Reservoir fluid PVT analysis
Characterizing the phase behavior of reservoir fluids is a critical step for petroleum engineers and researchers. Our full-visibility PVT cells replicate reservoir conditions to observe phenomena ranging from bubble and dew point determination to enhanced oil recovery (EOR) process simulation.
01 — Range
Each PVT cell is a complete system controlled by software that automates test sequences and data logging. The configuration is selected based on the fluid type, required sample volume, and the study's pressure and temperature conditions, up to 2000 bar (29,000 psi) and 300°C (572°F).
Designed for PVT studies on oils and gas condensates when a large sample volume is required. Its capacity ensures better representativeness and simplifies sampling. It is designed for compatibility with corrosive fluids containing CO2 and H2S.
Volume: 1000 ml (visible). Max pressure: 700 bar (10,150 psi). Temperature: ambient to 200°C (392°F).
Covering the same range of studies as the large-volume model, these cells are designed for more common sample volumes or for tests requiring very high pressures. They are also compatible with corrosive fluids (CO2, H2S).
Volumes: 250 ml, 400 ml, 500 ml. Max pressure: 1000 to 2000 bar (14,500 to 29,000 psi). Temperature: ambient to 200°C (392°F) (at 2000 bar).
Specifically designed for studies on heavy and highly viscous oils (up to 5000 cP). It features a suitable magnetic stirrer and an O-ring-free piston for maximum reliability. Infrared detection improves bubble point measurement accuracy (±0.3 bar).
Volume: 200 ml. Max pressure: 1000 bar (14,500 psi). Temperature: 200°C (392°F).
This variant extends the capabilities of the black oil cell to higher temperature conditions, typical of certain reservoirs or thermal recovery processes. It retains the features optimized for high-viscosity fluids.
Volume: 200 ml. Max pressure: 1000 bar (14,500 psi). Temperature: 250°C (482°F).
An optimized configuration for PVT studies on dry or wet gases. The internal layout and volumes are adapted to ensure sample homogeneity and measurement accuracy for low-density fluids.
Volume: 250 ml. Max pressure: 1000 bar (14,500 psi). Temperature: N/A.
This dual-cell system simulates EOR processes by injecting fluids (supercritical water, gas, solvents) into a heavy oil sample. A large window (Ø 50 mm) provides excellent visibility to observe oil mobilization.
Volume: 2 x 20 ml. Max pressure: 500 bar (7,250 psi). Temperature: ambient to 300°C (572°F).
Designed for educational purposes, this cell allows students to visualize the principles of reservoir fluid thermodynamics. A digital camera facilitates observation and image acquisition of phase transitions for practical lab work.
Volume: 300 ml (visible). Max pressure: 700 bar (10,150 psi). Temperature: ambient to 180°C (356°F).
This module detects when asphaltenes start to form in the oil during a PVT test. It connects to the PVT cell, with no cell to replace, and can be fitted to cells already in service, including other manufacturers’ cells.
02 — Custom-built
A PVT study does not rest on the cell alone. We design and build the equipment around it, connected to work together, from sample transfer to measurement.
They move the bottomhole sample without depressurising it: the floating piston holds the pressure, so the fluid keeps its original composition.
It heats and agitates the sample bottles to bring the fluid back to a single phase before transfer to the cell.
It rebuilds the reservoir fluid from separator oil and gas at the target gas/oil ratio.
They displace fluids and control pressure, at constant flow or constant pressure, with accurate volume measurement.
It measures the gas released at each flash to establish the gas/oil ratios of the study.
It measures oil viscosity at reservoir conditions, above and below the bubble point.
03 — Measurements
Beyond the cell itself, a complete PVT laboratory can be configured, including gasometers, viscometers, densitometers, and recombination systems for a comprehensive characterization of your fluids.
Bubble point measurement, constant composition expansion (CCE), differential liberation, and separator tests to characterize fluid behavior during production.
Dew point determination, constant volume depletion (CVD), and CCE to quantify liquid dropout (retrograde condensation) in the reservoir and facilities.
Mapping of liquid-gas phase transitions as a function of pressure and temperature to secure and optimize operations across the entire production chain.
Visualization and quantification of the effectiveness of fluid injection to mobilize heavy oils and validate strategies for increasing recovery factors.
During depressurisation, the module detects the first solids and records the pressure and temperature at that moment. It also works with very dark oils.
04 — Our approach
Each PVT cell is delivered as a turnkey system, the result of a controlled, ISO 9001 certified process that complies with applicable regulations such as the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED).
Our engineering team (mechanical, instrumentation, automation) works with you to define the PVT cell configuration and performance specifications tailored to your fluids, tests, and laboratory environment.
Manufacturing takes place in our workshops in France. Each system undergoes a factory acceptance test (FAT), which you can attend in person or remotely, to validate its compliance with the specifications before shipment.
Our teams handle on-site installation and train your operators on the equipment and software. We then provide preventive and corrective maintenance, as well as future upgrades for your equipment.
To learn more, discover our solutions for fluid dynamics & phase behavior, geoscience & subsurface studies, or our HPHT injection systems. Also, check out our FAQ.
They trust us
05 — FAQ
The measurement repeatability depends on the cell configuration. It can reach ±0.3 bar (±4.4 psi, ±0.03 MPa) on the black oil cell, which uses infrared detection for higher sensitivity, and is around ±0.35 bar (±5.1 psi) for the large-volume model (1000 ml).
Our custom HPHT cells are designed for these cases. For highly viscous oils (up to 5000 cP), the black oil cell is equipped with a specific magnetic stirrer and an O-ring-free piston. For fluids containing H2S or CO2, the full-visibility models are manufactured with compatible materials.
The control software is designed to automate the most common test sequences, such as constant composition expansions (CCE) or constant volume depletions (CVD). It handles the continuous control, measurement, and logging of pressure, volume, and temperature.
Yes, direct observation is a key feature of our range. All cells offer 'full visibility' through a sapphire window. The EOR cell has a large-diameter window (50 mm), and the teaching model is equipped with a digital camera for video recording.
Yes. The module connects to the cell without modifying it. We fit it to our own cells and to other manufacturers’ cells.
Let's discuss your fluids and the tests you need to perform. Our engineering team will help you define the most relevant configuration for your applications.