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Simulation-based Oil Characterization Services
Are you designing pipelines or using existing lines to transport heavy oil? Can you accurately predict the behaviour of your heavy oil – for a wide range of conditions? Process Ecology specializes in characterizing crude oils and accurately predicting the properties of heavy oils, often based on limited bulk data only. Extrapolating property data such as viscosity or using an out-of-the-box simulator to predict heavy oil performance usually does not give satisfactory results.
Process Ecology has developed in-house characterization and statistical analysis methods to characterize crude oils. In cases where very little data is available we can compare to crude oils with similar bulk properties and obtain good characterization parameters. Typically, a set of hypothetical components is generated that can be used in process simulators which accommodate customization of such components.
Furthermore, a properly-characterized crude oil, through a set of hypothetical components, can still create problems for simulators such as HYSYS. We have the knowledge and experience to ensure that both properties and interaction parameters are properly fitted, and that the pipeline transmission model will give reasonable results.
We can also help you to understand issues specific to your crude oil, such as:
Blending compatibility of different crude oils and/or condensates
Potential for precipitation of ashphaltenes / waxes
Stability of oil/water emulsions
Phase behaviour phenomena such as solubility of water at high pressures