Hydrocarbon Systems Viscosity Prediction from Fluid Pressures

Abstract

A single correlation for predicting hydrocarbon viscosities in existing and new installations is developed for the range of black oil through gas condensate systems. This semi-empirical, saturation-based correlation with only one adjustable parameter provides great ease of useability. Application of this correlation to several Nigerian crude oil and gas condensate systems is reported with percentage average deviations as low as below 0.5% for crude oil systems. Reported model correlation coefficients are as high as 0.99% for crude oils. Characteristic plots showing a good description of tested systems by the model are reported.

Keywords:

• mathematical model
• petroleum reservoir fluids
• viscosity prediction

Notes

^a The model is valid for viscosities in cP and pressures in psia. Conversion factors to SI units are: 1 cP = 1 mPa.s; 1 psi = 6.895 kPa.