Petroleum Thermodynamics

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CHAPTER 1: Properties of Crude Oil

1.1 Introduction

The term “Petroleum” was originally applied to

naturally-occurring mineral oils, and means “rock oil”.
Oil and natural gas are associated with sedimentary
rocks.

Element % by weight in
crude
Carbon 83.9-86.8
Hydrogen 11.4-14.0
Sulphur 0.06-8.0
Nitrogen 0.11-1.70
Oxygen 0.5 Typically
Metals 0.03 Typically

Table 1.1 Ultimate Analysis of Crude Oil

Hydrocarbons (i.e. compounds containing only

carbon and hydrogen) are the major constituents of
crude oil. Some non-metallic elements like Sulphur,
nitrogen, and oxygen are present in various organic
compounds ( e.g. porphyrins).

1.2 Types of Hydrocarbon in Petroleum

n-paraffins
These are straight-chains saturated
hydrocarbons. Methane (CH4) is the first member of
the series. n-paraffins can come up to C 42H86 and have
been identified in some crude oils. The general
formula is CnH2n+2.

iso-paraffins
These are saturated hydrocarbons same like n-
paraffins, the difference varies on the chain

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arrangement – with a branched on the side rather
than a straight chain structre. iso-buthane is the
member of the series. iso-paraffins has the same
formula as n-paraffins.

Napthenes
Also called as methylenes. These have
molecules with one or more saturated rings, with or
without side-chains. Cyclopentanes and cyclohexane
are the common types of molecules found in crude
oils. Derivatives of these types like monocyclic,
contains only 1 ring in the molecule. Bicyclic
naphthenes may be important constituents in some
crude and the heavier fractions distilled from them
(e.g. kerosene and gas-oil). CnH2n+2-2R is the general
formula for napthenes where R is the number of rings
in the molecule.

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 Reservoir Engineering

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CHAPTER 1: Volumetric Estimation of Fluid Reserves

1.1 Calculation

Assume an undersaturated reservoir in which

there will be no free gas present. Let…

V= bulk volume of reservoir ( acre-feet)

ϕ = rock porosity in the reservoir
Swc = connate water saturation

Then,

Volume of Oil initially in place (NV) = Vϕ (1- Swc ) 7758

rbl

Note: This volume is measured at initial reservoir

conditions, and is therefore in reservoir barrels (rbl or
bbl).