Case study · Fluid dynamics & phase behavior
Turnkey PVT laboratory for reservoir fluid studies | 1000 bar, 200°C
IRIAN Mecatronics designed and built a complete, turnkey laboratory for a leading oil and gas service company to perform comprehensive reservoir fluid analysis. The system characterizes the thermodynamic behavior (PVT, viscosity, density) of fluid samples at pressures up to 1000 bar (14,500 psi) and temperatures up to 200°C (392°F).
At a glance
- Client
- A leading national oil and gas service company
- Field
- Oil & Gas / geosciences
- Technique
- HPHT PVT, viscosity, and density analysis
01 — The research question
Characterizing the thermodynamic behavior of complex fluids at high pressure and temperature
Optimizing oil and gas field production requires a precise understanding of the reservoir fluids' thermodynamic behavior. Pressure-Volume-Temperature (PVT) studies are essential, and they must accurately replicate downhole conditions, which can exceed a thousand bar and several hundred degrees. Our client required a complete laboratory to perform the entire analysis workflow—from sample preparation to viscosity measurement—at conditions up to 1000 bar (14,500 psi) and 200°C (392°F).
The challenge was to ensure highly accurate measurements for a complex analysis workflow (PVT, viscosity, density) at extreme conditions, without using mercury for pressurization and volume measurement.
02 — Our approach
An integrated approach for maximum reliability
Ensuring overall performance with an integrated solution
Instead of supplying separate pieces of equipment, we served as the single integrator and manufacturer for the entire laboratory. This turnkey approach ensured the consistency and safety of the complete measurement workflow and gave the client a single point of contact for design, installation, training, and maintenance.
Achieving reliable, mercury-free PVT measurement
The heart of the system is a 400 cc full-visibility PVT cell. It enables precise measurement of volume changes and detection of phase transitions (bubble point, dew point). Direct visual confirmation via an HD camera provides unambiguous validation of the automated measurements.
Extending the analysis to viscosity and density
To provide a comprehensive dataset, we developed dedicated analysis instruments (a viscometer and a densitometer) that operate under the same extreme conditions. This approach eliminates any weak link in the analysis chain and guarantees consistent data, which is critical for reservoir simulation models.
03 — Technical specifications
| Maximum operating pressure | 1000 bar (14,500 psi) |
|---|---|
| Maximum operating temperature | 200°C (392°F) |
| PVT cell volume | 400 cm³ |
| Viscometer measurement range | up to 6000 cP |
04 — Other applications
Does your project share similar constraints?
Energy (carbon capture and storage - CCUS)
The same approach can be used to characterize the phase behavior of supercritical CO2 mixtures. The core principles—a full-visibility cell, precise pressure and volume control, and fine temperature regulation—are directly applicable to custom CCUS reactor systems.
Chemistry / Polymers
To study solubility or monitor reactions in supercritical media, the HPHT cell design, efficient stirring, and visual observation capabilities are directly transferable. The primary adaptation would be the integration of in-situ analytical probes.
Geosciences / Geothermal
For simulating the behavior of geothermal fluids, the system's ability to operate continuously at high pressure and temperature is a proven asset. The robust mechanical design would be maintained, with the primary challenge shifting to the selection of specific corrosion-resistant alloys.
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