Formation Fluid Microsampling While Drilling: A New PVT and Geochemical Formation Evaluation Technique
Authors: Golovko Julia , Jones Christopher , Dai Bin , Pelletier Michael , Gascooke Darren , Olapade Peter , Van Zuilekom Anthony 
Published: September 2019

Phase behavior characterization (PVT) and geochemical compositional analysis of petroleum samples play a crucial role in the reservoir evaluation process to help determine producible reserves and the best production strategy. Openhole samples are the most valuable types of samples for PVT and geochemical analysis. Unfortunately, traditional openhole sampling methods are costly and limited to ten to twenty samples, thereby restricting the scope of characterization in a well section. This study summarizes a new microsampling technique for logging while drilling (LWD) and a corresponding wellsite technique to provide compositional interpretation, contamination assessment, reservoir fluid compositional grading, and reservoir compartmentalization assessment. This microscale approach allows fast analysis with a field or near-field deployment of the analytical tool, providing fast turnaround time for analysis. The results inform planning for wireline sample retrieval, if necessary.

The microsampler used in the downhole tool is capable of collecting reservoir fluid in small quantities, suitable for compositional analysis. Because of its small size, the microsampler can gather multiple fluids at various reservoir depths, while PVT sampling requires larger volumes and has more constraints. However, when used in combination with conventional PVT-grade samples, the microsamples can provide significant chemical profiling. The quantity of 40 microliters (μl) provides the opportunity to collect many more samples than the conventional PVT sample size of 200 to 1,000 milliliters (ml). Additionally, 40 microliters provides more than enough of a sample for a complete chemical analysis using a liquid chromatograph or gas chromatograph coupled to either a mass spectrometer for biomarker analysis or a flame ionization detector for a complete assay. Isotope analysis is also possible.

Recovery to surface of fluid samples collected at reservoir temperature and pressure allows for analysis with an automated gas chromatograph (GC) deployed in the field, providing reduced labor and rapid analysis. The unique injection chamber of the GC is designed with the injection port and valve configured to withstand pressure up to 5,000 psi, which is approximately five times higher than standard GC injection valves. This allows for injection of the microsample with a solvent carrier as a single-phase fluid so that analysis can provide composition and fluid properties, such as gas to oil ratio, without a flash. The GC has two detectors including a flame ionization detector (FID) for hydrocarbon components and thermal conductivity detector (TCD) for inorganic gas components, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and hydrogen sulfide. The system can quantify hydrocarbon components from C1-C36 and perform contamination studies of oil samples with drilling fluids.

This study provides a new technique for reservoir engineers to characterize a reservoir completely, without limit to the number of acquired samples. In combination with conventional PVT samples, it is possible to extrapolate the PVT properties to all pump-out stations, and conduct a complete geochemical profile of the reservoir.