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  • 1.  Factors Affecting API Degree For Crude Oil

    Posted 10-09-2014 04:59 AM
    This message has been cross posted to the following Discussions: Flow Assurance Technical Section and Research and Development .
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    Good day gents,

     

    I noticed there is a change in the API degree for the crude oil, it was expected to be in the range of (28-28.5), currently it is 27.5

     

    I want to know the factors that could cause this drop, how to mitigate the problem, the sequences and how to solve it.

     

    Also, if there is any resources that could help in this regard to be provided,

     

    I would appreciate if anybody faced(or have any clue about it) the same problem before to share with me his experience,

     

    Thanks and best regards,

     
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    Sultan Al-aklabi
    Production Engineer
    Aramco Gulf Operations Co
    Al-Khafji
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  • 2.  RE: Factors Affecting API Degree For Crude Oil

    Posted 10-10-2014 01:30 PM


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    Edward Hanzlik

    Retired Sr. Petroleum Engr. Consultant

    Chevron Corporation

    KatyTX
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    A couple of possibilities:

    1 - See SPE 20738, "Oil Property and Composition Changes Caused by Water Injection"

    2.  You now may be "drawing in" oil from near the base or edge of you accumulation as the reservoir depletes.  This oil nearer the water/oil contact may often have lower API gravity/higher viscosity than the oil in the heart of the reservoir.  Along the same lines, have you added wells to the reservoir which are nearer the WOC?

    Note that SPE 20738 refers to work originally funded by Saudi Aramco.  Also, variation in oil properties have been noted in a number of Arabian Gulf area reservoirs.  

     


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