseudo-component
respectively. The pseudoization scheme is used in the post-processing step, which is just for
ternary plots; the actual calculations are done with the full set of components.
Note that if a range of pressures is specified (MMP calculation), only one solvent
composition may be entered. That is the Make-up gas fraction step must be 0.0 and the No.
of make-up gas fraction steps must be 1. Similarly for the MME calculation where a range
of make-up gas fractions is specified, only one pressure value may be entered.
The following steps are used in the calculation (the points referred to by letter are shown on
the diagram following step 4).
1. A solvent is first formed by mixing a primary gas (e.g. dry gas) with a specified
mole fraction of make-up gas (e.g. LPG). The compositions of the primary and
make-up gases, and the fraction of make-up gas are entered on Tab Composition.
The oil composition is specified on the form Composition.
B Oil
C
C1
B2
C2
B1
Critical Point
N2 and C1 belong to Pseudo-Component 1; IC5, NC5, NC6 and FC20 belong to Pseudo-
Component 3, while the remaining components belong to Pseudo-Component 2. The
resulting ternary diagram from this multiple contact calculation is shown below, where the
bottom left apex corresponds to Pseudo-Component 1, the bottom right apex corresponds to
Pseudo-Component 2 and the top apex represents Pseudo-Component 3.
90
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
m ol % of pseudo com ponent 2
Overview
The regression feature of WinProp can be used to “tune” the equation of state to match
experimental measurements. The parameters used in the regression are component properties
and interaction coefficients. Most of the calculation options of WinProp allow experimental
data to be entered for regression purposes.
WinProp uses the regression procedure of Agarwal et al. [2]. From the specified list of
parameters, the procedure orders the parameters such that the most sensitive parameters are used
first. The regression is performed on a small number of parameters at a time. The default is to
use a subset of 5 parameters, although this number can be modified. Once a parameter reaches
the maximum or minimum value allowed or does not contribute any longer to improving the
match, it is replaced by the next parameter that has not been used from the ordered list. Thus, a
large set of parameters can be specified, and WinProp will regress on a small number of
parameters at a time, working from the most sensitive parameters to the least sensitive parameters.
where xi,calc and xi,meas correspond to the calculated value and measured value respectively.
To exclude any measured value from the regression, precede it with a negative sign ("-").
Please see the section on “Convention for experimental data input.”
All calculations before the form Regression Parameters use the parameter values before
regression. All calculations after the form End Regression form use the parameter values
after regression. For the calculation options that are included in the regression, the output and
plots contain both results before and after regression.
In the above example, the CMG GEM EOS Model option was used to print component
properties before and after the regression (see the section on “GEM fluid model generation
and component properties printing”).
Parameter Selection
Component properties for regression are selected on tab Component Properties of the
Regression Parameters form.
The interaction coefficients between hydrocarbon components are calculated from the
equation described in section “Interaction coefficients” in the Chapter “Components”. The
HC-HC Int. Coef. Exponent is an important parameter for matching reservoir fluid saturation
pressure. The list of HC-HC groups, defined earlier via the Component
Selection/Properties form is shown in the list box under the frame with the caption
Hydrocarbon Groups. To select specific groups as regression parameters, first select the
option button labeled Select from list and then highlight entries from the list by holding
down the CTRL key and clicking with the left mouse button. The interaction coefficients
involving non-hydrocarbon components are selected by clicking on the grid.
Parameters specific to the viscosity correlations are selected on the tab Viscosity Parameters.
As discussed in the “Components” chapter, there are two types of viscosity correlations
available in WinProp: Jossi-Stiel-Thodos (JST) and Pedersen. When JST is being used, the
correlation coefficients and the component critical volumes for viscosity are available to be
selected as regression parameters. When the Pedersen correlation is active, only the correlation
coefficients appear as possible regression variables on this tab. Both correlations also depend
on the component critical pressures, critical temperatures and molecular weights. By leaving
these values fixed, however, and regressing only on the parameters appearing on the viscosity
parameters tab, the process of matching experimental viscosity data can be completely
decoupled from the process of tuning the EOS to PVT data.
Convergence tolerance If the change in the objective function between two iterations,
or the absolute value of the objective function, is less than this
value, the regression stops.
Maximum number of The regression stops after the specified number of iterations.
iterations
Overview
The compositional grading phenomenon refers to a variation in fluid composition with depth
in a reservoir. As depth increases the mole fraction of light components decreases, density
increases and GOR decreases. Near critical oils and volatile fluids exhibit the largest
compositional grading effects, while black oils have the least variation in properties with
depth. Compositional grading is reduced if the system is highly undersaturated.
Assessment of compositional grading is important in estimation of fluid in place,
initialization of reservoir simulators and consideration of production alternatives. For
example, when considering gas injection in a reservoir with compositional grading the
solvent composition required to achieve miscibility will vary with depth. There are two
model formulations available for performing the compositional gradient calculation: the
isothermal model or the thermal model.
The isothermal compositional gradient calculation solves the gravity/chemical equilibrium
problem. Given the composition and pressure at a reference depth, the composition and pressure
at any other specified depth can be determined. The saturation pressure at the specified depth is
also calculated. If there is transition from bubble point to dew point saturation conditions over
the calculation interval, the GOC depth will be estimated. This is done with a simple halving
algorithm to locate the depth at which the transition from bubble point to dew point occurs. This
ultimately requires saturation determination in the vicinity of the critical point, which can cause
failure of the saturation calculation. The GOC calculation continues until an interval of 0.1m is
reached or until the saturation calculation fails. For this reason, the accuracy to which the GOC
depth was determined is reported in the summary table. Formulation of the problem and the
required solution algorithms are given in Whitson and Belery [39].
The thermal model incorporates the effect of the geothermal temperature gradient on the
compositional gradient. Thermal diffusion effects as well as the variation of fluid properties
as a function of temperature can be included in the model. As for the isothermal model, the
location of the GOC will be estimated if it exists. When the temperature is not constant, the
system is not in equilibrium. The model solves for a stationary state, or zero mass flux
condition, as described in Hoier and Whitson (SPE 63085).
Please note that the equation of state must predict a single-phase system for the reference
composition at the reference pressure. If the system is unstable, the calculation cannot be
performed. If experimental data indicate that the initial condition should be stable, some
EOS tuning may be required before the compositional gradient calculation can be carried out.
Data Input
Example data sets for the compositional grading calculation are given in compgrad-blackoil.dat
and compgrad-voloil.dat. For field units, temperature is entered in °F, pressure in psia and
depth in feet. For SI units, temperature is entered in °C, pressure in kPa and depth in meters.
For Feed, K-values, Output level and Stability test level specifications, see the Chapter
“Common Data Required for all Options”.
Specification of the primary calculation options is done on tab General. Enter the reservoir
temperature at the reference depth in the text box Reference Temperature. In the text box
Reference Pressure enter a value for the pressure corresponding to the reference depth entered
in text box Reference Depth.
Enter the depth to the top and bottom of the formation in text boxes Depth to Top and Depth to
Bottom respectively. The total height of the fluid column as defined by these depths is divided
by the number of calculation intervals specified in the text box No. of Calculation Intervals to
determine the evenly spaced points at which the calculation is performed. The default value is
ten. If the user desires the calculation to be performed at certain specific depths, these can be
entered in the table provided. Enter each depth in the column headed Depth Value.
The user can monitor the composition changes with depth for a given component or a range
of components. This information will be printed in the summary table in the output file.
When a range is selected the mole fractions of the specified components are summed and the
total reported. For the first component or range of components to be tracked select the lower
and upper limits through the combo boxes located next to the label Key Component 1. For
the second key component or range select the lower and upper limits through the combo
boxes located next to the label Key Component 2. The upper component must have a
component index greater than or equal to the index for the lower component.
Overview
You can use this option of WinProp to generate the complete PVT data required by CMG’s
steam and additives thermal simulator STARS. The data which may be generated includes:
1. Initial composition data
2. Liquid component densities, compressibility and thermal expansion coefficients,
plus nonlinear mixing function data for density
3. Liquid component viscosity tables or correlation coefficients, plus nonlinear
mixing function data for viscosity
4. Simple analytical correlation for component vapor-liquid K-values
5. Tabular gas-liquid K-values
6. Tabular liquid-liquid K-values
7. Tabular solid-liquid K-values
8. Gas-liquid and liquid-liquid K-values at surface conditions
Overview
This option can simulate processes which may not conform to any of the standard laboratory
options such as differential liberation or constant volume depletion. The user can use this
option to custom design a plant or surface separation scheme. Keep in mind that no pressure
drops are allowed between units and there are no heat losses between units. In addition, no
recycling is allowed in the system.
There are 6 different unit types to choose from. The table below summarizes the
characteristics of each unit type.
*For the constant volume equilibrium cell the flow rates and the compositions of the vapor
and liquid output streams are determined by the following procedure. The equilibrium
compositions and volumes of the vapor and liquid phases are determined by the flash
calculation. An amount of the vapor phase is purged so that the total volume of remaining
vapor and liquid equals to the volume of the feed stream. The purged amount of the vapor
phase is reported as the vapor phase flow rate. The remaining vapor and liquid phase in the
cell is combined and reported as the output liquid phase composition and flow rate.
Tab Input Streams is used to add, delete or edit input streams. To define a new stream click
on the Add button. The Stream name field will be filled with the string INSTR- followed
by a number reflecting the total number of streams defined. The Stream name field cannot
be edited by the user. The Composition field will show the default choice of PRIMARY.
By default the Primary mole fraction field will show the value of 1.0 and be disabled. The
primary composition entered on the most recently defined composition form is echoed on the
composition grid. The composition grid is disabled for edits by default. The following table
shows the ways in which the composition may be specified for an input stream and the
controls involved.
User defined composition Select USER INPUT from the Disabled Enabled
composition drop down box. This
will enable the composition grid.
Enter values directly on this grid
Enter the flow rate, pressure and temperature in fields labeled Flow rate, Pressure and
Temperature respectively. The flow rate can be specified on a molar or volumetric basis. The
default is molar rates. Use the menu labeled Flow Units to select Molar or Volumetric basis.
If SI units are being used then the molar rates should be kmol/time and volumetric rates in
m3/time whereas for Field units the molar rates are in lb-mole/time and volumetric rates are in
ft3/time. The final required piece of information is the name of the unit to which the input
stream is directed. Enter the name of the unit or select from one of the units already defined
through the drop down combo box labeled Input to. If the name of the unit is entered then this
unit will be automatically created as a splitting unit. The user can set the properties of this unit
subsequently by locating the appropriate record on tab 2, Process Units.
To move between the defined input stream records click on the VCR type navigation arrows
on the data control labeled Input Stream on the left bottom corner of the tab. The fields for
a particular record can be edited by first loading the record via the data control and then
entering new values on the corresponding text boxes such as flow rate etc. The changes will
be saved by moving to a new record or by clicking on the OK button To delete an existing
input stream use the data control to locate the record and then click on the Delete button. To
save changes made on the tabs on the form press the OK button. The Cancel button will
close the form without saving any of the changes.
Overview
This option can be used to generate the PVT data for simulation studies with CMG’s black-
oil simulator IMEX as well as other commercially available black-oil simulators. In the latter
case, some of these simulators implement the Extended Black-Oil Formulation. In addition
to the standard black-oil parameters an additional parameter, the condensate gas ratio, often
denoted as Rv is added to account for oil component vaporization in the gas phase at reservoir
conditions. WinProp can generate PVT data for the extended black-oil model. Unlike
models for CMG’s own simulator IMEX the data is presented in a “generic” format. The
keywords do not exactly correspond to a specific simulator.
The calculations should be done once an EOS model is obtained for the oil, generally through
characterization of the heavy end followed by regression to match the available data. The
PVT data is written out to a file with the root name corresponding to the input-data-file and
with the extension (.imx). For example if the input file name is test.dat, the PVT data file
will be test.imx. If the PVT data is designed for IMEX then it may be referenced as an
include file in an IMEX data set or opened with ModelBuilder. If the PVT data is targeted at
some other simulator then the information in the .imx file may require editing prior to use in
the specific simulator of choice.
A total of thirteen different fluid component models may be specified with IMEX. At
present, WinProp can be used to generate six of those models, namely Black-Oil, Pseudo-
miscible with chase gas, Pseudo-miscible without chase gas, Gas-Water, Gas-Water with
Condensate and Volatile Oil. Please refer to the IMEX user guide for more information on
these fluid models.
For PVT data aimed at one of IMEX’s models, the following information is written out to the
output file:
1. The *PVT *BG|*EG|*ZG 1 keyword and associated table (1 is always written out
for the table number) are written for the oil models. The columns of this table are
pressure, gas-oil ratio, oil formation volume factor, gas formation volume factor |
gas expansion factor | gas Z-factor, oil viscosity and gas viscosity. For the pseudo-
miscible option with chase gas, the solution gas always remains in solution. The
solution gas-oil ratio is fixed and input through a field on the Solvent tab (writes
out keyword *GORINT). The bubble point pressure versus solution gas-oil ratio
curve in the table belongs to the chase gas. This is NOT taken into account when
values are written to the PVT table. The total amount of solution gas is the value
3. The stock tank densities of the oil, gas and water phase as well as the water phase
properties.
To generate the PVT data for the extended black-oil model the following information is required:
1. Composition of oil and, if the swelling curve is to be generated, the gas composition.
These are entered on the Composition form. Oil is entered as the primary fluid and
gas is the secondary fluid. The injection gas composition can alternatively be chosen
to be the solution gas. The selection is made on Tab 5 “Gas Properties”.
2. Selection of the PVT Experiment. For black-oils, differential liberation
corresponds the best to the depletion process occurring in the reservoir. For light
oils differential liberation or constant volume depletion may be chosen. For gas
condensates the constant volume depletion experiment is appropriate. The PVT
experiment provides samples of the gas and oil phase which are then flashed
through the user defined separators to obtain the oil and gas properties. This
choice is made on Tab 1 of the Write BLACK-OIL PVT data form.
3. Selection of the method for calculating oil phase properties. Oil phase properties can
be obtained by flashing a sample of the oil phase at each depletion pressure through the
user defined separators (Method of Whitson and Torp) or alternatively from material
balance equations (Method of Coats). This choice is made on Tab 1 of the form.
4. Option for calculating oil phase properties above the original saturation pressure. If
values for the oil and gas properties are required for pressures greater than the
original saturation pressure than a choice of three techniques is available. Option 1
is to simulate a swelling test to extend the curves. This requires the injection gas
composition. This method generally works well for black-oils. Option 2 is to
extrapolate the curves while honoring certain relationships between the parameters.
For black-oils (but generally not for light oils and condensates) there is a linear
relationship between oil phase formation volume and GOR. There is also a linear
relationship between oil density and viscosity. Option 3 is to simply extrapolate the
curves individually without assuming any specific relationship between the
parameters. Option 3 appears to be the only viable option for light oils and gas
condensates.
5. The reservoir temperature and a guess for the saturation pressure of the original oil.
These are entered on tab 2 of the Black-Oil PVT Data form.
6. At least one pressure step for the differential liberation experiment or constant
volume depletion experiment on the grid with the label No. of pressure levels on
tab Pres. levels.
DP BOFAC VOFAC BOFAC VOFAC BOFAC VOFAC BOFAC VOFAC BOFAC VOFAC
BOFAC VOFAC BOFAC VOFAC BOFAC VOFAC BOFAC VOFAC BOFAC VOFAC
BOFAC VOFAC
Laboratory Procedure
This procedure is generally performed to obtain PVT data for black-oil simulation. The
sample of reservoir liquid in the laboratory cell is brought to the bubble-point pressure, and
the temperature is set to the reservoir temperature. Pressure is reduced by increasing the cell
volume. All the gas is expelled from the cell while pressure is held constant by reducing the
cell volume. The gas is collected and its composition and volume are measured at the
experiment conditions as well as standard conditions. This enables the formation volume
factor of gas (Bg) to be calculated. The gas viscosity is also measured. A sample of the oil
phase is removed at each pressure and its viscosity is measured. The oil sample is then
flashed through the separators to obtain the formation volume factor and gas-oil ratio. The
process is repeated in steps until atmospheric pressure is reached. For the light oil model the
gas sample at each step is also put through the separators to obtain the gas shrinkage as well
as condensate production at the surface.
To obtain data corresponding to the swelling curve the procedure for the swelling experiment
is followed to obtain the saturation pressure. The reservoir oil is loaded in a cell, and the
temperature is set at the reservoir temperature. The bubble point of the oil is measured. A
small amount of injection gas is transferred into the cell. A new saturation pressure is
determined. This process is repeated until the upper bound of injection-gas concentration is
reached (e.g. 60 mol %) or the saturation pressure of the fluid is equal to the estimated
injection pressure. Each oil/gas mixture is then flashed through the separators to get the oil
formation volume factor and GOR. In addition the properties of the equilibrium gas is
measured and reported (gas formation volume factor, viscosity).
Input Data
This option is invoked by selecting Simulator PVT|Black-Oil PVT Data or by clicking on
the options toolbar button BLK PVT. The template files imex-blackoil.dat,
imex_condensate.dat and imex_voloil.dat show the data entry for all of the supported fluid
models for IMEX. Normally only a single Black-Oil PVT Data form should be included in
a data set. There are also two additional template cases, extended_blackoil.dat illustrating
generation of PVT data for an extended black oil model and format2_blackoil.dat for black
oil model with the results written out in format type 2. On tab Model select either “CMG
IMEX PVT Models”, “Extended Black-Oil PVT models” or “Black Oil PVT Model (format
II)”. If IMEX PVT model is chosen then select further one the six available fluid models, for
“Black Oil PVT Model (format II)”, choose one of the four available models. Then enter data
on Tabs Sat. Pressure, Pres. Levels, Water properties (optional), Oil properties and Gas
properties. The Solvent properties tab is also enabled for data entry if one of the pseudo-
miscible fluid models of IMEX is selected. For “Extended Black-Oil PVT models” select the
“Experiment Type” and the method of calculating oil properties, one of either “Whitson-
Torp” or “Coats”. Selection of “Whitson-Torp” implies oil phase properties are calculated by
flashing a sample of the oil phase at each pressure step of the differential liberation, constant
volume depletion or swelling test simulation. By selecting “Coats”, oil phase properties are
calculated by material balance principles where possible, that is, for pressures less than the
144 • Black-Oil PVT Data Generation User's Guide WinProp
original oil saturation pressure. If data for pressures greater than original oil saturation
pressure is required then select the method for generating this data. There are three choices
here: “Swelling experiment”, “Extrapolation assuming relationship between parameters” and
“straight extrapolation of each individual property”.
For a description of the data on Tab Sat. Pressure, please refer to the section entitled
“Saturation Pressure”.
On Tab Pres. Levels, enter the pressure levels for the differential liberation calculation
underneath the label No. of pressure levels. These pressures should all be less than the
saturation pressure if the swelling option is being used to generate data for pressures greater
than the original oil saturation pressure. If the extrapolation option is being used enter all
pressures in the “differential liberation” table including pressures greater than the original oil
saturation pressure. Enter values starting from the highest pressure value to the lowest
pressure value. As values are entered the caption No. of pressure levels will be updated
accordingly. Rows can be added or deleted from this table by invoking the Table item on the
menu. At least one value is required.
The pressure and temperature for the separator stages can be defined in the frame labeled
Separator conditions. A maximum of eight separator stages excluding the stock tank is
allowed. The stock tank pressure is entered in the text box labeled Stock tank pressure and
the stock tank temperature in the text box labeled Stock tank temperature. The stock tank
stage is always included in the calculation whereas the inclusion of other separators is
optional. The separator pressure and temperature are entered directly on the table. Please
enter values starting from the highest pressure to the lowest pressure on the table. If there is
only one separator then the pressure and temperature for this separator should be entered on
row 1. For two separators use the first two rows.
If the swelling curve is to be generated then enter the mole fraction of the gas in column 2 of
the table labeled No. of swelling experiments. On column 3 enter the initial guess for the
saturation pressure of this mixture and column 4 enter the saturation pressure flag. Valid
entries here are either 2 or –2. A value of 2 indicates that the initial guess for saturation
pressure will be improved via stability analysis, while a value of –2 indicates that the initial
guess entered on the table will be used directly.
The tab Pressure levels corresponding to imex-blackoil.dat is shown below:
Where ρsto and ρstg are fixed surface densities and bo = 1/Bo, bg = 1/Bg. The stock tank
densities are obtained from the output of the separators at saturation pressure. The values at
the saturation pressure are obtained by the Whitson-Torp method.
Compressibility test
Oil and gas properties calculated for IMEX or for the extended black-oil simulator are
checked to ensure that the total compressibility is greater than zero. This requires that the oil
and gas compressibilities (Co and Cg) respectively as defined by the following equations are
greater than zero:
C0 =
(
1 ⎡ − dB o dR s B g − R v Bo ⎤
+
)
⎢ ⎥
B0 ⎣ dp dp (1 − R s R v ) ⎦
Cg =
(
1 ⎡ − dB g dR v B0 − R s B g ⎤
+
)
⎢ ⎥
Bg ⎣ dp dp (1 − R s R v ) ⎦
List
1. Ahmed, T.: Hydrocarbon Phase Behavior, Gulf Publishing Company, Houston,
1989.
2. Agarwal, R.K., Li, Y.-K., and Nghiem, L.: "A Regression Technique With
Dynamic Parameter Selection for Phase-Behavior Matching", SPE Reservoir
Engineering, February 1990, pp. 115-120.
3. Danesh, Ali: Developments in Petroleum Science 47, PVT and Phase Behaviour
of Petroleum Reservoir Fluids, Elsevier, 1998.
4. Dranchuk, P.M., Purvis R.A., and Robinson D.B.: "Computer Calculations of
Natural Gas Compressibility Using the Standing and Katz Correlation", Institute of
Petroleum Technical Series, No IP 74-008, 1974.
5. Firoozabadi, A., Katz, D.L., Soroosh, H., and Sajjadian, V.A.: "Surface Tension of
Reservoir Crude-Oil-Gas Systems Recognizing the Asphalt in the Heavy
Fraction", SPE Reservoir Engineering, February 1988, pp. 265-272.
6. Grabowski, M.S., and Daubert, T.W.: "A Modified Soave Equation of State for
Phase Equilibrium Calculations", I. & E.C. Process Design and Development, Vol.
17, No. 4, 1978, pp. 443-454.
7. Goossens, A.G.: "Prediction of Molecular Weight of Petroleum Fractions", Ind.
Eng. Chem. Res., 35, 1996, pp. 985-988.
8. Heidemann, R.A., and Khalil, A.M.: "The calculation of Critical Points", AIChE
J., Vol. 26, September 1980, pp. 769-779.
9. Hoffman, A.E., Crump, J.S., and Hocott, C.R.: "Equilibrium Constants for a Gas
Condensate System", Trans. AIME, 198, pp. 1-10, 1953.
10. Jhaveri, B.S., and Youngren, G.K.: "Three-Parameter Modification to the Peng-
Robinson Equation of State to Improve Volumetric Predictions", SPE Reservoir
Engineering, Vol. 3, No. 3, August 1988, pp. 1033-1040.
11. Katz, D.L., and Firoozabadi, A.: "Predicting Phase Behavior of
Condensate/Crude-Oil Systems Using Methane Interaction Coefficients", J. Petrol.
Technol., Vol. 30, November 1978, pp. 1649-1655.
12. Kesler, M.G., and Lee, B.I.: "Improve Prediction of Enthalpy of Fractions",
Hydro. Proc., March 1976, pp. 153-158.
Case Studies
Introduction
The case studies presented in this section are designed to guide the user step-by-step through
practical phase behavior modelling problems.
Case Study Number 1 describes in detail the steps involved in heavy fraction characterization
and equation of state tuning for a gas condensate. Working through this case study will
provide practice in techniques for data set editing, the component properties updating
procedure, data specification for a number of calculation options, as well as possible methods
to use in your own regression problems.
Case Study Number 2 illustrates the use of the Oil-Gas-Water flash for predicting solubility
of gases in brine and regression on the aqueous phase solubility parameters. Generation of
the required equation of state parameters to define the fluid model for CMG’s GEM
compositional simulator is also shown.
Case Study Number 3 shows how to develop a model for predicting precipitation of
asphaltene from a black oil under pressure depletion.
Case Study Number 1: Gas Condensate Modelling
In this Case Study, the Peng-Robinson equation of state will be tuned via regression to match
the PVT behavior of a Gas Condensate fluid. Data for this example are taken from the
Petroleum Engineering Handbook (H.B. Bradley, Editor-in-Chief, Society of Petroleum
Engineers, 1987, pp. 39-6 to 39-9). The data given are typical for a fluid of this type,
including hydrocarbon analyses of separator products, and results of constant composition
expansion and constant volume depletion laboratory experiments.
Create Data Set for Splitting Calculation
Begin by double-clicking the WinProp icon in the CMG Technologies Launcher (accessed
from the Windows Start Menu). This will open WinProp with a new blank data set ready for
editing. The required forms Titles/EOS/Units, Component Selection/Properties and
Composition are placed in the new data set by default.
The first step in modelling the condensate fluid will be to split the heptanes plus fraction.
The splitting calculation is inserted into the data set by selecting Characterization|Plus
Fraction Splitting from the main menu or by clicking on the SPLT button on the options
toolbar. The data set should now look like the one below:
A message will be issued when this form is closed, warning that the composition does not
sum to 1 or 100. Since the heptane plus fraction has not yet been included in the system, this
warning can safely be ignored.
The interaction coefficients can be left as they were selected for the last run.
30.0
60.0
Liquid Volume, %
Produced Gas, %
25.0
original mol
original vol.
20.0
40.0
15.0
10.0
20.0
5.0
0.0 0.0
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000
Pressure (psia)
6000
5000
Pressure (psia)
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
Temperature (deg F)
2-Phase boundary 90.000 volume %
80.000 volume % 70.000 volume %
mole percent
Double-click on the Regression Parameters row to bring up the data entry form. The only
parameters that we want to modify are the reference Henry’s constant and molar volume at
infinite dilution for CO2. Scroll over on the grid shown on the Component Properties tab to
display the last two columns in the grid. Click in the row corresponding to CO2 under the
columns labelled “Henry Const.” and “V inf.” to select the parameters to use in regression.
The form should now appear as shown below.
Click OK to return to the main form. When the dialog box appears asking if you would like
to change the number of simultaneous regression parameters, answer No to retain the default
value. When there are five or fewer regression parameters specified, the default is to set the
Click on the Exp. Solubility tab to enter the data generated earlier for solubility of CO2 in
brine. Make sure that the unit selected for entering the solubility is Mole Fraction, then
enter the value predicted for the amount of CO2 in brine from the first part of this case study.
For the flash at 500 psia, the amount of CO2 in the aqueous phase was calculated to be
0.47996 mole%, thus the entry in the table should be 0.0047996 as shown below. All of the
other entries in the table can be left blank. They will default to a value of “-1”. A negative
value indicates that a given experimental data point will not be used in the regression.
This will insert a CMG GEM EOS Model form into the data set. Double-click on this row
to bring up the data entry form.
Under File Selection, click the check box labelled Print component properties for GEM. It is
also possible to get an echo of the component properties to the output file by clicking the check
box labelled Print detailed component properties to *.OUT. GEM does not need to have the
water component included in the component list, therefore the checkbox labeled Include H2O in
GEM component list can be left in its default unchecked state. To output Henry’s constants
and molar volumes, the check box labelled Print aqueous phase component solubility
parameters must also be checked. Note that when the solubility parameters are defined on the
Component Selection/Properties form, they are constant for a data set, and the option buttons
available under Solubility Parameters will have no effect. Selecting these options only affects
the results when the internal model is used to generate Henry’s constants and other solubility
parameters. The reservoir temperature must also be entered to complete the fluid model
description for GEM.
The completed form should now appear like the one below. Click OK to return to the main form.
Component Oil 1
Nitrogen 0.57
Carbon Dioxide 2.46
Methane 36.37
Ethane 3.47
Propane 4.05
i-Butane 0.59
n-Butane 1.34
i-Pentane 0.74
n-Pentane 0.83
Hexanes 1.62
Heptanes plus 47.96
Total 100.00
C7+ molecular weight 329
C7+ specific gravity 0.9594
Live oil molecular weight 171.4
Stock tank oil API gravity 19.0
Asphaltene content in stock tank oil, wt% 16.8
Reservoir temperature, °F 212
Saturation pressure, psia 2950
Fluid Characterization
To begin this case study, a data set has been prepared to characterize the fluid by defining the
compositions of components up to C6 and pseudo-components describing the C7+ fraction. The
data set is named Case_study-3-split.dat and is located in the WinProp templates directory, for
example cmg\WinProp\2000.10\Tpl. You can begin by using this file, or by constructing your
own data set as described in Case Study Number 1. From the table above, the composition data
to C6 has been used, and a Plus Fraction Splitting calculation has been specified with the C7+
molecular weight and specific gravity. The plus fraction will be lumped into 4 pseudo-
components, and the Lee-Kesler critical property correlations will be used.
Perform the splitting calculation either by running your own data set, or by running the
Case_study-3-split.dat data set.
Update the System Component Specification
After splitting, the equation of state model can now be tuned to any available PVT data via
regression. First, the component specification must be updated to reflect the results of the
splitting calculation. This is done by selecting File|Update component properties from the
file menu, which will modify the first three forms in the data set. Save the data set under a
new name to avoid overwriting the original file by selecting File|Save As ... and entering a
new name. Remove the splitting calculation from the data set by selecting the row labelled
Plus Fraction Splitting and pressing the Delete key or by selecting Edit|Delete from the
A copy of this data set, Case_study-3-regress.dat is available in the templates directory for
comparison to your own work. Run the data set, then view the output from the run. The
regression summary table at the end of the output file shows that an exact match to the
saturation pressure was achieved.
The model is now ready to be modified for asphaltene precipitation prediction.
First update the component properties as before, then save the file under a new name.
Now click on the first column in the row for the component that you just entered, i.e. click on
the component name FC6, and use Ctrl-V or Edit|Paste to paste the properties onto the new
component. The component names can now be edited, for example C31A+ and C31B+. To be
able to specify interaction coefficients with the other components individually for the C31B+
component, as opposed to calculating them with the hydrocarbon interaction coefficient
exponent, the HC flag in the column next to the component name can be set to 0. The
component list should now appear as follows:
Run the data set, and click on the button with the Excel icon on the toolbar to create the plots.
You should see that the shape of the asphaltene precipitation curve from the upper onset
pressure to the saturation pressure shows the expected trend of increasing precipitation with
decreasing pressure. Note also that the predicted amount of asphaltene at the reference
pressure of 4014.7 psia is exactly equal to the experimental value of 0.402 wt%. The shape of
the curve at lower pressures is incorrect. The final step in this case study discusses how to
adjust the solid model parameters to achieve the correct shape of the precipitation curve.
Adjustment of Solid Model Parameters
As the solid precipitation model used in WinProp is thermodynamic, as opposed to kinetic,
reversibility of precipitation is possible. i.e. precipitated solids can redissolve in the liquid
phase. This phenomena has been observed in the laboratory for pressure depletion. Usually
the maximum amount of precipitation occurs around the saturation pressure of the fluid.
Below this pressure, liberation of gas from the oil changes the solubility parameter of the
liquid phase and allows redissolution of the precipitated asphaltene. It is possible that all of
the precipitated asphaltene will go back into solution at sufficiently low pressures.
The parameters that control this behavior in the solid model are the solid molar volume and
the interaction parameter between the precipitating component and the light ends of the oil.
Increasing the solid molar volume increases the maximum amount of precipitation at the
saturation pressure. Increasing the interaction parameter with the light ends will force the
1.00
Solid Precipitate (wt %)
0.80
0.60
0.40
0.20
0.00
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000
Pressure (psia)
212.00 deg F
Equations
The following are the equations used in WinProp.
Cubic Equation of State
A cubic equation of state takes the general form
RT a
p= − 2 (2.1.1a)
v − b v + vb(1 + c ) − cb 2
or
RT a
p= − (2.1.1b)
v − b (v + δ1 b )(v + δ 2 b )
where
2δ1 = (1 + c ) − (1 + c)2 + 4c
δ1 δ 2 = − c
When c=1, Equation (2.1.1a) becomes the Peng-Robinson Equation of State and when c=0, it
becomes the Soave-Redlich-Kwong Equation of State.
For pure components, the parameters a and b are expressed in terms of the critical properties
and the acentric factor:
a = a cα
a c = Ω a (RTc ) / p c
(
α = 1 + κ 1 − T / Tc )
b = Ω b RTc / p c (2.1.2)
Define
A ≡ ap /( RT ) 2
and
B ≡ bp / RT
Si ≡ a i ∑ x j (1 − d ij ) a j
j
b = ∑ x i bi (2.1.4)
i
ln φ i =
bi
(Z − 1) − ln(Z − B) − 1 A ⎛⎜ 2Si − b i ⎞⎟ ln⎛⎜⎜ Z + δ 2 B ⎞⎟⎟ (2.1.6)
b δ 2 − δ1 B ⎝ a b ⎠ ⎝ Z + δ1 B ⎠
Calculation of Parameters
The above equations require the knowledge of Ωa, Ωb and κ. The two parameters Ωa, Ωb are
obtained from the critical condition. At the critical point, the compressibility factor will have
three real and equal roots (Martin, 1979).
(Z − Z c )3 = 0
Comparing with the above Z equation results in
Ω b = 1 / (3Z1 + c )
Ω b = ( Z13 + c + c / Ω b )Ω 2b
Z c = Ω b Z1
where
Z1 ≡ 1 + Z 2 + 2 / Z 2
Z 2 ≡ (3 + c + Z 3 )
1/ 3
Z 3 ≡ c 2 + 6c + 1
Equation (2.1.7)
⎛ Z − B⎞ A ⎛ Z B + δ 2 B Z A + δ1 B ⎞
⎟⎟ − (Z B − Z A )
1
G A − G B = ln⎜⎜ B ⎟⎟ + ln⎜⎜ (2.1.8)
⎝ Z A − B ⎠ δ 2 − δ1 B ⎝ Z A + δ 2 B Z B + δ 1 B ⎠
If GA - GB > 0, ZB will be selected and vice versa. For single-phase fluids, if the above
scheme selects the largest Z root, the fluid is said to be vapor. Similarly, if the smallest
positive Z root is chosen, the fluid is said to be liquid.
In cases where the Z-factor equation yield only one real root, the naming of the phase to be
vapor or liquid is irrelevant. For identification purposes, the criteria according to Gosset et al
(1986) is used.
The fluid is designated as liquid when A/B > Ωa / Ωb and Z < (Zc/Ωb)B, else it is designated
as vapor.
For simplicity, the EOS Zc as shown in Equation (2.1.7) is used in the above criteria. For
multiphase fluids, the phases are identified according to their mass densities. The lower
density phase is arbitrarily denoted as vapor.
(v i / RT − 1 / p )dp + ln(x i p )
p
ln f i = ∫ (2.1.9)
o
where vi is the partial molar volume. The equilibrium conditions require that
ln f iL = ln f iv (2.1.10)
A volume translation modifies the molar volume of the system v predicted by the equation of
state as follows:
vt = vo − ~
v (2.1.11)
v = ∑ x i ri
~
ri = t i B ci
and
RTc
B ci = Ω b
pc
where ti is the dimensionless individual translation value for each component and the
superscripts o and t correspond respectively to the results before and after the volume
translation. Bci is the hard core molecular volume of component i. By using equation
(2.1.11), the fugacities of the component i after the volume translation become:
ln f it = ln f io − pri / RT (2.1.12)
Thus if
( ) ( )
ln f iL = ln f iv , then ln f iL ( ) t
( )
= ln f iv
t
,
i.e. the volume translation has no effect on the equilibrium conditions. Therefore, it will not
alter the saturation pressures, saturation temperatures, equilibrium compositions, etc.
However, it will modify the molar volumes, compressibility factors and densities of the fluid.
The following equations show the effect of equation (2.1.11) on the parameters of interest to
petroleum engineers.
Compressibility
(
Z t = Zo v t / vo ) (2.1.13)
Gas oil ratio, GOR
GOR t = GOR o v o / v t ( )
stc (2.1.14)
and vice versa. If the phase is unstable, the equilibrium ratio Kip is a good first guess to
initiate equilibrium calculation. Equation (2.2.1) is solved using the QNSS method described
in Viscosity Correlation section.
To solve the above stability test equation, the following initial guess can be used:
ln u i = ln φ i (X ) + ln (x i )
Nc+2 Average
u i = (y il + y iv ) / 2
Nc+3 Wilson's equation
p ci + 5.373(1+ ωi )(1− Tc i / T )
ui = xi e
p
Nc+4 Inverse Wilson's equation
p + 5.373(1 + ωi ) (1 − Tci / T )
ui = xi e
p ci
Initial guess (Nc+2) is generally used to test the stability of a liquid-vapor two-phase system only.
START
No Phase
Σ ui <1
unstable
Yes
No
f1 = ∑ z k / K k (2.3.3)
k
the system is a single-phase liquid when fo < 1 and a single-phase vapor when f1 < 1.
Initialization
No
Single Phase
Stability Test
Unstable
No
Convergence Stable
Two-Phase System
STOP
Let D1*(0) and D2*(0) be the distances in equation (2.4.2) corresponding to y i(,01) and y i(,02)
respectively.
These distances can be regarded as functions of a single variable (temperature or pressure) as
long as the mole fractions y are held constant at values derived from equation (2.4.4).
When the saturation temperature is specified, a one-dimensional search is performed to locate
all the pressures which satisfy
D1(0 ) = 0
and
D *2(0 ) = 0 (2.4.5)
Similarly, these equations are solved for all the temperature roots at a specified saturation
pressure.
with
∂D ⎛ ∂ ln φ iV ∂ ln φ iL ⎞
= ∑ y i ⎜⎜ − ⎟ = 0 for cricondenbar
⎟
∂T i ⎝ ∂T ∂T ⎠
or
∂D ⎛ ∂ ln φ iV ∂ ln φ iL ⎞
= ∑ y i ⎜⎜ − ⎟ = 0 for cricondentherm
⎟ (2.5.1)
∂p i ⎝ ∂p ∂p ⎠
Analytical derivatives for ln φ could be used. The primary variables are ln Ki, p and T.
Phase Diagram Construction
Thermodynamic criterion for phase equilibrium is that the Gibb's free energy is minimized at
equilibrium. This yields the following necessary conditions:
G i ≡ ln K i + ln φiV − ln φiL = 0 i = 1,..., N c (2.6.1)
Material balance constraint gives
Nc
G N c +1 ≡ ∑
(K i − 1)z i = 0 (2.6.2)
i =1 1 + Fv (K i − 1)
where
K i = x iV / x iL
x iV = z i K i / [1 + Fv (K i − 1)]
Various phase diagrams are formed by different designation of variables:
Primary, α ln Ki ln Ki ln Ki ln Ki
ln T ln p ln T Fv
Specified, β ln p ζ ζ ζ
Fixed ζ ln T ln p ζ
Fv Fv Fv ln T
The natural log is used to bring the magnitude of all the variables to a comparable basis.
General Phase Envelope Construction Algorithm
Michelsen (1980) presented a very efficient algorithm for P-T envelope construction. His
algorithm is summarized in the following. Other phase envelopes are generated with a
similar scheme (Li and Nghiem, 1982).
Let the subscript k denote the k-th point on the phase envelope. The temperature and K-
values of the first point on the phase envelope (vector α1) are found by solving the n+1
governing equations (2.6.1 and 2.6.2) at a specified pressure (β1) after the global composition
and F are fixed. The first specified pressure is usually low (≤2000 kPa or 290 psia) so that a
good estimate of the K-values can be obtained from the following equation:
i =1
Specify α, β
Update variables
Trivial Yes
root STOP
No
Unphysical Yes Reduce
results step size
No
One point
in the phase diagram
converged
Yes
ln K iq + ln φ iQ − ln φ iL = 0 (2.7.1)
where
K iv = x iV / x iL
and
K iq = x iQ / x iL i=1,...,Nc
Material balance equations
(K iv − 1) z i
∑ (x )
Nc Nc
V
i − x iL = ∑ =0
i =1 i =1 Fl + Fv K iv + Fq K iq
(K iq − 1) z i
∑ (x iQ − x iL ) = ∑
Nc Nc
=0 (2.7.2)
i =1 i =1 Fl + Fv K iv + Fq K iq
with the constraint Fl + Fv + Fq = 1. Subscript L and Q denote the liquid 1 and 2 respectively.
A three phase flash calculation corresponds to solving the 2Nc+3 nonlinear equations for the
2Nc+2 primary unknowns ln(Kiv), ln(Kiq), Fl, Fv and Fq. The mole fractions are treated as
dependent variables:
x im = K im z i / (K iv Fv + K il Fl + K iq Fiq ) (2.7.3)
A stage wise procedure is used for the three phase flash calculation. A two phase calculation
is first performed. The initial guess for the third phase is then obtained from the stability test.
QNSS method is used to solve the equilibrium equations. During each iteration, equations
(2.7.2) are used to update Fl, Fq and Fv.
Single phase
2 phases
Stable
Stability test
Unstable
3 phases
Program No
converged
Yes
L-V L
y 1 T 2, P
ISENTHALPIC
z, T 1, P FLASH y 2 H spec
CALCULATIONS
yn
H spec = H in + H add
where yij is the mole fraction of Component i in Phase j and R is the reference phase for the K-
value definition. Note that Ri need not be the same for all components. This gives extra
flexibility to define K-values in the cases that components are not always present in all phases.
The values of these K-values are obtained from an EOS by solving equilibrium equations.
By definition KiR, = 1.
Let Fj be the mole fraction of phase j in the system, the compositions can be obtained from
material balances as follows
z i K ij
y ij = (2.8.2)
ξi
and
np
ξ i = ∑ Fk K ik (2.8.3)
k =1
( )
nc
g j ≡ ∑ y ij − y in p = 0 j=1,...,np-1 (2.8.5)
i =1
gj ≡ ∑
nc (
z i K ij − K in p )=0 j=1,...,np-1 (2.8.6)
i =1 ξi
where Hspec is the specified molar enthalpy of the system and hij is the partial molar enthalpy
of Component i in Phase j which is also obtained from an EOS. Equations (2.8.6) and (2.8.7)
form a system of np equations for the np unknowns T and Fj (j=1,...,np-1). As the phase mole
fractions must sum up to unity, it follows that
n p −1
Fn p = 1 − ∑ Fj (2.8.8)
j=1
where φws is the fugacity coefficient of pure water at pws and vpws is the molar volume of pure
water.
START
W Disappears
W=Aqueous phase
L = Liquid phase
V = Vapor phase
STOP
- = Equilibrium
The factor (λ-1)2 is added to enhance stability. Repeat this process until C* = 0.
Initial estimates suggested are λ = 3.5, Tc = 1.3∑ x i Tci . Another method to initiate the
i
calculation is to start with fixed step size of λ (say 0.1) until the cubic form (equation 2.10.1)
changes sign. Then follow the above solution procedure.
START
Initialize Tc
Set initial λ ≡ vc / b
Trace Yes
stability
limit
No Solve quadratic
form for Tc , Δ N
Interpolate Cubic
Yes
cubic form form changes
for λ and Tc sign
Solve quadratic
form for Tc , Δ N Increase λ by
fixed steps
STOP STOP
where μi , the low pressure viscosities for pure substances are from the Stiel and Thodos
*
(1961) equation:
[
μ *i ξ i = 4.610Tr0i .618 − 2.04 exp(− 0.449Tri )
(2.11.5)
+ 1.94 exp(− 4.058Tri ) + 0.1 ]x10 −4
with
ξ i = Tc1i/ 6 MWi−1 / 2 p c−i2 / 3 (2.11.6)
and
Tr i = T / Tci (2.11.7)
α = 1
a0 = 1.0230 x 10-1
a1 = 2.3364 x 10-2
a2 = 5.8533 x 10-2
a3 = -4.0758 x 10-2
a4 = 9.3324 x 10-3
with
⎡ C − Co
ln ξ = (1 − f )⎢C o + 1 (MW − M o )⎤⎥ + f [C1 + C 2 (M − M 1 )]
⎣ M1 − M o ⎦
0; MW < M 1
f = ⎧⎨ (2.13.1)
⎩1; MW > M 1
The parameters Co, Mo are from the 'minus' fraction, the fraction immediately preceding the
plus fraction.
Co = Mole fraction of the minus fraction / 14.0
Mo = Molecular weight of the minus fraction
The parameter M1 and C1 are calculated by matching the molar distribution to the molecular
weight and mole fraction of the plus fraction, X+ and M+
∞
X+ = ∫ ξdMW =
M1
C1 − C o
(
e C1 − e Co −
C2
)
e C1
Mo
[ ]
∞ 2
⎛ M1 ⎞ Co
(M + − M o )X + = ∫ MWξd(MW ) = ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ e 1 + (C1 − C o − 1)e C1 −Co
Mo ⎝ C1 − C o ⎠
2
⎛ 1 ⎞
+ ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ (1 − C 2 M 1 )e Ci (2.13.2)
⎝ C2 ⎠
M2
1
MWci =
x ci ∫ MWξdMW + M o
M1
The specific gravity and normal boiling point for the SCN fraction are calculated from the
Hariu-Sage (1969) correlation and assuming a constant Watson's characterization factor,
Kuop, which is adjusted to match the measured specific gravity of the plus fraction SG+:
2 2
log10 (MWi )=∑ ∑ A jk Tbki K uop
j
i=6,7,8,...
j= 0 k =0
Vc(1) =
1
∑
8 j
∑ (
x j x k Vcj1 / 3 + Vck
1/ 3
)
3
Tc(1) =
1
8Vc
∑ ∑ (
x j x k Vcj1 / 3 + Vck
1/ 3
) Tcj Tck
j k
Number of Yes
hypothetical components,
NG specified
No
Calculate NG
STOP
ξ = ⎧⎨40 CN ≤ 12 (2.14.3)
⎩40.3 CN > 12
CN is the carbon number of the component i given by
CNi = MWi/14 (2.14.4)
where MWi is the molecular weight of i.
For multicomponent systems
nc
σ1/4 = ∑ p ari (x i ρ L − y i ρ V ) (2.14.5)
i =1
where xi are the mole fractions in phase L and yi the mole fractions in phase V.
Regression
The major problem associated with phase-behavior matching with a cubic equation of state is
the selection of regression parameters. There are many parameters that can be selected as the
best set of parameters, and therefore a dynamic parameter-solution scheme is desired to avoid
tedious and time-consuming trial-and-error regression runs.
WinProp uses a regression technique where the most significant parameters are selected from
a large set of parameters during the regression process. This reduces the regression effort
considerably and alleviates the problem associated with the apriori selection of regression
parameters (Agarwal, Li and Nghiem, 1987).
Introduction
It is well known that cubic equations of state (EOS) will not generally predict accurately
laboratory data of oil/gas mixtures without the tuning of the EOS parameters (Coats and
Smart, 1986).
It has often been the practice to adjust the properties of the components (usually the heavy
fractions, e.g. pc, Tc, ω, etc., to fit the experimental data.
minimize f (x ) = R (x ) R (x ) = ∑ ri (x )
T 2
(2.15.1)
x i =1
where
x = [x 1 , x 2 ,..., x n t ]
T
is the regression-parameter vector, with nr being the number of regression parameters and nm
the number of measurements to be fitted. Usually nm > nr. The elements of R(x) are denoted
by ri (x) which are nonlinear in x. When the equation of state is adjusted to match a set of
experimental data y
e i (x ) − y i
ri =
yi
with
[ ]
E(x ) = e1 (x ), e 2 (x ),..., e n m (x ) T
and
y = [y i , y 2 ,..., y n m ]
T
where E(x) are the equation-of-state results and y the experimental data points. In this case
the nonlinear least-squares problem consists of adjusting x so that the EOS results match the
experimental measurements.
Is
∂f / ∂x j < r i for all i
or
x j = x j,min
or for two iterations No
=
x j x j,max
Yes
No
Conv erged?
Yes
Regressed
Yes STOP
on at least five
variables?
No
Figure B.2: Flow Chart for Selecting the Active Regression Parameters
[ (
f T = Δ SG t − 0.362456 / Tb1 / 2 + 0.0398285 − 0.948125 / Tb1 / 2 Δ SG t ) ]
[(
Δ SG T = exp 5 SG o − SG 1 − 1 )]
[ (
f V = Δ SG V 0.466590 / Tb1 / 2 + − 0.182421 + 3.01721 / Tb1 / 2 Δ SG V ) ]
[(
Δ SG V = exp 4 SG o 2 − SG 2 − 1 )]
Critical pressure:
(
p c = p oc Tc / Tco ) (V
o
c / Vco ) [( 1 + 2 f ) / ( 1 − 2 f )]
p p
2
f p = Δ SG p [( 2.53262 − 46.1955 / T 1/ 2
b − 0.00127885 Tb )
(
+ − 11.4277 + 252.140 / Tb1 / 2 + 0.00230535 Tb Δ SG p ) ]
[ (
Δ SG p = exp 0.5 SG o − SG − 1 )]
Molecular weight:
ln MW = ln MW o [( 1 + 2 f M ) / ( 1 − 2 f M )]
2
f M = Δ SG M [ x + ( − 0.0175691 + 0.193168 / T )Δ SG ] 1/ 2
b M
[(
Δ SG M = exp 5 SG o − SG − 1 )]
where
(
Tco = Tb 0.533272 + 0.191017 x 10 −3 Tb + 0.779681 x 10 −7 Tb2
(
Vco = 1 − 0.419869 − 0.505839 α − 1.56436 α 3 − 9481.70 α 14 ) −8
= (3.83354 + 1.19629 α ) 2
p oc 1/ 2
+ 34.8888 α + 36.1952 α 2 + 104.193 α 4
Tb = exp ( 5.71419 + 2.71579 θ − 0.286590 θ 2 − 39.8544 / θ
α = 1 Tb / Tco (2.17.2)
All temperatures in oR, volume in ft3lb-mol and pressures in psia.
where
p c in psia
(2.17.3)
Tb , Tc in o R
Interaction Coefficient
The importance of interaction coefficients, dij, in the accuracy of phase behavior calculations,
especially the saturation pressures, has been demonstrated by Peng and Robinson (1976),
Conrad and Gravier (1980) and Whitson (1982) among others. Theoretically, dij is introduced
to account for the molecular interaction between dissimilar molecules. Their values are usually
obtained by fitting the predicted saturation pressure curves to experimental data.
Hydrocarbon-Hydrocarbon Interaction
Katz and Firoozabadi (1978) have published the binary interaction coefficients between
methane and other heavy hydrocarbon fractions. Their values have been fitted to the density,
ρ, of the fraction by Conrad and Gavier (1980) as:
d = 0.12903 ρ - 0.05871
Whitson and Torp (1981) have fitted the same set of data using specific gravity, SG, as
correlating parameters:
d = 0.14 (SG) - 0.0668
The Institute of Thermodynamics (Technical University of Berlin) has accumulated a
comprehensive collection of data on vapor-liquid equilibrium. It contains approximately
55,000 experimental data for more than 120 binary systems. These have been evaluated by
Oellrich, Plocker, Prausnitz and Knapp (1981) to determine the interaction coefficients (both
hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon systems) for the commonly used equations-of-state
including PR and SRK.
Mehra (1981) and Li (1983) both used the following relations for hydrocarbon-hydrocarbon
systems:
n
⎡ 2 V1 / 3 V1 / 3 ⎤
d ij = 1 − ⎢ 1 / 3 ⎥
ci cj
(2.18.1)
⎢ Vc + Vc1 / 3 ⎥
⎢⎣ i j
⎥⎦
with the constant n = 1. The same form is also proposed by Chueh and Prausnitz (1967) and
Chaudron, Asselineau and Renon (1973). Examining the paraffin-paraffin dij of Oellrich et al
(1981) shows that they could roughly be correlated using this equation with n = 1.2. Mehra
(1981) has also shown that this equation reproduces satisfactorily the methane interaction
coefficients of Katz and Firoozabadi (1978). Equation (2.18.1) is used in WinProp with n as a
user input parameter.
Superscript
E excess property
k iteration number
L liquid phase 1
o non-translated volume
Q liquid phase 2
t translated volume
V vapor phase
W water phase
* ideal state, reference state
Other Symbols
Ωa equation of state parameters
Ωb equation of state parameters
φ fugacity coefficient
δ1 equation of state parameter
δ2 equation of state parameter
ϖ acentric factor
β specified variables for phase diagram construction
ζ fraction of injection fluid for phase diagram construction
μ viscosity
ξ mixture viscosity parameter
ρr reduced density
ρ density