Introduction to Oilphase, Petroleum Fluids

and Sampling Services

Oilphase
A Schlumberger Company

Woodlands Drive, Kirkhill Industrial Estate,

Aberdeen AB21 0GW, Scotland.
 Oilphase
About Oilphase

The Mission Statement

“To become the world-wide market leader in fluid sampling and analysis services by offering
outstanding quality and differentiating technology”

“We will combine field and laboratory skills to provide our customers with solutions where others offer
data.”

Company Background

Founded in 1989, Oilphase started as a small independent company. A team of 3 directors had
identified the need for an innovative mercury-free bottom hole sampling tool. In less than a year, our
flagship, the SRS (Single-phase reservoir sampler) was designed, built and its first successful test run was
completed with Amerada Hess.

In December 1993, despite only employing 14 people, Oilphase’s capability was commercially
recognised by the market leader in oilfield services. A co-operation agreement was signed with
Schlumberger to provide sampling & analysis services for all the company’s UK operations. Part of this
agreement also included Oilphase purchasing Schlumberger’s pVT laboratory in Aberdeen. Oilphase
took its first step in being able to offer a complete sampling and analysis service.

In September 1996, Schlumberger’s business with Oilphase was significant enough to warrant a
purchase. Schlumberger acquired Oilphase in an agreement, which allowed it to maintain its autonomy
and identity as the leading specialist in mercury-free bottom hole sampling.

Less than10 years since their beginning in Aberdeen, Oilphase has not only multiplied in size, been
purchased by an industry leader, but has been recognised with industry awards for its performance and
technological progress. Its SRS has also completed over 2000 runs for 53 customers in 23 countries,
with an exceptional success rate on average of 97%.

Building on its strength and expertise as designers, manufacturers and operators of reservoir fluid
sampling and analysis technology, Oilphase is setting a new direction for its future - a “reservoir to
results” service. It now operates a global network of field bases and petroleum laboratories. Oilphase
works through Schlumberger as the sampling and analysis specialist, maintaining its focus on quality
technological developments, forging a new future for the oil industry.

Oilphase offers well-site sampling services at the surface, subsurface as well as providing pVT analysis,
production chemistry and some specialised analysis. These services are now available throughout the
world on a subcontract basis using Schlumberger’s international network of operational centres.

Our “Reservoir to Results” Philosophy

Reservoir fluid sampling and analysis programs can also vary widely in scope (from $5,000 to
$200,000) from one well test to another depending on the nature of the fluid, the well environment, the
customer's test objectives, and local logistics. With the samples being sent in all directions for analysis
after the well test, no single supplier today is in control of the reservoir fluid data delivery. Oilphase
provides innovative solutions to ensure that representative samples are recovered and validated and that

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About Oilphase

their condition is maintained from the well site to the pVT laboratory. These steps provide our customers
world-wide, with an auditable sample path from the reservoir to the laboratory report.

It is Oilphase's ultimate objective to either perform all the necessary analysis in-house or establish long
term relationships with specialist laboratories to allow us to provide a sampling and analysis package
on the basis of delivering a complete set of validated reservoir fluid data. We believe a fixed price for
the management and delivery of the validated and interpreted reservoir fluid data set with incentives for
data quality and meeting delivery deadlines could be developed in a long-term relationship with our
customers.

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About Oilphase

Bottomhole Sampling

Bottom hole sampling is, without dispute, the most effective technique for the representative sampling of
reservoir fluids, where reservoir flowing conditions permit. A good quality sample will increase the
accuracy of and confidence in the pVT data, the interpretation of which can make or break a field
development project. The cost benefits to the customer of obtaining quality samples far outweigh the
direct cost of the sampling operation. Until recently the world-wide use of bottom hole sampling tools
has been limited by a reputation for unreliability. This has led to reluctance by both service companies
and operator alike to invest in the time or equipment to perform this vital service. The transfer of
samples from early tools necessitated the handling of large volumes of mercury in the field which was
hazardous to personnel, time consuming and environmentally unacceptable. The unpopularity of this
task with field engineers certainly contributed to early failures.

The introduction of mercury-free bottom hole sampling in the North Sea led to an improvement in service
reliability and customer confidence. As oil companies began to see the benefit of the improved results,
demand for sampling services increased.

It is also important to remember that one of the primary objectives of the well test is to obtain
representative reservoir fluid samples. The most representative samples, which can be collected are,
single-phase bottom hole samples. These samples are collected from close to the perforations and
maintained at or above the flowing bottom hole pressure during retrieval at surface. This makes sample
transfer fast and negates the risk of transferring an unrepresentative sample into the shipping cylinder.
Surface separator samples should always be collected but viewed as backup samples in case it is not
possible to collect bottom hole samples. Wellhead samples may in certain conditions be collected.
These samples may be used for basic pVT analysis but may not be representative for use in solid
deposition (asphaltene) and flow characterisation studies.

Oilphase introduced a new generation of mercury-free bottom hole sampler, the Single-phase Reservoir
Sampler (SRS). The introduction of this pressure compensated positive displacement sampler was a
resounding success, providing customers with the opportunity to perform studies not previously possible
without a mono phasic sample. A high pressure version of the SRS has been designed and this second
generation mono phasic sampler has since demonstrated a success rate of over 98% in recovering
samples at pressures and temperatures unequalled by any other tool.

SRS Single-phase Reservoir Sampler (SRS)

The purpose of the Oilphase Single-phase Sampling system is to obtain a representative downhole fluid
sample. This mercury-free system comprises of the Single-phase Reservoir Sampler (SRS), the Field
Transfer Unit (FTU), the Single-phase Sample Bottle (SSB) and the Conventional Sample Bottle (CSB).

To collect the sample, the SRS is conveyed downhole on slick line, electric line or coiled tubing. The SRS
is rated to 15,000 working pressure - 22,500 psia test pressure and 400 °F. It is fired by a high
temperature mechanical clock, which allows 600 cc of well fluid to be sampled using a positive
displacement technique.

After the successful capture of the sample, the SRS sample chamber is locked both mechanically and
hydraulically. The sample is maintained at or above a previously specified pressure during retrieval
using a pre-set nitrogen charge. This pre-set pressure is generally above bubble point pressure or in the
case of asphaltene studies, above reservoir pressure.
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The Oilphase SRS sampling system is primarily a single-phase system with a conventional sampling
option. In every case we retrieve a single-phase sample to surface whether it is a single-phase or
conventional bottom hole sample that is required for pVT analysis. If a conventional sample is required
for routine pVT then we simply transfer the sample into a CSB allowing the sample to become di-phasic
(two or more coexisting phases) after the transfer and performing a bubble point determination in the
field.

After transferring the sample to the SSB, the sample can be maintained at this pressure during transport
to the pVT laboratory.

Oilphase have also pioneered inert sampling technology and with the assistance of oil company
research funding have developed the Non Reactive Sampler (NRS). The NRS is the first single-phase
bottom hole sampling tool to be able to consistently obtain chemically representative samples. This is
especially valuable when quantification of compounds such as H2S, mercaptans and mercury are being
studied.

Benefits of SRS

The benefits of the Oilphase Single-phase Sampling system can be summarised as follows:

• The SRS is without doubt the most reliable tool on the market and has now been run on over 2,000
occasions for over 53 customers with an unequalled success rate of on average 97%. There have
been no lost-time incidents in the recent years of bottom hole sampling operations. The sampler is
extremely robust and can be successfully deployed in a wide range of hostile well environments.

• No recombination of the sample during transfer translates to less rig time for heating and agitating
the sample before determination of the bubble point. This allows a safe and fast sample transfer and
also eliminates the risk of invalidating the sample through improper recombination before transfer.

• During the field bubble point determination it would be the first time that the gas come out of
solution, giving a clearer and unambiguous result with an excellent correlation between samples
taken on the same run.

• The SRS offers an altogether better chance of obtaining a representative sample from the reservoir
and maintaining it in a representative condition to the pVT laboratory. The system is tolerant of
sample loss or partial transfer as long as the fluid is maintained in a monophasic condition.

• Asphaltenes can be maintained in solution with no precipitation.

• Aquifer sampling is possible for corrosion studies.

• Gas condensates can be maintained above the dew point pressure.

• Heavy oils of less than 7° API gravity and up to 35,000-cp. viscosity can be sampled.

• The sampler can operate and successfully capture samples at pressures of less than 100 psia.

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About Oilphase

• The NRS is the only sampler, which can consistently collect chemically representative downhole
samples for the measurement of H2S and other trace contaminants.

• Sample handling is dramatically improved, as it is mercury-free.

SRS Applications

The SRS is a tool with universal application. In exploration well testing, where time is of the essence
and little is known of the reservoir fluid properties, the SRS provides an attractive option with no risk of
time being lost in sample recombination. This technology has now become the standard requirement in
North Sea well test operations.

Some quite specific applications have been identified for the SRS/NRS tools where conventional bottom
hole sampling technology cannot meet the requirements.

Asphaltenes

One such application is bottom hole sampling for asphaltene deposition studies. Asphaltenes exist in
colloidal suspension in crude oil and can cause severe processing problems at any point from the
reservoir to the refinery. They are often not detected at the exploration and appraisal stage with very
costly consequences during production. The identification of asphaltene precipitation zones as a
function of pressure and temperature are of great interest to the reservoir engineer but until now it was
not possible to take a bottom hole sample for analysis without loss of pressure and irreversible
asphaltene deposition in the sampling tool. Meaningful asphaltene deposition analysis in oil is only
achievable with a sample, which has been maintained well above bubble point. It was this requirement
which originally provided the thrust for the SRS tool development.

Water Sampling

Another specific application is bottom hole sampling of water. The cooling effect as tools are pulled out
of the hole leads to a dramatic decrease in sampled water pressure in conventional bottom hole
sampling tools. Without pressure compensation, the sample pressure on surface can drop virtually to
zero allowing dissolved gases to be released. If these released gases include CO2, this can lead to
irreversible precipitation and changes in pH which render the sample useless for laboratory analysis.
The SRS system is uniquely capable of keeping the water sample at a selected pressure all the way to
the laboratory ensuring no gas breakout and subsequent change in pH. An accurate pH from a
representative downhole water sample is vital for prediction and control of scale and corrosion
problems.

Heavy Oil

Recombining heavier crude oils in the field can be very difficult if not impossible and single-phase
sampling provides the answer. Operations have included downhole sampling of 7 °API (60/60) oil
with a downhole viscosity of over 35,000 cp in the Orinoco tar belt. In this particular case it was the

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About Oilphase

first time in 15 years of operating the field that a true GOR, reservoir viscosity and bubble point had
been measured.

Gas Condensates

Bottom hole sampling is not normally recommended in gas condensate reservoirs. This is because
during sample recovery small volumes of liquid can condense in conventional tools and if they are not
recombined before the transfer the effect on the dew point measurement is very dramatic. The ability of
the SRS to maintain the sample above dew point pressure has led to some successful operations where
the customer was not able to obtain a representative sample by any other means.

High Pressure/High Temperature Bottom Hole Sampling

Oilphase have an unsurpassed track record in successfully obtaining bottom hole samples from high
pressure/high temperature reservoirs. This success is due to the experience of our field engineers and
the capabilities of the Oilphase Single-phase Reservoir Sampler (SRS). A special feature of the SRS is
the unique high temperature mechanical clock, which has operated in the North Sea at 367 °F. The
SRS is a true 15,000 psia working pressure tool, which is tested to 22,500 psia and independently
certified by Bureau Veritas as a pressure vessel.

Hydrogen Sulphide/ Mercaptan Sulphur

Oilphase have now extended the single-phase technology into inert sampling with the innovative Non-
reactive Reservoir Sampler (NRS). The NRS has been developed to give an accurate measurement of
downhole H2S and other contaminants, and to maintain the chemical composition of the sample all the
way back to the laboratory. The sample is also kept in single-phase to maintain the partial pressures of
the various sample components. The samples collected are analysed onsite or transferred to an
Oilphase Non-reactive Single-phase Sample Bottle (NSB) and returned to Oilphase laboratory for
analysis.

This technology gives our customers the opportunity to avoid flowing the well for extensive periods of
time, in order to saturate the tubing and surface equipment to obtain stabilised levels of H2S.

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About Oilphase

Surface sampling

Surface sampling involves the taking of samples of separator oil and gas, along with accurate
measurements of their relative flow rates, pressures and temperatures. The oil and gas samples are then
combined later in a pVT laboratory to make a representative sample. Water samples may also be taken
at the separator.

Surface sampling of reservoir fluids from the wellhead, separator and stock tank is performed routinely
during most well tests and is occasionally required from production process lines. Separator
recombination samples are often the only route to representative samples, when wire line or slick cannot
be deployed. In these circumstances the accuracy of the separator flow-rate measurements and stability
of separation conditions are critical to the accurate determination of reservoir phase behaviour from the
recombined fluids.

Oilphase have proprietary designed sampling equipment and cylinders for the collection of surface
samples from either the separator or the wellhead. The Conventional Sample Bottles (CSBs) are
normally used for separator samples whereas the Single-phase Sample Bottles (SSBs) are recommended
for wellhead sampling and for transfers from our Single-phase Reservoir Sampler (SRS). The SSB
cylinders are particularly useful when sampling gas condensate fluids at the wellhead since the sampling
pressure will be maintained during transport to the pVT laboratory.

Advanced methods of sampling are also available to determine the amount of liquid carryover in the
separator gas line when conditions are stable but separation efficiency is poor. This is particularly the
case during high flow-rate testing of gas condensate reservoirs where standard methods can produce
misleading results.

Wellhead Sampling

Should it not be possible to collect downhole samples and the flowing conditions can be adjusted to
allow single phase fluid to be flowing at wellhead conditions monophasic samples can be collected in
single-phase sample cylinders.

These samples whilst being suitable for pVT analysis would not however be necessarily suitable for
asphaltene evaluations.

Overall wellhead sampling is not usually recommended because it usually implies to work with high
pressures and high flow rates. In addition, it is difficult to know what phase of the flow is collected.
Sampling at the separator is much safer and gives more chances to obtain representative samples.

Oilphase plan to begin field-testing of a remotely operated wellhead sampling system during the first
quarter of 1998. This system has been developed for the Shell, Shearwater Project where exceptionally
high wellhead pressures are expected. This would minimise the operator exposure during sampling
operations at the wellhead during dynamic flow.

Separator Sampling
Matched sets of surface samples of gas and liquid can be collected during the main sampling flow
period. The ratio of separator gas samples to separator liquid samples collected depends mainly on
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About Oilphase

separator pressure. As an indicative guide if GOR is 2,600 scf/bbl and separator pressure is 500 psia
then one 20 litre gas sample to one liquid should be sufficient. If separator is running at a low pressure
then two 20 litre gas sample to each liquid may be required.

Oilphase recommends that the liquid samples be collected into mercury-free Conventional Sample Bottles
(CSB). Sometimes it may also be necessary to collect a further two matched sets of surface samples
either during the bottom hole sampling flow period or during another flow period (if collection of
separator samples during this period is not possible). These are used in the pVT laboratory as
comparative samples to ensure reservoir fluid is consistent with time.

Iso-kinetic gas sampling

When testing high GOR reservoir fluid systems, conventional well test separator separation efficiency
may be insufficient to collect 100% of the liquid contained in the hydrocarbon fluid stream circulating
through the separator.

This drop in separation efficiency is caused by the combined effects of:

- Formation of very small mist droplets as the well stream pressure drops to the separator
pressure. The separator mist extractor is unable to trap these droplets.

- High gas velocity inside the vessel due to the high gas flow rate carries these liquid droplets
towards the separator outlet before they have a chance to fall and come in contact with a
coalescing device.

In extreme conditions, separator efficiency as low as 50% has been reported, which means that the gas
entrains 50% of the liquid (carry-over) in the separator. The resulting separator GOR used to recombine
separator liquid and gas samples in the pVT laboratory is therefore incorrect.

Furthermore, the separator gas to be recombined contains an unknown concentration of liquid, which
might not be properly recombined with the gas prior to transfer into the pVT cell. The Isokinetic Gas
Sampling System (IGSS) is designed to achieve the following three objectives when testing high GOR
wells (volatile oil and gas condensate reservoir fluid systems):

- Determine the amount of liquid carry-over present in the separator gas outlet in order to
provide the Customer and pVT laboratory with a corrected separator GOR.

- Collect the carry-over liquid to compare its composition with that of the liquid exiting the
separator through the oil outlet.

- Provide the density at line conditions of the recovered carry-over liquid.

- Provide a means of collecting a separator gas sample free from liquid carry-over.

- As any sampling device, the IGSM is to be used EXCLUSIVELY under stabilised flow and
separator conditions.

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About Oilphase

Sampling Support Services

Sample Management

Sample capture at the well-site is the first small step in the process of ensuring that samples are
maintained in a representative condition, for as long as is required. It is the efficient management of
samples that provides the best opportunities for cost savings.

Oilphase offers a comprehensive sample management service so that their customers can deal with a
single point of contact for all aspects of sample distribution and analysis.

Each sample in our care is logged on a computer database and our customers can request a report on,
or status of, any sample at any time. The presentation of this information is either by visual display or
hard copy. This database is used to record, check and report information relating to all details of the
sample, sample cylinders and their movements/status. This includes monthly reporting of the location
and condition of all samples in our care. Report formats can be customised to the specific requirements
of our customers. Sub-sampling or transfer of samples can be handled properly in one of our fluid
analysis laboratories. When samples are received at our base they are inspected, labelled and stored
according to local statutory requirements. As all samples are given a unique registration number they
can be tracked and managed with ease.

Sample Cylinder Supply and Maintenance

As designers and manufacturers of reservoir fluid sampling equipment, Oilphase is in a strong position
to offer an all-inclusive sample cylinder supply and maintenance service to both operators and service
companies. Oilphase has invested in large stock levels to ensure that no customer is disappointed when
calling out equipment at short notice. Pressurised sample cylinders are constantly recycled after use and
Oilphase provides a testing and solvent cleaning service to ensure no contamination during the next
sampling operation. Oilphase also manages the vital procedure of having these pressurised vessels
regularly re-tested and re-certified according to the requirements of their design code.

Sample cylinders in use include:

• SSB – Single-phase Sample Bottle

• CSB – Conventional Sample Bottle
• Benefits of Oilphase Sample Cylinders
• GSB – Gas Sample Bottle
• Welker
• Whitey
• Hoke

Well-site Analytical Services

The interval between exploration or appraisal drilling and the fabrication of production process plant is
becoming ever shorter as oil companies seek to exploit their assets with increasing efficiency. A
complete understanding of the fluid stream composition and phase behaviour is critical in the selection
of materials for completion and process design. Trace elements of highly corrosive or potentially
hazardous elements can have an enormous cost impact of the process plant if their presence is unknown
or measured inaccurately at the time of plant design. Oilphase offers a comprehensive well-site
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About Oilphase

analytical service providing sample qualification, fluid property measurement and fluid characterisation.
This also includes trace element analysis and monitoring for environmental hazards.

In particular Oilphase operate two well-site analytical services which have proved invaluable in
validating and determining the fluid properties of reservoir fluid samples.

These services are:

'Fluid Properties Estimation' (FPE)

'Field Fingerprint Analyser' (FFA)

Both Services Are Operated By Oilphase Under Licence from Schlumberger.

FPE (Fluid Properties Estimation) Service

Quick, On-Site Fluid Properties Estimation

FPE can be performed on either downhole samples taken either with the fluid sampler during a well test
or with the RFT/MDT or RCI in open hole or separator samples collected during well test.

It is a well-site analytical service that enables fluid properties to be ‘estimated’ from bottom hole or
surface samples using reservoir composition few key properties. This service is rendered within a few
hours of collection of the samples. The data provided by the FPE can be used as a full validity check on
the samples or to provide early information for input into reservoir models. The data has also been used
to provide confirmation that the expected fluid type was being produced.

The FPE system consists of a dual chromatograph to measure gas and liquid compositions
simultaneously, equipment to measure bubble point pressure, flash GOR, STO density and viscosity.
The chromatographs are operated by, and the report made from a dedicated PC using proprietary
software.

Data provided from FPE analysis of oil fluid includes:

♦ Bubble point pressure at ambient and reservoir (or wellhead) temperatures.

♦ Gas liquid ratio of single flash and also from a single stage separation.
♦ Reservoir fluid composition to C7+ including N2, CO2 and mole weight.
♦ Reservoir fluid formation volume factor, density and viscosity.
♦ Tank liquid properties: density, refractive index, mole weight and viscosity.

Key properties such as bubble point pressure, flash GOR, reservoir fluid composition, and tank oil
density and viscosity are used to provide match points and drive an EoS thermodynamic model, which
accurately predicts the pVT parameters that are required by reservoir engineers.

During FPE analysis on a bottom hole oil sample approximately 50 cc of sample is removed. Prior to
removing this portion the sample is recompressed and rendered single-phase. The remainder of the
sample remains representative and can be transferred to a storage cylinder and shipped back to the lab
for full pVT analysis.

The FPE consists of three main items:

• a dual gas and liquid chromatograph which is permanently packed and protected in a self-
contained unit. The data is acquired on a PC from which the report is also issued.
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• an accessories kit which includes densitometer, refractometer, flash kit, precision balance,
and glassware.
• cylinders of helium - the carrier gas for the chromatographs.

Finally in addition to the above equipment all necessary valves, lines and fittings are included for
collection of samples from BHS or MDT (or similar) tools and transfer of samples into storage cylinders if
required. A portable PC and printer/plotter to control the chromatographs and generate the FPE report
are also required. Sampling manifolds, gauges, transfer bench, RFT fittings etc. come as required.

The service is normally run in an A60 lab cabin and all the equipment is designed for air transport.

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FLUID PROPERTIES EVALUATION SERVICE

FPE METHODOLOGY - BOTTOMHOLE PRODUCTION OR OPEN HOLE SAMPLE

RESERVOIR TUNING
Reservoir FLUID Kij CH4 - C7+
Fluid COMPOSITION C7+ PC, TC - C7+
GC Gas Gas
Gas
Analyser (y) Composition C7+

EQUATION
Reservoir
Flash Kit Flash OF STATE
Fluid
(Vg mo) GOR SIMULATOR
Sample

GC Liquid Liquid
Analyser (x) Comp C7+
MATCH
POINTS

Refractometer Liquid Molar

(n) Mass

Pb at Reservoir Conditions
Densimeter Volume Factors
Liquid Density
(rho) Compressibilities
Viscosities
Densities
Viscosimeter Separator GOR
Liquid Liquid Viscosity
( µ 0) Tank GOR
Shrinkage Factors
Relative Volumes
Transfer Bench Res Fluid Pb Reservoirs Fluid Comp C7+
(PVT) (T ambient)

The FPE system uses a state-of-the-art Equation of State (EOS) based thermodynamic model to predict the phase properties. The model, supported by established and
Schlumberger developed correlations, uses key measurements performed on the recovered fluids to tune the parameters of an improved Peng-Robinson EOS.

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Field Fingerprint Analyser (FFA)

Another service offered, sometimes used to complement the FPE and provide further information at
the well-site is the FFA. It is a fluid characterisation system - a liquid chromatographic technique that
provides, from a sample of stock tank liquid, a unique fingerprint of the hydrocarbon fluid. The
fingerprint provides valuable information about the fluid type, in the form of a hydrocarbon
distribution curve, and can be used to compare sample from different wells or from zones within a
well. It can be used to help decide whether communication exists between zones. It is often the
case that hydrocarbon accumulations can have the same molecular weight and density but originate
from a different structure.

The FFA can help identify this The FFA can also be used to quantify the contamination of a
hydrocarbon liquid with a refined product such as base oil or diesel. Carrying out a full analysis
program on a sample, which is badly contaminated with base oil, can lead to erroneous results and
wrong assumptions. The FFA is commonly used on open hole sampling jobs and can provide
information about the sample quality in time to allow a sampling rerun if necessary.

An example of this is the determination of base oil contamination in a RFT or MDT sample.

Applications of the FFA

• Identification of pollutants within a sample
• Determination of RFT/MDT sample contamination (OBM)
• Any situation where there is concern over whether fluid is contaminated by a refined
product
• Fluid segregation
• Composition versus depth
• Fluid correlation
• Zone to zone, well to well etc.
• A fingerprint can help:
• Differentiate two liquids having similar molar masses and densities, but probably belonging
to different hydrocarbon accumulations
• Visualise the possible variations in the compositional distribution between zones of a
reservoir
• FFA service also applies to rock cuttings recovered while drilling

The FFA consists of only one main item (liquid chromatograph), which is packed and protected, in a
self-contained unit, which can be transported by air. The data is acquired on the same PC as used
for the FPE.

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Example of Fingerprint Analysis

0.09
IR
0.08

0.07

0.06

0.05

0.04
Abundance
0.03

0.02

0.01

10 100 1000 10000

Equivalent alkane molar mass
(g/mol)

Water Analysis

Oilphase can provide a limited water analysis package in conjunction with the FPE service to include
pH, Rw, SG, chloride, sulphate, carbonate and bicarbonate using Hach kit/wet chemistry.

Water Cut by Karl Fischer

Tightly bound water cut in stock tank oil can be determined by Karl Fischer titration at the well site. A
known amount of stock tank oil sample is placed in a reaction vessel with Karl Fischer reagent and
thinning solvent. The water content is determined by a simple coulometric titration.

Sulphur Compounds
These compounds are measured either from the separator after a lengthy stabilisation period or by using
our Non-reactive bottom hole sampling tool described above.

Analysis for hydrogen sulphide (H2S), mercaptan sulphurs (R-SH) and carbonyl sulphide (COS) in gas
and liquid phases is available by UOP 212/77 and IP 342. Analysis for H2S and R-SH in separator
gas by ASTM D2385.

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Mercury

Oilphase provide mercury in gas analysis at the well site. This is carried out using a Sir Galahad
portable instrument, which uses an atomic fluorescence technique. A known volume of separator gas is
flowed through a gold sand trap, which collects total mercury in a stable medium. The mercury is then
desorbed from the trap and analysed on the pre-calibrated Sir Galahad which utilises custom designed
software to process the data and report the results.

The lower detection limit of the instrument is 1 picogram of mercury, which means that smaller quantities
of gas need to be flowed through the traps than for any other technique. This reduces the time required
for each analysis and allows multiple analyses to be carried out during each flow period if required.
The system is calibrated at the base prior to shipment and can be re-calibrated in the field. Blank
determinations are also made prior to, during and after each set of analyses in order to check
background levels, which may affect the results.

The technique records total mercury and is unaffected by hydrogen sulphide in low ppm range.
The system is ruggedised and packaged for transport and use offshore. Sampling for mercury can also
be carried out with the stable samples being returned onshore for analysis by Atomic Absorptions or
Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry. This service is carried out in conjunction with an expert research
group who have developed the best techniques for sampling of mercury after a two year multi-customer
funded project.

222
Radon
Analysis for Rn222 in separator gas is carried out by radon meter onsite. Since the half-life of Rn222 is
3.2 days it is necessary to conduct this measurement as soon as possible, and preferably at the well-site.
Separator gas is flowed through a filter collection device connected in series to a flow-through scintillator
cell. To determine the radon concentration in the gas the scintillation cell is placed in the test chamber
of a RDA-200 detector. The alpha particles register in the ZnS(Ag) phosphor coating of the scintillator
cell in the form of light flashes, which are seen by the high gain photomultiplier tube and transformed
into electrical impulses. These impulses are accumulated, counted and digitally displayed after a pre-set
counting time of between 1 and 60 minutes.

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