Reservoir-Fluid 'Property

Correlations-State of the Art

W.D. McCain .Jr., SPE, Cawley, Gillespie & Assocs. Inc.

Summary. This paper presents correlations to detennine reservoir-fluid properties from field data. The best available correlations
were selected by comparison with a data base of hundreds of reservoir-fluid studies of ;ampl~s representing all areas o~ the free world
Involved in active petroleum exploitation from 1980 to 1986. Also, correlallons of fonnallon-water properties are gl\/en,

Introductlon
Values of reservoir liquid and gas properties are often needed when
iaboratory PVT data are not available. This paper shows how to
use normally available field data to estimate fluid properties.
While at Texas A&M U,. I had access to a data base of hundreds
nf reservoir-fluid studies provided by Core Laboratories [nco ,The
solution GOR results in values that are low by 10% or more. The
stock-tank GOR can be estimated with)
log RST=A, +A2 log 'Y.,+A) log 'Y,sp+A" log psp
+As log Tsp. ... ............... .. .......... (\)

geographical and geological origins of the reservoir samples had

b.::en carefully removed from the data but the samples were known
to represent all areas of the free world in which petroleum exploi
tation was active during the first 6 years of the 1980's.
All reservoir-fluid property correlations available in the petrole
um engineering literature were compared with this data base. This
paper gives the best correlations.
Id.ntlflcatlon of RrvolrFluld Type
Surprisingly accurate "rules of thumb" are available I to identify
=
where A I =0.3818, A2 == - 5.~06. A) =2.902, A4 1327. and
A J ... -0. 73~~. Eq. I should not be used if the separator tempera
ture is > 140F.
Addition of the estimate of stock-tank GOR from Eq. I to the
separator GOR results in an estimate of solution GOR accurate to
within 3'-'. .
Bubblepolnt Pressure, P. The bubblepoint pressure of the oil at
reservoir conditions can be estimated with4
p,,'" l8.2(Cpb - 1.4), ............................... (2)

re!>(:rvoirf1uid type fron\6eld dati. When the initial producing GOR

i~ < 3,300 sd/STB, the fluid is liquid at reservoir conditions. where Cpb-(R,t'Y,)O,1) x 1O(0.0009IT-O.012""...,1> ......... (3)

Pos~ible exceptions occur if the stock-tank liquid is colorless or

has a gravity higher than about SOo API.
Reservoir liquids are either black oils or volatile oils; the gener
al material-balance equations 2 work only for black oils. The be
havior of volatile oils does not fit the assumptions inherent in the
derivation of the material-balance equations. Black oils are identi
tied as having initial producing GOR's below 2,000 scr/STB and
deeply colored stock-tank oil with gravities below 4~ 0 API.
Reservoir gases are classified as retrOSrade gases (often called
condensate gases or las condensate). wet gases, and dry lases.
Retrograde gases have initial producin~ G<?R's > 3,30? scf/~TB.
The few exceptions of oils that have ratIOS higher than this are Iden
tified as having deeply colored stock-tank liquids with lravities <
,wo APr. Retrograde behavior occurs for gases with initial produc
ang GOR '5 of ISO.OOO scf/STB or higher; however, as a practical
matter. gases with initial producing GOR's il!:SO,OOO sef/STB can
b.: trealed as wet gases.
The lenn wet gas is used for a gas that does not release conden
sate in the reservoir but does form hydrocarbon liquid at the sur
face. The term dry ps is used for a gas that does not fonn any
hydrocarbon liquid at the surface. In this context, the terms "wet"
and "dry" do not refer to water or waler vapor, which is always
present to some extent.
Prc;p.rtl of Rrvolr Uquld.
worles very well for pressures near the bubblepoint. It is less ac
The physical properties discussed nett apply only to black oils. En
curate at low pressures.
gineering a volatile-oil reservoir requires a special laboratory study
to an accuracy of I ~ %. The specific gravity of the separator gu
can be used for 'Y,; however, R, should include stock-tank vent
gas. The equations are valid to 32~F.
A more accurate estimate of bubblepoint pressure can be obtained
if reservoir pressure is measured regularly. Plot reservoir pressure
and producing GOR vs. cumulative production. For a volumetric
solution-gas-drive reservoir, pressure wiu decline rapidly initial
Iy. then natten when reservoir pressure drops below the oil bub
blepoint pressure (the pressure at which the line Changes slope).
The producing GOR will begin 10 increase shonIy after bubblepoinc
pressure is reached.
Solution GOR, R,. Eqs. 2 and 3 can be used to estimate solution
GOR for pressures below the bubblepoint. Enter any pressure be
low bubblepoint in place of p" in Eq. 2 and calculate the corre
sponding value of solution GOR with Eq. 3. The results should
be within I ~ '-' of measured values.
[f a field-derived bubblepoint pre$sure has been Jb.ained from
pressure measurements as described above, the accuracy of the es
timates of solution GOR can be improved. J Start by creatine a ta
ble of pressures and solution GOR's. Subtract the field-derived
bubblepoint pressure from the bubblepoint pressure calculated with
Eqs. 2 and 3 10 obtain a "delta pressure." Subtract this "delta pres
sure" from all pressures in the R, vs. p table. This procedure

not discussed here.

Oil FVF, B. The oil FVF for use at pressures equal to or below
bubblepoint can be estimated with"
Solution GOR at Bubblepoint; R,., The initial producing GOR 8.-0.9759+ 12(IO- S)C.,.12, ........... ,., .. ' .... (4)

provides a good estimate of solution GOR for use at pressures equal

10 and above bubblepoint pressure. This will not be true if free gas where C w =-R,('Yi'ro)O's + 1.2~T. .................. (5)

from a gas cap or another formation is produced with the oil. Field The equations can be used for any pressure equal to or below the
data often ellbibi, a great deal of scatter; however, a trend of con bubbJepoint by inserting the corresponding value of solution GOR
stant GOR usually can be discerned before reservoir pressure drops estimated as discussed above. The resultins FVF value will be within
below the bubblepoint. ~'-' or laboratory-measured values if accurate values of solution
Often the reported values or producing GOR do not include stock GOR are used. If solution GOR's are obtained w:th Eqs. 2 and 3,
tank vent gas. In this case, the use of initial producing GOR for the accurac;y or the resulting FVF values will be some unknown
'Now _ SA HoidIIc:ft 1 - ' .
combination of the I~'-' accuracy ofEqs. 2 and 3 and the 5% ac
C<>!)yI'oghI 1.' 5'-tJ 01 Pel,OIeum Eng!"'" curacy of Eqs. 4 and ~. Do not use at temperatures above 32~oF.

SPE Re.servoir Engineering, May 1991

 At pressures above bubblepoint pressure. the oil FVF is calcu Then, the effect of solution GOR corresponding to the pressure of
lated with intereat is taJten into account with II
Bo-B". exp(co(Pb-P)J ........................... (6)
Po -Al'oD' ................................. ,.,. (IS)

where FVP at the bubblepoint is estimated as discussed above. Es where A-IO.7IS(R,+100)-0..m ................ " ... (16)

timation of the coeffICient of isothermal compressibility of oil. co.

and B-S.44(R, + 150)-0.338 ................... ,',. ,(17)

is discussed later.
Eqs. IS through 17 were derived with data to 29S"F and S,25O psig.
ou Density at Reservoir ConditIons, p" Sq. 7 may be used to Oil viscosity at pressures above the bubblepoint is estimated by
calculate S the dell5ity of the oil in the resertoir at bubblepoint pres first calculating viscosity al the bubblepoint with Eqs. 14 through
sure (and below) from estimated values of B" and R,. 17 from the solution GOR at the bubblepoint and then adjusting
viscosity to higher pressures with 7
PoR"(PSTO+O.OI3~7R,'Y,"Bo ................ " .... (7)

Po-I'".(pIPb)" , .......... , ................. , ... (18)

where p oR is the dell5ity of the resertoir liquid at the pressure and

temperature at which Bo and R, were estimated. A weighted aver where B=C1PCz eXp(C1 +C.p) .................... (19)

age of separator and stock-t.ank-gas specific gravities should be used

and C 1 =2.6, C1 = 1.187, C) .. -IUI3. and C. = -8.98>: lO-s.
for "'r ,; however. the use of separator gas gravity gives adequate
Eqs. 18 and 19 were developed from a data base with pressures
results. The accuracy of this .calculation should be some unknown
to 9,500 psiS; the applicable temperatures were not given. I
combination of the accuracy of the estimates of Bo and R,; how
It appears that the relationships of oil viscosity to other proper
ever. in practice. the calculated density is within S ~ of laboratory
ties of the oil are too complicated to be explained by the limited
measured values.
field data normally available. Thus. the values of oil viscosity cal
Density of resertoir oil at pressures above the bubblepoint can
culated with Sqs. 14 through 19 should be considered to be "order
be calculated with
of-magnitude" estimates only.
Po"'P". exp{Co(P-Pb)' ............................ (8)

Prop.rtl 0' Rrvolr G

Coemctent oIlsodrernua1 CompressJbilltf of 01, c.' The coeffi
Propenies of dry gases will be considered first. Thea, the calcula
cient of isothennal comptC&Sibility of oil. often c:aIJed oil compress
tions necessary for estimating properties of reseNoir wet gases will
ibility. is defined for pressures above the bubblepoint u be discussed. Retrograde gases will not be considered because a
Co" -(l/V)(iWlBP)r, ............................ (9a)
special laboratory repon is required for these gases.
co -(lIBo)(aBo)/ap)r, ....., ..................... (9b)
Compresslb01ty Equation 01 State. The equation of state most
or Co =-(1/Po)(apolap)r' ., .. , ........................ (9c)
often used by petroleum engineen is
At pressures below the bubblepoint, oil c:ompt"CSSlbility is defmed 6 pV-utIlT. ............ , ...................... , .. (20)

as The Standing-Katz 12 correlation OIl fiIcton has stood the test

of time. Their graphical correlation may be represented by 13.14
co",,_~[(aBo) _B,(aR,)]. , ................ (10) l= 1+(A I +A2/T",.+A)/T",.) +A.IT",. 4 +A,IT",.')P",.
Bo ap T ap T
+(A6 +A7 /T",.+A,ITp ,2)pfNl -A,(A7/TfN +A.IT",.2)p".'
At pressures above the bubblepoint. 7
+A lo(1 +A II P,.,.1)(P,.,.2 / T",.1)exP(-A II P",.2) ......... (21)

Co -(AI +A 2R,+A)T+A 4'Y,+A s'YAPf)/A 6 P, .......... (11)

and p",.-0.27[p".J(zT".>1, ........................... (22)

where A 1- -1,433.0, A2 -S.O, Al -17.2, A4 - -I,ISO.O, As

12.61. and A6-l0'.
Values of oil rompreasibility calculated with Sq. 11 are general
ly low, by as mudI II ~~ II hip plUSUres. Accuracy is improved
at pressures orear the bubblepoint. The data set used to develop thi,
equation included pressures u high .. 9,500 PSil; however, the
author did not sive a temperature range.'
At pressures below the bubblepoinl.'
where A 1=0.3265, A2 - -1.0700, A) .. -0.5339, A" -O.OIS69.
As -0.05165, A.-0.547S, A 7 - -0.7361, A,-O.I844. A,.
0.1056,14 10 -0.6134, and A II -0.7210. Sq. 21 represenu the
Slandina-Katz correlation to withiD I ~ lor 0.2 <P,.. < 15 and
0.7<T",.<3.0 and to within 3~ for t5<p".<30.
The pseudoredueed propenies are defiDed I I
T",.-TITfIC .................................... (23a)

In(co) - -7.633 - 1.497 In(p) + L liS In(T) +0.533 In(-r APf) and p".-pIPfIC' ................................... (23b)

+0.184 In(R,.)................................... (12)

where the pseudocritical properties may be calculated with IS
The results are accurate to within 10~ at pressures above SOO psi. ppc=756.8 -131.O-y, -3.6')',2 .................... ,. (24)

Below 500 psia. the accuracy is within 20~. If the bubblepoint pres
sure is known, the accurac:y of estimates of oil compressibility at and TfIC""I69.2+349.S'Y, -74.O-y,2 ..... , ............. (2S)

pressures beloJi" bubblepoint can be improved by using' Sqs. 21 through 2S produce t factors that are well within 2 ~ of
tn(co)--7.573-1.4~ In(p)-0.383 In(P.) + 1.402 tn(T) experimental ror temperatures to 360F, pressures to 12,SOO psia,
and gas specifIC gravities to 1.6.
+0.256 In('Y APf) +0.449 In(R,.)..................... (13)
If the gas composition is known, gas specific: gravity for use in
Sqs. 12 and 13 are valid to 330 0 P and 5,300 psia. Eqs. 24 and 25 should be calculated with
'Y,-M.IMtJ.r-M./29 ............................. (26)

Oil Viscosity, ,.., Estimation of oil viscosity at pressures below

the bubblepoinl is a two-step procedure. First, the viscosity of the where M.- I;YjMj . ........... : .................... (27)

oil without dissolved gas (dead oil). PoD' is estimated at re5ertoir j

temperature 10: This will improve accuracy over direct aaIcuJatioo of the pseudocrit
log 10g(PoD + 1) -1.8653 -0.D2.5086-y API-O.5644 log T.
icaI properties with compositioo. I'
When HlS aDd COl are present, the paeudocritical properties
................................... (14)
are adjusted byl6
Sq. 14 is based 011 data with ranges of 5 to 58 API and 60 to 175F. TPc TfIC -e ..................................... (28)

SPE Reservoir Engineering. May 1991 267


(30)
l6
E4S ~8 through 30 resuh in: factors within 5% of expenmental
1"r CO, ~on(entratlons to 55 mol% and H,S <':Dndllion~ to 1-1
mol <it: ai temperature~ to 300 F and pre~~ur~s to '7 ,000 p~la.
.-faClor values are nOI greatly affected by the pre,.:no:: l\f nl!ro
gen :-fa(tor Im.:rea~c, by about I % over the values calculated wlIh
Eqs 21 and 22 for each 5 mol % (If nitrogen 10 the gas. ~
rhe ~fa(tor values calt:ulilted .is described above are about as
",,-,urate as ,an he measured in the la\x)ratory. ThiS is true even
for Wet gases and retrograde ga~es with specific gravities a~ hIgh
a~ 16
Dry Gases. Dry gases are easy 10 deal with because no liquId <.:on
Jcnses from the gas as it moves from the reloerVOlr to the surface.
Thus. the specific gravity of the surface gas can be used in correla
tions to determlOO:: Ihe propenies of the gas in the reservoir.
When the gas is associated and produced with a black oil. it may
be assumed 10 be a dry gas wilh specific gravity equal 10 the spe
<':Ific gravlIy of the gas from the primary separalor.
GelS fVF. The FVF of a dry gas is defined as
8, = VRIV,... .. (31)
If standard conditions are taken to be 14.65 psia and 6O"F.
B. =00282(alp) =0.OO502(tTlp). '., (32)
The equations are exact. and the calculated values of gas FVF are
directly related to the accuracy of the values of z factor used.
Co~ffi'ient of Isothtrmal Compressibility of GGs. The coeffi
Cient of isothermal compressibility of gas is defined as
c,= -( I!V)(iWIOp)T ..... (33a)
or cg=<rIlBII)(oB/oP)T' (33b)
Eqs 33 and 20 can be combined and placed on a pseudoreduced
basls~ . of gas produced from the stock tank and the second separator. if
C
I"
=cp =_I__
~pc
~(~) . ...... (34)
Pp, z iJpp, T
pi'
Eq. 34 can be combined 18 with the definition of pseudoreduced
gas density.
. (5)
where the , factQr of the gas at the critical point is assumed to be
0.27. to arrive at
I 0.27 [ (ozloPp,)TpI' ] where A 1=2.99222. A2 =0.970497. A) =6.80491. A4 = 107916
p . . . . . . (36)
c ,"" Pp, - z2T,.,. 1+(Pp,IZ)(o,It'Pp,)T" . As:: -1.19605. and A6""0.553669.
l~n ex~ression for lOl.IOp p,) can be derived S from Eq. 21:
IO;:IOPp,)T" =A I +A2fTpr +A)ITp,J +A4fTpr 4
+A~/Tp,5 +2p p,(A 6 +A7/Tp,+ASITp(2)
-5ppr 4A9(A71Tpr +A S/Tp,2)
P and As'" -0.934460.
+ 2A IO pr (I+A 11 P pr
2 2 4 2
-All Ppr )exp(-AIIPpr )' ., .. (37 >
Tpr)
where the values of the constants are given with Eq. 21.
Isotherms of the 1: factor plooed vs. pseu<loreduced pressure have
rather sharp minima at low temperatures. Eq. 21 follows the shape
of these isotherms rather weU. However. the slopes of the isotherms
calculated with &I. 37 are not panicularly accurate near these mini
ma, where the slope changes sharply from negative to positive.
Thus. Eqs, 36 and 37 should not be used at T,.,. < 1.4 for
1l.4 <p , < 3.0 The accuracy of these equations is unknown; how
ever. J:e results should be suitable for engineering calculations.
Gas ,,'jscosiJy. Gas V!,coslly may be e~f!maleu wllh 1'1
.. ~=A e'p(8P/)(10-~J, (~!l)
(9 379+0.01607M",)TI ~
wh.;re A = (J9)
209.2 + 1926Ma + T
8 3-148 -(986.4T) +OOIOCNM". (40)
and C=2-147-022248. 1411
The result, of Eqs .,8 through 41 agrt!e WIth the limited pub.
lisht!d data of gas Viscosity 10 within 2 % at low pressure and to
wilh," J % 31 high pr.:ssure when the SpeClftC gravIty of the gas
IS < 10. The 1:4uatJons are less accurate fur gases uf higher spe.
cltic gravtties. usually giving low estimates by up to 20'J. fur retro
grade gases with specific gravities oyer 15
Wet Gases. The key 10 the estimation of the propenies uf a wet
gas is that the composlIion of the reservoir gas IS nOl the same as
the compoSition of the surface gas. Hydrocarbon liquid condenses
from the reservoir gas as it moves from reservoir conditions to sur.
face conditions. The surface gas and surface liquid musc be recom
bined by calculation to determine the specific gravity of the reservoir
gas. Correlations given above can be used once the specifIC gravi
ty of the reservoir gas is known.
SJHcifi' Grallu, of Wet GGs. Wet gases are processed through
two or more stages of separation at the surface. Unfonunately. the
quantity and specifIC gravity of the $lock-tank gas are rvcly known.
The specific gravity of a reservoir wet gas can be escimated when
only the propenies of the gas from the primary separator are
lrnown. 20
RSPI 1'sPI +4,6O(}y" + Gpo
l' ,R = ... , ....... (42)
RSP1 + V~q
The equivalent volume. V,q. is the volume of stock-tank gas and
second separator gas. if present, plus the volume in scandard cubIC
feet that would be occupied by a barrel of stocktank liquid if it
were gas. The additional gas produced, Gpo. is related to the mas...
present.
For three stages of separation.
V..q =Ao +A I(PSP! ).1: hSPI ).1) h AP,)A. (TSP!)A~(TSP2)A6.
.(43)
where Ao =535.916. A 1=2.62310. A2 =0.793183. A) ::4.66120
A, = 1.20940, As == -0.849115. and A6 =0.269869. and
Gpo =A t( PSPI -14.65).12 (1SPI ).1)(1' API)A,(TSPI >As (TSP2)A e
(44)
For two stages of separation,
V..q =Ao +:A 1(PSPI ).1 1 (1'Sp)A) ("YAP, ).1, (Tsp)A, . .... (45)
where Ao,.635.530, A 1=0.361821. A2 = 1.05435, AJ =5.08305.
A 4 '" L58124. As'" -0.791301, and
Gpo ==A 1(PSPI -14.(5)A2hsp)A'h AP\)A, (TSp)A, .... , (46)
where Al -1.45993. A2 -1.33940. A) .7.09434, A, -1.14356,
Values of specific gravity of reservoir gas calculated with &I.
42 and the appropriate pair of Eqs. 43 and 44 or Eqs. 45 and 46
will be within 2'1 of laboratory-determined values. This accurltC)'
degenerates to about 6'1 when the total nonhydrocarbon content
of the gas is between 5 and 25 mol'l. The equations are not rec
ommended when total nonhydrocarbon content of the gas e"ceed~
25 mol ~. The results are independent of reservoir temperature and
pressure. Reservoir gases with specific gravities between 0.8 and
1.55 were used in the development of the equation.
TVF of Wet GGs. Eqs. 31 and 32 apply only to a dry gas. The:
FYF of a weI gas is usually defined as the volume of reservoir &AS
SPE ReserYoir Engu-nng. May 1991
 -----~.-----~-.--.-~-------~---------~--~

TABLE l-SUMMARY OF NOMENCLATURE AND UNITS fOR

CONCENTRATION OF DISSOLVED SOUDS IN FORMATION WATERS'

Symbol Definition Equations

molality C", 9 mol solid
1,000 9 pure water
molarity CAl mot solid
1,000 mL brine
, normality CN W1 solid
1,000 mL brine
; mrilGQutvalents per Irtar C,.,OQ/L maQ solid C "'OQ/L .. 1 ,000 x C N .. C "'9Il1eq W1
1,000 mL brine
I weight percent solids Cw 9 solid
100 9 brine
i parts per million C...,,,, 9 solid C ppm " C w x 10'
'iQig brine
milligrams per liter C""IIfl 9 solid
10' mL brine
grains per gallon grains solid C goglll -17.1 xC"'. .17.1 x(J", xC...,m'
gal brine where p.. is in glcm 3 at standard
condll1ons .
. . d3P'&d hom JO(den, J A and Campoell. F L. WeN L'W"'g I-Roc. P'operf"'" 8".._ EI'oY_, 1./1)(/. and
r.m"",,,,ure (ogg'''fJ, YOl'09,aph Se.."o, SPE ""Chel".on. TX (1985) t, :l8

rt"4Ulred to produce I bbl of stock-tank liquid, The unns are either
,tdndarJ cubl': feet of reservOIr gas per stock-tank barrel or bar
reb of reserV!)lr gas at reservoir condillons per stock-tank barrel.
The sum of the pflmary separator gas and V..q is the standard
CUbK feet of reservOIr gas required to produce I bbl of stock-tank
:,quld
. . (47)
Thl~ can he I.'onverted to reservoir conditions, S resulting in
. . . , . (48)
",here standard conditions of 14.65 psia and 6O'F were used,
EG 4& Will give results within about 6% of laboratory measure
ment for gases with nonhydrocarbon content < 5 %. The accuracy
je~enerates badly for higher nonhydrocarbon content.
Values from this correlation agree with the limited published ex
perimental data to within 2 % TIle correlation IS valid throughout
the full range of solids contents, temperatures to 260F. and pres
sures to 5,000 psia. An increase in solids COntent causes a slight
increase in ~ V..,T and a slight decrease in to V wp that are offselling
to within I %.
Density or Formation Waler, PW' The density of formation water
at standard conditions may be calculated with S
Pw=62.368 +0.438603S+ 1.60074 x 10-3S2 . (52)
The results are as accurate as laboralory measurement through
out the full range of solids contents. Density at reservoir condi
tions is calculated by dividing densiry at standard conditions by FVF
for the pressure and temperature of interest.

Prop.rtl of Rrvol, W.t., Solution Gas/Water Ratio or Formation Water. R. w . The solu
!'-10s1 of the water correlations presented here require a knowledge tion gas/water ratio of pure water may be calculated with s
of the solids content of the brine of interest, Solids content can be R. w =A+Bp +Cp 2 ... , .... , ....... " ... , .. " ... ,. (53)

<:aslly measured in the laboratory. or it can be determined 2 I from

measurement of the resistivity of the brine, where A -8.15839-6.12265(10-")T+ L91663(10-4)T2
-2.1654(10 -7)T3. .......................... . (54)

Solids Content. All formation waters contain dissolved solids.

;mmanly SaC!. The quantiry and distribU'lion of the ions are differ B= 1.01021(10- 2 )-7.44241(10 -S)T+ 3,05553( 10 -7)T2
t: nI In every formation water. Solids contents have been reported -294883(10-IO)T3 ........ , ... , ....... ,.. . (55)
(rom as Iinle as 200 ppm to salUration, which just exceeds 300.000
ppm and C= -(l0-7)[9,02S05-0. J30237T+853425(l0 -4JT2
S.,ilds contents are reported in various sets of units, Table 1 gives - 2.34122(10 -')T3 + 2.37049( 10 -9)T4). .. . (56)
the relatIonships between these units.
These equations fit the original graphical correlation 22 to within
8ubblepoint Pressure or Fonnation Water. Pt. The bubblepoint 5 % at pressures from 1,000 to 10,000 psia and temperatures from
pressure of formation water is the same as the bubblepoint pres 100 to 340F. Do nO( use at pressures below 1,000 psia.
,ure of the coexisting 011. If the water is in contact with gas, its Eq. 57 gives a saliniTy adjustment factorS that is multiplied by
bubblepolnt pressure is equal to initial reservoir pressure. Both of the result of Eq. 53 to give the solution gas/waler ratio of forma
the above are the result of thermodynamic equilibrium in the reser tion water.
\Olr at discovery.
10gr (Rsw)briae ] = -0.0840655ST-Ol85834. . ... (57)
nT or Formation Water. B.. , The FVF of brine may be calcu L(Rsw)pure ",ale'
lated Wlth S
Eq, 57 fits the existing graphical correlation 23 to within 3 % for
B .. =iI +~V ..pJ(I +~VwTJ. . ............. (49)
salinities up to 30% and temperature from 70 to 250F.
where ~V~T= -10001(10- 2 )+ l.J339I(lO-4)T+
Coef'f1clent or bothermaJ Compressibility or FonnatJon Water.
550654(10 1)T2 ......... , ........ , ... , .... (SO)
~w. AI pressures above the bubblepoint. water compressibiliry is
and .l Vwp = 1.95301(10 -9)pT- I. 72834(10 -ll)p2 T defined as
- 3.5&922C 10 -7)p-2.2534I(10 -IO)p2 .... , ...... , ... (51) C",= -(\/V... )(8V",/Ctp)r. . ... , ... , . , ............... (58a)

SPE Reservoir Engineerine. May 1991 269

 c'" = -(lIB"J(aB",lap)r .......................... (Sib)
where S-salinity. WI".Eq. 69 agrees with the existing graphical
correiation lO to within I".
or cw=(llp",)(ap",lap)r . ........................... (sSe)

TIle above correlations were developed for dry-gu systems c0n

Eq. S9 may be used to estimate values of water compressi taining no nonhydrocarboo components. 'The presence of heavier
bility.24 hydrocarbons in wet gua or I'drOp'Ide pieS will increase the WIler
content by as much as 10" at 1.000 psia and 20~ at 10,000 psia.
C'" = 1/(7.033p+0.S4ISS-537.0T+403.3OO) ......... (59)

Natural gas that contains substantial amounts of CO 2 and/or H2S

where S=salinity in mg/L. will contain more water vapor. 30 Although 110 dati are available,
Eq. 59 is valid only for temperatures between 200 and 270F. the increase is probably on the order of !5 ~. Substantial amounts
pressures of I ,(0) to 20,(0) psia. and salinities up to 200,(0) mglL. of nitrogen or helium will lower the moisture content. 31 Limited
Osif24 gave no estimate of accuracy. A graphiC correlation2~ is data are available; the decrease is probably S to 10~.
available for use at lower temperatures and pressures.
At pressures below the bubblepoint, water compressibility is Hydrate FormaUon. Hydrocarbon gas and liquid water will com
caiculated 26 as bine to fann solids called gas hydrates at temperatures above the
temperature al which water freezes. Eq. 70 can be used to estimate
c",= _ _ 1 (aB",) + B, (liRsw) . .............. ... (60) the temperature at which hydrates will fonn l2 :
B", ap r Bw ap r T" -If[2.n077(10-')-2.78224(10-l)(lD ")',)-S.64929(10 -4)
The first term on the right side of Eq. 60 is related to water com On p)-1.29859(10-3)(lo ")',)2 + 1.40712(10-')(1n ")',)(In p)
pressibility at pressures above the bubblepoint and can be estimat
ed wilh Eq. S9. The derivative in the second term on the right side + 1.78574(1O- 4 )(1n p)2 +1.13028(10 -3)(In ")',)3
of Eq. 60 can be estimated with$ +5.97282(10-4)On ")',)20n p)-2.32792(10-4)(ln ")',)(In p)2
(dR sw lap)r=B+2Cp ............................. (61)
-2.68408(10- 5 )(10 p)3 +4.66106(10-3)(In ")',)4
where B and C are from Eqs. SS and 56. The result of Eq. 61 should +5.S5424(10 -4)(lD ")',)30n p)-1.47278(10 -')(1n ")',)2 On p)2
be multiplied by the salinity adjustment factor of Eq. S7. Valua
of FVF of formation water for use in the second term are estimat + 1.39381(10-5)(lD ")',)(1n p)3 + 1.488SO(I0-6)(ln p)4).
ed as described above, and FVF of gas is estimated with a gas spe ..................................... (70)

cific gravity of 0.63.

The resulting estimate of water compressibility is of unk:nown The estimate of hydratc-fofl'!ling temperatUre could be in error by
accuracy. It should be considen:d to be "order of mapitude" only.
sop or more. Do not use Eq. 70 at temperatures above 62P. pres
sures above I.SOO psia, or &u specifIC ,ravines above 0.9.
Vlscoslty or Fonnatlon Water, ,...,. 'The viscosity of fonnation
The presence of Hl 5 and/or COl iD the ps will cause an in
water at reservoir temperature and atmospheric pressure can be es
crease iD bydrate-formina temperatures, but data are too limited
to quantify thil.
timated with$
'The presence of diSIOlved solidi iD the Wlter will decrease the
JI.",I "'AT-B .................................... (62)
temperature at which hydrates form. The decrease can be calculat

where A = 109.574-8.4OS64S+0.313314S2 +8.72213(10- 3)33 ed with'

AT,,-AS+BSZ+CS', ............................. (71)

................................... (63)

where A-2.20919-10.5746-r,+ 12.1601")',2 ........... (72)

and B-1.l2166-2.6395I(10-1)S+6.79461(10-4)S2
+S.47119(lO-!l)S3 -1.S5S86(10 -6)54 ............... (64)
B- -0.106056+0.722692")', -0.8S093-r,l ........... (73)

and C-0.OOJ4722I-0.0165S64-y, +0.019164")',z ........ (74)

Eq. 62 fits the existing graphical correJation 21 to within S" at tem

peratures between 100 and 400 0 P and salinities to 26~. Eq. 71 acrees with the existina data JO euctly when the results are
Water viscosity at I atm can be adjusted to reservoir pressure . rounded to the nearest wbole depoe F.tvenheit. Eqa. 71 throup
wilh$ 74 are baed on au specific gravities <0.68 and salinities <20~.
9
JI.",IJl.wl ==0.9994 +4.029S x 1O-'p+3.1062x 1O- p2 ... (6S) Inhibitor is ofteo lidded to the water iD COftf.ICt with &U to reduce
, the hydntle-formiD& temperature. The temperature reduction can
Eq. 65 fits data 2 at 86 to 167F and pressures below 10.(0) psia be calcuWed with J3 .l4
to within U . At pressures between 10.000 and 15.000 psia. the
fit is to within 7 ~. AT.-2.335wIlOOM-Mw. ......................... (7!5)

The results of Eq. 75 are well within the scatter of the experimen
Moisture Content or Natural Gas. TIle dewpoint water-vapor con tal data.
tent of natural gas in equilibrium with liquid water may be calcu The presence of liquid hydrocarbons with the gas and liquid water
lated with 29 will decrease hydrate-form.ing temperature. 34 Data are limited. and
W=Alp+B .................................... (66)
the temperature decrease hal not been quantified.
18(106)p# NonlellOl.....
where A =P. H 0 .... (67)
, 2 I 0.73(459.6 + T#llJlC' A.B.C - coefficienta

B, - FVF of dry PI. res ftl/sd or RBlscf

and log B- -3083.87(1/T) +6.69449........... , ...... (68)

B,,- oil FVF. RBlSTB

Eqs. 66 through 68 give results that are as accurate as moisture B... .. watet FVF. RBlSTB

content can be measured (about S~) at pressures to 10.000 psia B.." - FVF of wet PSt RBlSTB
and temperatures to 460F.
Dissolved solids io the water reduce the partial pressure or the
c, - coefficient of isothennal compressibility of gas.
psi-I
water, thereby reducing the water coateDt of the gas. Moisture coa c" - coefficieut of iIothcnnal compressibility or oil,
tent from Eq. 66 should be multiplied by the salinity-.dju~ psi-I
factor' Jiven in Eq. 69: C",. - pseudoreduced coefliclena of iIoChermal
WbriDe compressibility
----1-4.92O(10-3)S-1.7672(10-4)S2 ...... (69) c... - coefficient of iIothcnnaI compressibility of
Wpure "'_ watet. psi-I
270 SPE ReaetvoU En&i-Pnl' MIY 1991
 f"od ; sum of mole fraction of CO 2 and HzS in Eq.
30
fH,S '" mole fraction of H 2S in Eq. 30
G~ = additional gas produced. Eqs. 42 through 44,
scf/STB times specific gravity
m ; mass. Ibm mol
M '" molecular weight of solute in Eq. 75. lbmllbm
mol
llQ '" apparent molecular weight. Ibmllbm mol
M <I' '" apparent molecular weight of air, Ibm/Ibm mol
p '" pressure. psia
Ph '" bubblepoint pressure, psia
PfK '" pseudocriticaJ pressure, psia
P;>e '" pseudocriticaJ pressure adjusted for acid-gas
content, psia
Ppr '" pseudoreduced pressure
P . H20 = vapor pressure of pure water at temperarure of
interest, psia
R "" universal gas constant. 10.732 (psia-ft 3 )/(lbm
mol-OR), or producing GOR
Rs = solution GOR. sd/STB
R SP1 = producing GOR from primary separator,
scrlSTB
RST = producing GOR from stock tank, scrlSTB
R. w = solubility of gas in water, scflSTB
S = salinity. wt~ solids or mglL in Eq. 59
T '"' temperarure, OF or OR in Eqs. 12, 13, 20. 23.
32, 39, 40, 48, and 68
Tft = hydrate-formation temperature, OF
ATft = decrease in hydralE-formation temperarure, OF
TfK == pseudocriLicaJ temperature, OR
T Pc = pseudocritical temperature adjusted for acid-gas
content, OR
Tp, '" pseudoreduced temperature
V "" volume, 1'1 3
525-21.
V'1i = equivalent volume. scf/STB
6. MIrtiII. J.C.: "Simplified Equations of Flow in Gal Drive Reservoirs
V ..' = volume of water. 1'1 3
and the Theoretical Foundation of Multiplwe Pressure Buildup AIIII
V .." '" volume of reservoir wet gas, ft 3
~V .. p = change In liquid volume during pressure
reduction in B", correlation
~ V.. T = change in liquid volume during temperature
reduction in B", correlation
" = weight percent solute in Eq. 75
W = moisture content of gas, IbmlMMscf
Wbru", = moisture content of gas in contact with brine,
IbmlMMscr
W P<'r~ .... ter = moisrure content of gas in contact with pure
water. Ibm/MMscf
y '" composition of gas, mole fraction
z = gas compressibility factor, pYfmRT
") ....PI = stock-tank oil gravity. API
13. Takas. G.: "Comparisons Made for Computer z-Factor Calculallons...
Y, = gas specific gravity
Oil .t &u J. (Dec:. 20. 1976) 64-66.
"'( 0 = I stock-tank oil specifIC gravity
14. Dranchuic. P.M. and Abou-Kassem. J,H,: "Calculations ofz-Factors
)'SPI '" specific gravity of gas from primary separator
f = pseudocritical adjustment factor for aCid-gas
content, OR
15. Sunon. R.P.: "Compressibility FlClon for High-Molec;u!ar-Weight
Il, = gas viscosity, cp
al Tec;hnical Confereac;e and Exhibition. Las Vegas. Sept, 22-25.
Ilo '" oil viscosity. cp
16. Wichen, E. and Aliz. K.: "Calculate z's for Sour Gases," Hydrocar
llaD = oil viscosity at I-aIm pressure and reservoir
temperature. cp
Il.,., = water viscosity, cp
Ilwl "" water viscosity at I-atm pressure and reservoir
temperature. cp
P '" density, gfcm 3 in Eq. 38 or Ibmlft 3
Po = oil density. Ibm/ft'
PaR = reservoir oil density at reservoir conditions.
Ibmfft 3
Ppr = pseudoreduced density
SPE Re<ervoir Engineering. Ma)' 1991
Psm .. stock-tank oil density at standard conditions.
Ibmlft3
P w '" water density. Ibm! ft 3
Subscripts
acid '" CO 2 + H2S
air .. air
b = at bubblepoint pressure at reservoir tempera.fUre
H~S = hydrogen sulfide
j = component j
R "" reservoir conditions
sc "" standard conditions
SP = separator
SPI ;a primary separator
SP2 = second-stage separator
ST '" stock lank
STO = stock-tank oil
Aeknowl.dgm4Nlt.
I am grateful to Core Laboratories (TIC. and. in particular. to Phii
Moses for providin, the data used to evaluate these correlations.
Also. ( thank Cawley, Gillespie &. ASSOCI. (TIC. for permission to
publish .this paper.
R.'....ne
I. Moses. P.L.: "Elllineering Applic.tioll$ of Phase Behavior of Crude
Oil and CocIdensate Systema." JPT (July 1(86) 715-23.
2. Sc:hiltlluis. R.J.: "Ac;1ivc Oil and Reservoir EneIJY." Trwu" AIME
(1936) nl, 33-52.
3. Rollilll. J.B . McCain. W.O. Jr. and Creeaer. J.T.: "Estimation of
Solutioll OOR of Black Oils." JPT(Jan. 1990) 92-94; Trwu. AIME.
289.
4. Standin&. M.B.: Y~ric and Phas~ Ikhavior of Oil Fi~1tJ Hydrocar
bon SyIt~/ffS. SPE. Richardson. TX (1977) 12.
5. McCain. W.O. Jr.: 1M Pf'O/HmrS of Petrolnurt Fluids. second edi
tion. PCMWell Boob. Tulsa (1989) 120. 175.214.318. 322. 513.
)'scs." Trwu.. AIME (1959) 116. 309-11.
7. Vazquez. M. and Be"s. H.D.: "Correlations for Fluid Physical Prop
erty Prediction." JPT (June 1980) 968-70.
8. Vazquez. A.M.E.: "Correlation for Fluid 1't\y5ical Prediction." MS
thesis. U. of Tulsa. Tulsa. OK (1976).
9. McCain. W.D. Jr., Rollins. J.B . and Villena, A.J.: "The Coefficient
of IsodIcrmaI Oxnpressibility of Blacic Oils aI Pressures Below the Bub
blepoilll." SPEFE (Sept. 1988) 6.59-62: Trwu., AIME. 185.
10. Ng. J.T,H. Met Ecboeah. E.O.: "On Improved TemperatureVis.:osity
Correlatioa for Crude Oil Systems," paper CIM 83-34-32 presc:nll:d
at the 1983 Petroleum Soc:. of CIM Annual Tec;hnical Meeting. Banff.
May 10-13.
II. Beggs. H.D. and Robinson. J.R.: "Estimating the ViSCOSity of Crude
Oil Systema." In (Sept. 1975) 1140-41.
12, Standing. M.B. and Katz, D.L.: "Density of Natural Gases." TrollS..
AIME (1942) J.... 140-49. .
for Natural Gases Using Equations of Slate." J. Cdn: Pn. TUh. (Jul),
Sep!. 1975) 34-36.
Reservoir Gases." paper SPE 1426.5 presenced at the 1985 SPE Annu
bon P1'O<~ssin, (May 1972) 119-22.
17. Wichen. E. and Aziz. K.: "Compressibility Factor of Sour Nalural
Gases," Cdlt. J. Chent. Ell,. (April 1971) 267-73.
18. Matllr. L. 8rar. G.S .. and Aziz, K.: "Compressibility of Natural
Gases," J. Cdn. Pn. T~c". (Oct.-Dec:. 197.5) 14. n-80.
19. Lee, A.L. GonuIes. M,H. and Eakin. B.E.: "'The ViscoI.ity of Natural
Gases." JPT (Aul. 1966) 997-1000; TraIlS.. AIME (1966) 234.
20. Gold. D,K .. McCain. W,D. Jr .. and JeMinp. J.W.: "An Improved
or
Method for the Dctennillltioa the Reservoir-Gas Specific Gravity
for Relro&nde Gases," JPT(1uly 1989) 7.7-52; TrOlU., AIME. 117.
21. Lo,llIIuprnlJlion Qlal'ls. Schlumbefler Well Services. Houston (19M)
5.
211
 : . Author' :- ,,- :";: 22. Culberson. O.l. and McKena, J.J. Jr.: "Phase Equtlibn. III
. . . HydrocatboD-Watcr Syslc:mS m-Solubility of Mc:dwIe in Wiler II Pres
sures 1010.000 psia," TrlJlU.. A(ME (1951) 192, 223-26.
wlm..... D. McCain M. Ie an elC.cullv. 23. McKena. U. and Wehc. A.H.: "HydrocarbonWater and Formarion
consultant with S.A. Holdltch , ANOCtI.
In Cohge Stltlon, TX. He snvlOUllly
I P4'trol.um englne.r with C.wl.y.
w. Water Correlations... Pnroltwll ProdJ,ction HandbooIt;, T.C. Frick and,
R.W. Taylor (cds.). SPE, Richardson. TX (1962) n, 221-2226
24. Osi(. Tl.: "'The Effect! of 5111. Gas, Temperarure. and Pressure on
GIII.apl. & Auoc.. Inc. In Fort Worth the Compressibility o( Water." SPERE (Feb. 1988) 175-81.
and taught petrol.um .nglneertng It 25. Dodson. C.R. and Standina, M.B.: "Pressure, Volume:. Temperature
T.lC" A&M U. Ind MII.slppl Stat. U. and Solubility Relations (or Natural GuWater Mixtures." Drill. cI
H. hold. I as dltg.... from MI..I..lppl Prod. Proc.. API. Dallas (1944) 173-79.
St.te U. and MS end PhD d.g..... from
Georgia InIt. of T.chnology. McCaIn
e memb.r of the 118'-11 Carr
w. 26. Ramey. HI Jr.: "Rapid Methods (or 81imalina Reservoir Compres.
sibilities." 1PT (April 1964) 447-54; TrlJlU. AIME, 131
27. Matthews. C .5. and Russell, D.G.: Pr~:uure Buildup aNI Flow Tests
Guldanc. Committ and the 1'72-75 ill Wells. Moooaraph Series. SPE. Richardson. TX (1967) J.
Telrtbook Committe H. w.s 1972 MI..I..lppl Section chair 28. Collins, A.G.: "Properties of Produced Waters." P~lroIewn Engi_r.
man and e m.mber of the Education and Accr-.:fltaUon Com ing Handbook. H.B. Bradley (ed.). SPE. Richardson, TX (1987) 24-17.
mitte. from 1967 to 1971, chairing It In 1970. 29. Bubcek. R.F.: "Equilibrium Moisture ConUlCt of Nalural Gases." re
search bull. IGT. Chicaao (1955) 8.2.11.
II M.trlc Conv....lon Factor. 30. Katz. D.L. ~ al.: Handboci: of Nmural Gas Ellginetrillg. McGrlw
Hill Book Co. Inc . New York City (1959) 198-200.
A PI 141.S/(131.S + API) 0 g/em 3 31. Deaton. W.M. and Frost. E.M. Jr.: Gas Hydratts and 'Thtir RtlatiOff
aIm x 1.013 250* E+OS '" Pa 10 lite (}pI!rQliDfl ofNatura/ Gas Pipelines. Monograph Series. USBM.
bbl x 1.589873 E-OI .. m3 Washington, DC (1946) 8.
OF (OF-32)/1.8 C 32. Kobayashi. R .. Kyoo. Y.S . and Sloan, E.D.: "Phase Behavior of
psi x 6.894 757 E+OO kPa WalerlHydrocartlon Systems." Pnroltwll Engineering HOIIIibaoIc. H.B.
scf/bbl x 1.801 17S E-OI '" SId m 3 /m 3 Bradley (ed.). SPE. Richardson. TX (1987) 251-25-28.
n. Hammerschmidt. E.G.: "Formation of Gas Hydrates in Natural Gas
SPERE Transmission Lines," Ind. & En,. Chem. (1934) 26.851-55.
Iot,_
O"q.nal SPE ma'..."ICfIj)l r~efVed June IS. 10811, P _ (SPE 11511) ~
,ec_
'", p~bhc.,,,,,, Fill) n. '989 Re,,_ III&nuacrip!
34. Scauzillo. F.R.: "Inhibitina Hydrate Formations in Hydrocarbon
"'a,cl! 17. ,til. Gases." C'fII!m. Ellg. Prog. (Aul. 1956) 52. 324-28.

SPE Reservoir Enginc:c:nng, May 1991

--"'----.--~.--.-~-~,------.,~,.---
 PRI:S.ON SEUOOREDUCIDA , P. r .
3 6 7
-
1.1
r.:: .
I~
1.0
tOj
r~ l2
0."
9'i~I.3

~-
~
-=1'~IH-

~ ~

.,. f-LI I .7

0.7

~"
H--" ;;
.'j\! r.LL
:..... 'L
,
+ m. 1.2

1 .6

..
\

::i 1.1
CD
CI')
\IJ H--1
It:
Q.
0 ....
:I
o
u

0.'
'I ,
1.0~

10
.'00
11
Co",p,...ibi I;'y 01
....",.1

13
,G'.'
j ..... 1,19AI

14
l!rt+

1.5
1.0

0.9

PRESION SEUDOREDUCIDA, PIH.

11
FlO. 3- e. FACTORES DE COMPRESI81L10AO DEL GAS NATURAL Y GAS CONDe:NSAD0
 I
I

".

Appendix A
Dranchuk and Abou-Kassem Equation
of State for Calculating Gas z Factor
Dr:mchuk and Abou-Kassem developed their equation of .state (EOS) function of Tr and P r' The.: factor based on EOS is accurate within
primarily to estimate the: factor with computer routines. The form engineering accuracy over the following ranges: 0.2 sPr < 30.
of the Dranchuk and Abou-Kassem EOS is 1.0< Tr s3.0. and Pr< 1.0; O.i< Tr< 1.0. However. the EOS
gives poor results for Tr 1.0: Pr> 1.0 .
.:= l-'-cl(Tr )p r - c2(Tr)P; c3(Tr)P~ +c:,(pr.Tr ), ... (A-I)
The Dranchuk and /\bou-Kassem EOS must be solved iterative
where P r =0.2ipr:(::.Tr l. ......... . ..... (A':!)
ly because the.: factor appears on both sides of the equation. The
solution to this problem can be obtained by use of a root solving
cI(Tr)=A I +A:Tr.J..A3iTj' "':'A:,fT; +.4s/n. . .. (A-3)
technique. such as Newton's method, or the secant method. The
c~(Trl=Ao+A- Tr+AHT; .. . . (A-4) root solv'ing procedure requires that we rearrange Eq. A-I to the
form
c3(Tr)=A 9 (A", Tr+A 8 f T;) . .. . (A-51
h:)=O . ...................... . . .... (A-i)

and C4(P r .Tr ) =.4 IO( I +A IIP~)( P?ITl )exp( -A liP;). . ... (A-6)
Rearranging Eq. A-I gives
The constants A I through.4 II are as follows.
n:) =:: - [I + C I (Tr)P r +c:(Tr)P~ -c3(Tr)P~ -'-c.\( pr.Trll =0.
Al = 0.3265.
A: = -1.0i00.
. ............................ (A-8)

A3 -0.5339.
Newton's and the secant methods require the tirst derivative of
.44 '" 0.01569.
Eq. A-8 with respect to:: at constant pseudoreduced temperature.
As = -0.05165.

[on;:)/o:]Tr . Newton's method assumes that the deri\'ative is

A6 = 0.54i5.

e\'aluated analytically by explicit differentiation of the function F(:).

"'h = -0. i361.
We recommend using Newton's method to calculate:: factors from
As = 0.1844.
A-8, and the derivative of Eq. A-8 with respect to:: is
A9 = 0.1056.

A 10 0.613~.
[oF(.:)lo::] Tr = I + C I (Tr)p r/.: + 2c; (Tr)P~!:: - 5c3 (Tr)p~/.:
All = 0.i2iO.

2A lOP r~ ., ... .., '\

Dranchuk and Abou-Kassem fitted the EOS to 1.500 data points + - - - [ I +.1 liP, -(A liP, )-jexp( -.4 liP,), ...... , (A-9)
with an average absolute error of 0.486% when the:: factor is a Tl::.