Live reservoir fluid samples are flashed to liquid and gas phases at atmospheric conditions to determine the live reservoir fluid compositions. This paper describes a new flash method based on microfluidic coil for reservoir fluid compositional analysis and named the Continuous Contact Flash (CCF) method. In contrast to traditional flash methodologies, the CCF involves flashing a reservoir fluid sample through a microfluidic coil. As it passes through the coil, the fluid gradually depressurizes from reservoir pressure to below saturation pressure creating segmented gas-liquid flow. This process provides continuous contact between the gas and liquid phases during the flash resulting in equilibrated gas and liquid phases at the exit of the coil. The technique is independent of the user as the depressurization process is governed by the properties of the coil. The CCF has been tested with a range of reservoir fluids including a black oil, volatile oil and gas condensate fluid. This paper summarizes a validation study of the CCF method by comparing the reservoir fluid composition and GOR values obtained by CCF with existing flash techniques. The validation study demonstrates that the CCF is a viable technique for reservoir fluid compositional analysis and produces repeatable results. Good agreement between reservoir compositions is obtained by this technique when compared with existing flash techniques. The small footprint of the CCF apparatus is suitable for wellsite use as well as laboratory reservoir fluids analysis applications.
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