Projects

Jawad Azeem Shaikh

End-to-End PVT

Has coordinated experimental VT programs from fluid sampling and selection of representative samples to routine and EOR lab experiments. Developed Equations of State (EoS) models matching experimental PVT data and generated input files for both black-oil and compositional reservoir simulators.

MMP and Swelling

Has performed several gas injection EOR PVT studies, primarily swelling and slimtube, to assess the suitability of reservoir fluids for gas injection EOR. The studies focused on accurate determination of the critical region. Co-authored a technical publication demonstrating that the location of the critical point of a reservoir fluid controls its PT phase behavior throughout the PT region and is crucial for both EOR assessment and basic fluid characterization.

Vertical Distribution of H₂S

For a Middle Eastern reservoir fluid, H₂S concentration decreased with depth, which is a trend that cannot be explained by classical gravity segregation theory. By incorporating the internal energy carried by individual molecules, the observed H₂S distribution and the corresponding saturation pressure gradient were successfully modeled. This work was presented at an SPE conference.

Karen Schou Pedersen

Compositional Gradients

Analysis of a reservoir with marked horizontal temperature variation shows that vertical temperature gradients account for 20–35% of the vertical compositional gradient in petroleum reservoirs. The remaining 65–80% is driven by gravitational forces and component dependent vertical convection.

Quality Checking EoS Models

In an EoS modeling study, a criterion was established to govern liquid phase behavior based on the ratio the equation of state a and b parameters. When the a/b ratio varies linearly with molecular weight, no liquid-liquid split occurs. Conversely, greater deviations from linearity will introduce liquid-liquid separation. This method has two applications: (1) Quality-checking EoS models to prevent unintended liquid–liquid splits, and (2) Initiating intentional liquid–liquid splits in for example asphaltene precipitation modeling.

CO₂ Phase Equilibrium Calculations

Contributed to a comprehensive risk assessment for a CO₂ storage project in a brine reservoir in the North Sea. Focus areas included evaluating the risks of solids precipitation (hydrates and scale) and assessing the miscibility of CO₂ with water. This analysis was essential to determine the total storage capacity, understand the reactions of the CO₂-containing water with the formation, and evaluate potential risks of surface leakage.