Oil:Oil Correlation for Some Oil Fields in the North Western Part of the Western Desert, Egypt

Physical and specific geochemical analyses are used in detail for the petroleum geochemical studies to permit the correlation of six crude oil samples from Western Desert Egypt. Different analytical techniques, including liquid chromatographic separation, gas chromatography, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), were used to characterize the oil samples. The oils were identified using oil characterization parameters including specific gravity (°API), sulfur content, distribution of n-alkanes, carbon preference index (CPI), pristane/phytane ratio, isoprenoid/n-alkane ratios, and detailed biological marker analysis. All these parameters showed that the studied oil samples are correlated with each other, where they are similar in their oil type maturation and source depositional environments.     

Predicting the Bubble-Point Pressure and Formation-Volume-Factor of Worldwide Crude Oil Systems

Abstract

This paper presents models for predicting the bubble-point pressure (P _b ) and oil formation-volume-factor at bubble-point (B _ob) for crude oil samples collected from several regions around the world. The regions include major producing oil fields in North and South America, North Sea, South East Asia, Middle East, and Africa. The model was developed using artificial neural networks with 5200 experimentally obtained PVT data sets. This represents the largest data set ever collected to be used in developing P _b and B _ob models. An additional 234 PVT data sets were used to investigate the effectiveness of the neural network models to predict outputs from inputs that were not used during the training process. The network model is able to predict the bubble-point pressure and the oil formation-volume-factor as a function of the solution gas–oil ratio, the gas relative density, the oil specific gravity, and the reservoir temperature. In order to obtain a generalized accurate model, back propagation with momentum for error minimization was used. The accuracy of the models developed in this study was compared in details with several published correlations. This study shows that if artificial neural networks are successfully trained, they can be excellent reliable predictive tools to estimate crude oil properties better than available correlations. The network models can be easily incorporated into any reservoir simulators and/or production optimization software.     

Light hydrocarbon geochemistry of crude oils from Eastern Niger Delta

Abstract

Geochemical evaluation of oil samples from the eastern part of the Niger Delta divided into western, eastern, and central sections of the study area was carried out for the characterization of their light hydrocarbons content in order to correlate oils from different parts. The hydrocarbons in the oil samples were determined using gas chromatographic (GC) technique. The results obtained showed that CPI, Pr/Ph, Pr/nC₁₇, and Ph/nC₁₈ ratios ranged from 0.99–1.55, 2.19–4.79, 0.92–2.35, and 0.27–0.47, respectively. The Pr/nC₁₇ versus Ph/nC₁₈ plot showed that the oils were derived from terrestrial organic materials that were deposited under oxic to suboxic conditions. They are moderately matured with minimal effect of biodegradation on most of the oil samples although two of the oils showed relatively higher degradation. Both bivariate and multivariate plots of the light hydrocarbon ratios differentiated the western and central oils from the eastern oils. The classification of the oils into families was not based on origin but rather on post generative alterations that include reservoir conditions and possibly migration effects. The light hydrocarbon parameters identified can be used in the correlation tools.     

Bulk Geochemical Characteristics of Crude Oils From Wells in the North Western Desert,Egypt

Abstract

Different oil samples were collected from oil fields in the North Western Desert; namely, Meleiha, Razaak, and North Qarun fields. These oils were analyzed geochemically, including sulfur content, American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity, and gas chromatography The results showed that API gravity and sulfur content indicate that the crude oils have high mature level of marine origin. Distribution of n-alkanes (Carbon Preference Index [CPI], pr/ph, and isoprenoide/n-alkanes ratios) reflects that the oil samples originated mainly from marine organic sources deposited in a reducing environment. This indicates that the oil samples under investigation are well correlated with each other in the western part of the North Western Desert.     

Geochemical Characterization of Offshore Western Niger Delta Source Rock

Abstract

A geochemical characterization of rock samples obtained from three offshore fields, MJ, MF, and ML, was carried out. Offshore oil and onshore oil samples were also studied for correlation. The gas chromatographic data showed that the three offshore fields studied exhibited different and unique geochemical signatures. Most rock samples from the MJ field have moderate thermal maturity; n-alkane and their isoprenoid hydrocarbon distribution indicated predominant mixed organic matter with some terrestrial organic matter. The organic matters were deposited in alternating oxic and anoxic environments. In the MF field, sedimentation of the organic matter in the shallow depths was under reducing environments, whereas that of the deeper depth horizons was under oxidizing environments. The rock samples in the field had predominant input from marine organic matter with moderate thermal maturity. In the ML field, the geochemical data indicated that oxic conditions prevailed during sedimentation of the organic matter. About half of the rock samples from this field are thermally mature, with almost equal distribution of marine and terrestrial organic facies. Marine organic matter was prevalent in the shallow depth horizons, whereas terrestrial organic matter was prevalent in deeper depth horizons. The offshore oil samples and offshore rock extracts are also correlative. This study indicates that there are two petroleum systems in the offshore western Niger Delta—marine and terrigenous petroleum systems—though the terrigeonous system is more pervasive.     

BULK COMPOSITION OF SOME SAUDI ARABIAN CRUDE OILS IN RELATION TO MATURATION,ORIGIN AND DEPOSITIONAL ENVIRONMENTS

ABSTRACT

Ten crude oil samples, covering wide range of maturity (API = 18.5?36.1), were assembled from Safaniya, Abqiq, Ain-Dar, Wafra, Marjan, and Zulf oil fields in the area of Arabian Gulf. Different analytical techniques, including liquid chromatographic separation, gas chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, were used to characterize the oil samples. Some bulk and specific compositional parameters were used for oil-oil correlations in order to evaluate thermal maturation, origin, biodegradation and depositional environments of the crude oils. Considering the maturity relationships, it was suggested that the bulk composition of Wafra/Iucene crude oil was altered due to biodegradation and vertical migration. Correlation between API gravity and PAP of aromatic fraction indicated two maturity levels of onshore and offshore oil fields. The distribution of n-alkanes reflected the marine origin of the crude oils. Isoprenoids/n-alkanes and pristane/phytane ratios were determined by capillary GC of a middle distillate of the crude oil samples. The correlations showed that the oil samples, except for those collected from Wafra oil field, are normal mature crude oils which were deposited under oxidizing environments. The much lower Pr/Ph ratio of Wafra/Iucene oil field could be considered as an indicator of reducing depositional environments.     

Organic and Carbon Isotope Geochemistry of Crude Oils from Ashrafi Field,Southern Gulf of Suez Province,Egypt: Implications for the Processes of Hydrocarbon Generation and Maturation

Abstract

Four crude oil samples representing the Miocene formations of Belayim, Kareem, and Nukhul, and the Pre-Miocene Nubia Sandstone of Ashrafi Field, offshore southern Gulf of Suez, Egypt. These crude oil samples were analyzed using a variety of organic geochemical techniques including both C₇ and whole oil Gas Chromatography (GC), Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) in addition to stable carbon isotopes to the saturate and aromatic fractions. The organic geochemical results revealed that the Miocene and Pre-Miocene Nubia Sandstone oils generated from two different source rocks subjected to different maturation levels. The Miocene crude oil possesses geochemical properties rich in tricyclic terpanes and extended hopanes typical characteristics of oils generated from marine siliciclastic source rocks with angiosperm land plants input like Rudeis Formation as indicated from the oleanane index which exceeds 30% and low gammacerane index around 10%. Meanwhile the Pre-Miocene crude oil correlates with the marine carbonate sources of high salinity waters like Brown Limestone of Upper Cretaceous age as indicated from the oleanane index <10% and high gammacerane index >30%. The maturity parameters based on both ratios of 20S/(20S + 20R)-C₂₉ ααα cholestane and TAS/(MAS + TAS) were found to be around 0.5 for the Miocene crude oils, meanwhile both the ratios for the Pre-Miocene crude oil were >0.5. The concluded results further support the very high maturation level of the Pre-Miocene crude oil than the Miocene crude of Ashrafi Field which concordant with the reservoir stratigraphic depths.     

Oil Families and Their Potential Sources in the Southern Gulf of Suez,Egypt

Abstract

Four oil families are identified in the southern Gulf of Suez, through high-resolution geochemical studies including gas chromatography, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and carbon isotope analyses. Biological features characterize oils in family 1a, suggesting tertiary carbonate source rocks for these oils, rich in type II organic matter and deposited under anoxic depositional environment. Family 1b oil shows minor variations in the source of organic matter and the depositional environment, as it was derived from carbonate source rock with more algal and bacterial contribution and minor input of terrestrial organic sources, deposited under less saline condition compared to family 1a oil. Family 2 oil, although genetically related to family 1a oil, has some distinctive features, such as diasterane to sterane and pristane to phytane ratios, which suggest clay-rich source rocks and a more oxic depositional environment. Also, the lack of oleanane indicates pre-tertiary source rocks for this oil. In contrast, family 3 oil is of mixed sources (marine and non-marine), generated from low sulfur and clay-rich source rock of tertiary and/or younger age. Family 4 oil seems to be mixed from family 1b and family 3 oils, sourced mainly from carbonate source rocks rich in clay minerals with algal and bacterial contributions. Family 4 oil is highly mature, family 1b oil lies within equilibrium values (peak oil generation stage), while the other families are more or less near equilibrium.     

Comparison Study for the Distribution of Organo-Sulfur Containing Compounds of Two Kuwaiti Crude Oil Distillates

Abstract

This paper deals with the comparison, analysis, and characterization of two Kuwaiti crude oil samples received from different origins. (Burgan and Al-Wafra oil fields). Systematic analysis was conducted for API gravity, sulfur content, metal content, and viscosity. The representative samples of the two Kuwaiti crude oils were fractionated into naphtha (IBP–170^○C), kerosene (170–265^○C), medium gas oil (265–355^○C), and heavy gas oil (355–550^○C) using an 80 L capacity autodistillation unit “AUTODEST-800” according to ASTM D2892 and ASTM D5236. Particular attention was paid to study the distribution of various types of sulfur compounds in each of these wide cuts, which was qualitatively and quantitatively estimated by capillary gas chromatography equipped with a sulfur chemiluminescence detector, which is suitable for a wide range of sulfur systems. The fingerprinting obtained from the analysis of GC-SCD showed different families of organo-sulfur compounds in crudes, including mercaptans, sulfides, thiophenes, benzothiophenes, dibenzothiophene, benzonaphtothiophene, and their alkyl derivatives. From the analyses the behavior and distribution of the refractory and unrefractory sulfur compounds in the two Kuwaiti crude oils can now be easily followed.     

Investigation of Asphaltene Precipitation Process for Kuwaiti Reservoir

Abstract

As part of an Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) research program, Asphalting precipitation processes were investigated for a Kuwaiti dead oil sample using different hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide as precipitants at the ambient and high pressure of 3000 psig conditions. The hydrocarbons used as precipitants were ethane (C2), propane (C3), butane (C4), normal pentane (n-C5), normal hexane (n-C6), and normal heptane (n-C7). The equipment used for this investigation was a mercury-free, variable volume, fully visual JEFRI-DBR PVT system with laser light scattering. The minimum critical value of precipitants concentration for the oil sample has been identified at the ambient and high-pressure conditions for each precipitant. Our investigation has revealed that for this oil sample the most powerful asphaltene precipitant were CO₂ followed by C2, C3, C4, n-C5, n-C6, and n-C7. Moreover, the effect of pressure and temperature on the asphaltene precipitation has been investigated experimentally for CO₂, n-C5, n-C6, and n-C7. The precipitation and redissolution of asphaltene upon the addition and removal of CO₂ and light alkanes (C2–C4), at 3000 psig and ambient temperatures, have shown evidence of reversibility of asphaltene precipitation. A comprehensive fluid characterization analysis for the oil sample has been performed including, physical properties of crude oil, compositional, molecular weight (Mw), and SARA analyses. Advanced analytical techniques such as 1H and 13C NMR and IR spectrometers have been utilized to investigate the molecular structure of the asphaltene for this sample. It was concluded that the asphaltene molecules for this oil contain 120 total aromatic carbons with 42 aromatic rings, 114 naphthenic rings, and 5–7 sets of condensed aromatic rings.     

Modeling of Asphaltene Phase Behavior with the SAFT Equation of State

Abstract

The SAFT equation of state was used to model asphaltene phase behavior in a model live oil and a recombined oil under reservoir conditions. The equation of state parameters for the asphaltenes were fit to precipitation data from oil titrations with n-alkanes at ambient conditions. The SAFT model was then used to predict the asphaltene stability boundaries in the live oils. A lumping scheme that divides the recombined oil into six pseudo-components based on composition, saturates–aromatics–resins–asphaltenes fractionation, and gas–oil-ratio data was introduced. Using this lumping scheme, SAFT predicted stock-tank oil and recombined oil densities that are in excellent agreement with experiment data. For both the model and the recombined oil systems, SAFT predicted asphaltene instability and bubble points agree well with experimental measurements.     

Composition of Floccules Formed in Hydrotreated Base Oil

Abstract

The composition of the floccules formed in hydrotreated base oil was investigated in detail. First, a method of solvent dilution and filtration at low temperature was employed to perform the separation of the floccules in the oil. Second, n-paraffins in the floccules were separated with urea, and carbon number distribution of the floccules was obtained by gas chromatography (GC). Finally, the composition and structure between the floccules and filtrated oils were investigated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and infrared spectroscopy (IR), and their average molecular weights were also measured. The results indicate that the floccules were caused by some hydrocarbon compounds with large average molecular weight, high paraffinic carbon content, and high freezing point. The floccules were composed of a large amount of naphthenes and some paraffins. The naphthenes had longer side branches and lower ring numbers, and the paraffins had longer chains and lower degrees of branching. During slow cooling under static conditions, these hydrocarbon compounds formed a colloidal network, which embodied the oil and dispersed throughout the oil and formed the floccules.     

Geochemistry,generation and maturation of the hydrocarbons at Wadi Al-Rayan oil field,Western Desert of Egypt

`The present work aims to study the organic chemistry, the generation and maturation of the hydrocarbons encountered at Abu Roash Formation, Wadi El Rayan oil field. The analysis of source rocks indicates the presence of two organic facies. The first is characterized by high total organic carbon of 0.93–3.39%, strongly oil-prone (Type II), and good potential for oil generation (pyrolysis S2 yields 4.54–23.26 mg HC/g rock and HI 488–705 mg HC/g TOC). The second attains good range of organic carbon from 0.90% to 1.57%, which is a mixed oil and gas (Type II–Type III) of fair hydrocarbon generation (pyrolysis S2 yield of 1.98–5.33 mg HC/g). The kerogen type consists of unstructured lipids and some terrestrial material. Plot of Pr/n-C17 versus Ph/n-C18 indicates that the crude oil was derived from mixed source rock, while the maturity profile assigns oil windows (0.6 R_o%) matching topmost of Abu Roash G Member.     

Effect of Crude Oil Composition and Blending on Flowing Properties

Abstract

The effect of crude oil n-paraffin molecular weight distribution on wax crystallization risk was studied. Sixteen highly paraffinic crude oils from Eastern Venezuela were characterized, in terms of hydrocarbon family distribution, by High Temperature Simulate Distillation (HTSD), Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), and wax content. n-Paraffin chain length was correlated with crude oil cloud point and pour point. It was demonstrated that high molecular weight linear paraffins are responsible for crude oil wax precipitation. A quantitative correlation between molecular weight distribution and crude oil flowing properties was also obtained. It was found that the wider the molecular weight distribution, the lower is the wax crystallization risk. Blends of different paraffinic crude oils were prepared and their flowing properties were evaluated in comparison with the original crudes. Cloud points below the mean value were obtained. In some cases, a synergistic effect was observed (cloud points below the minimum of the two crude oils). Blends of some of these crudes with condensates afforded improvements on crude oil flow and a reduction of wax crystallization tendency (cloud point). This phenomenon can be attributed to a combination of two factors: I. increases in C24-n-paraffins, and II. a wider molecular weight distribution.     

Oxidative Degradation of Athabasca Bitumen,Fuel Oil,and Used Transformer Oil

Abstract

Oxidative cracking of bitumen, waxy fuel oil, and used transformer oils were carried out individually in an autoclave with 0.6 wt% of hydroquinone as a catalyst. The cracking process is conducted at 410°C in an atmosphere of oxygen gas of 0.15 MPa, for 30 min. The identification and quantitative determination of both the liquids and gases obtained during the cracking process are achieved using packed and capillary gas chromatography (GC) connected with suitable detectors. It was found that the degraded liquid products obtained have a higher percentage of lower hydrocarbons compared to the original feed stocks. Several analytical parameters including API gravity, calorific value, viscosity, density, pour point, etc., were used to evaluate the liquid product obtained. Also, the calorific values of the liberated gases were calculated and compared with that of natural gas. The cracked oil products were distilled and compared to their corresponding petroleum fractions. The cracked fractions have the same characteristics as their corresponding petroleum fractions with the exception of some properties that depend on the aromatic, naphthenic, and waxy nature of the virgin oil.     

LIQUEFACTION OF ELBI˙STAN AND YATAĞAN LIGNITES I N CARBON MONOXIDE/HYDROGEN GAS MIXTURES

Abstract

Thc effects of experimental parameters on the liquefaction yields of Elbistan and Yatagan lignites vcre investigated by using different solvents, guses and catalysts.

In hydroliquefaction of Elbistan lignite with anthracene and creosote oils, higher oil yields were obtained with anthracene oil. Based on this result, anthracene oil was chosen as solvent for further work done with Elbistan lignite. First the effect of moisture in lignite samples vas observed with synthesis gas as medium gas: then, the effect of carbon monoxide/ hydrogen ratio in liquefaction gas mixture was determined using moist lignite samples. The highest oil yield was obtained with moist lignite sample in 3CO/IH₂gas mixture and it was 57.3 % (daf).

The hydroliquefaction oil yields of Yatagan lignite obtained with creosote oil were higher than those obtained in anthracene ail. On Further work done with Yatagan lignite, creosote oil was chosen as solvent. First, the effects of CoMo and red mud catalysts, then in catalyzed medium, the effects of moisture in lignite samples and at last, using moist lignite samples and red mud catalyst. the effects o f carbon monaxide/hydrogen in synthesis gas medium and also, the increase in the oil yield a s an effect of catalyst presence, increased further: the 3CO/lH, ratio in gas medium was suitable for obtaining higher oil yields; and also for obtaining high oil yields, 440°c could be taken a s the most suitable temperature value and the pressure should be increased a s much as technical and economical conditions permit.     

Composition and Properties of Chinese Coker Gas Oil

Abstract:

The composition and properties of China coker gas oil are analyzed and studied. The factors of effecting on the reaction of coker gas oil and measures that should be adopted are discussed. Research results show that China coker gas oil contains 86.04–86.87% C and 11.96–13.72% H, with an H/C atom ratio of 1.7. China coker gas oil contains 51.1–68.3% of saturated hydrocarbon, 24.8–37.4% of aromatic hydrocarbon, 5.7–11.5% resin and no asphalt. The aromatic carbon rate is 14–20% and alkyl carbon rate is 58–71%. The total cycle number R _T is 2.1–2.5 and the aromatic cycle number R _A is 0.8–1.3, with R _A /R _N slightly more than 1. The nitrogen contents of China coker gas oil is a bit high, which is more than 0.35%, so denitrogen should be taken into account to enhance the blending ratio of coker gas oil in FCC feed.     

Predicting Bubble-point Pressure and Formation-volume Factor of Nigerian Crude Oil System for Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

This paper presents a model for predicting the bubble–point pressure (P _b ) and oil formation-volume-factor at bubble-point (B _ob ) for crude samples collected from some producing wells in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria. The model was developed using artificial neural networks with 542 experimentally obtained Pressure-Volume-Temperature (PVT) data sets. The model accurately predicts the P _b and B _ob as functions of the solution gas-oil ratio, the gas relative density, the oil specific gravity, and the reservoir temperature. In order to obtain a generalized accurate model, backpropagation with momentum for error minimization was used. The accuracy of the developed model in this study was compared with some published correlations. Apart from its accuracy, this model takes a shorter time to predict the PVT properties when compared with empirical correlations. The immediate reason for this may have to do with the non-linear nature of the empirical correlations.     

New Empirical Correlations for Predicting Crude Oil Properties

Abstract

Pressure–volume–temperature (PVT) properties of crude oil are essential parameters used for prediction of fluid flow both in porous media and through transmission pipelines. Whenever laboratory works are absent, the engineer should use regionally developed correlations. A large portion of all crude oil resources is located in the Persian Gulf countries, and they have more or less similar API ranges and acidities, so that any empirical PVT correlation based on data from one region can adequately predict the behavior of others in this large geological basin. In this study, a new set of black oil–type correlations for bubble point pressure (P_b), solution gas–oil ratio (GOR; R_s), and formation volume factor (Bo) is proposed based on more than 400 Iranian crude oil PVT lab data. Moreover, previous works were reviewed, most of which were not suitable to model Iranian crude PVT behavior. Although the new correlations are developed over Iranian crudes, they can be used for prediction over any crude oil with similar compositional properties (API and acidity). Then the accuracy of these correlations is compared with the newly presented set and the superiority of this work for predicting those parameters is demonstrated.     

塔里木盆地顺北油田油气来源研究

基于塔里木盆地顺北地区原油和天然气样品的地球化学特征分析,研究了顺北地区奥陶系中下统油气来源。通过饱和烃色谱及饱和烃、芳烃色谱—质谱、全油及族组分碳同位素检测,发现原油样品中C23三环萜烷占优势,伽马蜡烷含量低,C27-C28-C29ααα20R规则甾烷表现为不规则的"V"字形分布,规则甾烷相对重排甾烷含量高,原油碳同位素偏轻,与柯坪露头及孔探1井等下寒武统烃源岩有很好的亲缘性;天然气δ13C1值为-50.7‰^-44.7‰,天然气δ13C2值为-36.1‰^-33.1‰,干燥系数为0.520~0.883,为原油伴生气,油气同源,判断顺北油田油气主要来源于下寒武统烃源岩。通过已钻井岩相、沉积相和全盆地地震相资料,预测下寒武统烃源岩在塔里木盆地广泛分布,厚度在30 m左右,有机碳含量高,生烃潜力大,具有长期生烃、多期供烃的特点,能提供充足的油气资源,是塔里木盆地台盆区最主要的烃源岩。