Abstract
Heptanes plus fractions have strong effects on the
physical properties and phase behaviour of petroleum
fluids. It is therefore very important to properly
characterize plus fractions. A step to achieving
improved characterization is to obtain more realistic
molecular weights. Most of the current methods of
heptanes plus characterization assume their molecular
weights are accurate. However, what is commonly
measured in the laboratory is the molecular weight of
the complete fluid; the molecular weight of the heptaneplus
fraction is then estimated using Kay's mixing rule.
Unfortunately, physical properties like molecular
weight obtained using 'equivalent fluid' principles by
mixing pure components, do not give the same values
with actual measurements. Therefore, while a very
accurate estimate of the molecular weight ofa reservoir
oil could be available, that of the heavy fractions,
which is 'inferred' could be unreliable, because of the
mixing rule.
A simple technique has been formulated to achieve
improved characterization ofpetroleum fluids and the
heavy fractions. We suggest fine tuning' Kay's mixing
rule in order to achieve a match between actual
measured molecular weight and the 'equivalent fluid'.
Experimental data from over 4()O PVT reports from over 100 fields in the Niger Delta were collected and
studied A correlation was established between oil
gravity and molecular weight and compared with other
commonly used correlations. Statistical error analysis
was undertaken. Heptanes plus molecular weights
which were generally estimated using Kay's mixing
rule were found to be generally high and hence fine
tuned using a simple technique.
S, I (2021). Improved Characterization of Heptanes-Plus Fractions Of Light Crudes. Afribary. Retrieved from https://afribary.com/works/improved-characterization-of-heptanes-plus-fractions-of-light-crudes
S, Isehunwa "Improved Characterization of Heptanes-Plus Fractions Of Light Crudes" Afribary. Afribary, 21 Apr. 2021, https://afribary.com/works/improved-characterization-of-heptanes-plus-fractions-of-light-crudes. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
S, Isehunwa . "Improved Characterization of Heptanes-Plus Fractions Of Light Crudes". Afribary, Afribary, 21 Apr. 2021. Web. 22 Nov. 2024. < https://afribary.com/works/improved-characterization-of-heptanes-plus-fractions-of-light-crudes >.
S, Isehunwa . "Improved Characterization of Heptanes-Plus Fractions Of Light Crudes" Afribary (2021). Accessed November 22, 2024. https://afribary.com/works/improved-characterization-of-heptanes-plus-fractions-of-light-crudes