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When the calculations have finished click Plot to view the calculated and
measured results
2.3.4.1 Selecting the PVT method
The following paragraphs summarise the steps to be taken based on the amount of PVT
information available.

Under the system Options:

Here the fluid can be selected, as well as the method with respect to compositional
modelling.

Oil This option uses oil as the primary fluid in the reservoir. Any gas cap
properties will be treated as dry gas
Gas Wet gas is handled under the assumption that all liquid condensation
(Dry and occurs at the separator. The liquid is put back into the gas as an
Wet Gas) equivalent gas quantity. The pressure drop is therefore calculated on the
basis of a single phase gas, unless water is present
Retrograde MBAL uses the Retrograde Condensate Black Oil model. These models
Condensate take into account liquid dropout in the reservoir at different pressures and
temperatures
General This option allows a tank to be treated as an oil leg with a gas cap

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containing a condensate rather than dry gas. In other words, a tank can be
treated as an oil tank with an initial condensate gas cap or as a
condensate tank with an initial oil leg.
This means that the user can enter a full black oil description of the oil (as
would be done for the old oil case) and a full black oil description for the
gas-condensate (as would be done for the old retrograde condensate
case). This allows modelling of solution gas bubbling out of the oil in the
tank, as well as liquid drop out in the tank from the gas.
The user may still choose to only enter one model i.e. oil or condensate.
This will give compatibility with old MBAL files.
If we have a full oil and gas model, we can calculate oil properties above
the dew point and gas properties above the bubble point. This allows
modelling of super-critical fluids.
We still have to define a tank to either be predominately oil or condensate.
There are two main reasons:
· It is convenient to define a tank fluid type from a display point of
view. The tank type controls how we input the fluid in place i.e. OOIP
and gas cap fraction or OGIP and oil leg fraction. It also defines the
predominant fluid in the history matching e.g. gas or oil graphical
plots. However these should not affect the results (apart from that
mentioned below). We should get the same results if we analyze as
an oil tank with a gas cap or a condensate tank with an oil leg.
· The tank type defines the wetting phase. This may have an effect on
the calculation of the maximum saturation of the oil or gas phase. For
example, the maximum gas saturation is 1.0-Swc for a condensate
tank but is 1.0-Sro-Swc for an oil tank. This may effect the
calculations of the relative permeabilities.
If the fluid type is changed from an oil to a condensate tank, MBAL will
automatically recalculate the input fluid volumes and pore volume vs.
depth tables assuming that there is both initial oil and gas.
Whether the tank is defined as oil or condensate, both oil and gas wells
can be defined for a tank. Suitable relative permeabilities can be used to
allow production only from an oil leg or from the gas cap.
Another feature of this method is the full tracking of gas injection in the
tank. The main benefit is that production of injected gas can now be
controlled by use of recirculation breakthroughs. Previously, gas
production always contained a mixture of original gas and injected gas
based on a volumetric average. Thus as soon as gas injection started, the
produced CGR would start to drop. If no breakthroughs are entered, this
will still be the case. However we are now able to enter a recirculation
breakthrough. Whilst the gas injection saturation is below this
breakthrough, none of the injection gas will be recirculated. This will mean
that injection gas will remain in the tank. The user may also enter a gas
injection saturation at which full recirculation takes place. At this saturation,

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only injected gas is produced. Between the breakthrough and full

recirculation saturation, a linear interpolation of the two boundary
conditions is used

Once the relevant options are selected, then the PVT screen can be accessed:

This will allow entry of the relevant data to describe the fluid behaviour. The following
sections will describe the PVT definition and validation procedures depending on the fluid to
be modelled.

This chapter will be split into two main sections, one with respect to the Black Oil options and
one referring to the compositional options.

2.3.4.2 Black Oil PVT Descriptions

In this section, all of the options with respect to the Black Oil model for PVT descriptions will
be described. The definition “Black Oil” means that the fluid will be treated as two phases, Oil
and Gas. It can also be applied to condensate reservoirs.

In MBAL there is a unique condensate model that can describe the properties of retrograde
condensate fluids but needs to be validated first. This validation will also be explained.

2.3.4.2.1 PVT Command buttons

The following command buttons are common to all the black oil PVT input screens:

Calc Displays a calculation screen where the calculations on the input

parameters for the selected correlations are performed
Import This option is used with the Tables command, and is open to users
who would like to bring in their PVT data from an outside source. This
option is user specific an available only by special request
Match Displays a variable entry screen in which PVT laboratory data can be
entered to modify the available correlations to fit the measured data
Next In the Match Data or Tables screens, this command displays the next

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PVT input table

Plot Displays a graphics screen where calculated results are visually
displayed.
· To select other axis variables, choose the 'Variables' command.
· To change the plot scales, labels or colours, choose the 'Display'
command.
· To generate copies of a selected screen plot, choose the 'Output'
command
Reset Used in the Match Data calculation screen, the Reset command
reinstates the matched correlations to the original text book correlations
Table Displays a variable entry screen where detailed PVT laboratory data
can be entered or imported. This command works with the 'Use
Tables' flag. When the option is checked, the program uses the
measured data provided in the tables. If the program requires data that
is not provided in the tables, it will calculate the data using the selected
correlation

2.3.4.2.2 PVT for Oil

If Oil has been defined as the fluid type in the Options menu, the following PVT dialogue
box is displayed:

Enter the required fluid data in the fields provided.

Input Parameters

Formation GOR This is the Solution GOR at the bubble point and should not
include any free gas production. The solution GOR is given by

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flashing the oil at the bubble point to standard conditions and

determining the ration of the volume of gas and volume of oil
obtained, both expressed at standard conditions
Oil Gravity This is the gravity of the condensate obtained by flashing the total
fluid to standard conditions. The gravity is defined as ratio of the
condensate density to the water density, both at standard
conditions
Gas gravity This is defined as the ratio of the density of the gas to the density
of the air both at standard conditions, equal to the ratio of the gas
molecular weight to the air molecular weight
Water salinity Concentration of salts in water expressed in ppm equivalent
Mole % of These represent the molar percent of the impurities in the gas
CO2, N2 and H2S stream separated at standard conditions

Input Fields

Separator Select the format of the data to enter, either single stage or two-stage
separation train to standard conditions
Correlations Select the Gas viscosity correlation to apply
Use Check the 'Use Tables' flag if the program is to use the measured PVT
Tables data supplied in the PVT tables.
In parameters where detailed PVT data is provided, MBAL will use
these values instead of the correlations. Disallow (uncheck) this option,
if it is decided to use the (matched or un-matched) black oil correlations
instead of the PVT tables. This button will be disabled if no table data
has been entered - click the Table button to enter the table data
Use Check the 'Use Matching' box if it is desired to use the matched black
Matching oil correlations.
Disallow (uncheck) this option, if it is decided to use the original
unmatched black oil correlations. This button will be disabled if no
matching data has been calculated - click the Matching button to enter
matching data and calculate matching parameters
Controlled This option is used to control how free gas redissolves into the oil if the
Miscibility pressure of the fluid increases

Multiple PVT Definitions

In some circumstances, the PVT section will allow the user to define more than one set of
PVT data. Note that each set of PVT data includes the input PVT (e.g. GOR, API, gas
gravity) as well as matching tables, matching parameters and table data. In these cases the
above dialogues will look slightly different:
· All the currently defined sets of PVT data will be listed down the right hand side of
the dialogue. Click on the PVT definition which is to be edited - all of the fields and
the actions relating to the buttons will now act on the PVT definition selected.
· An extra field will be displayed at the top of the dialogue to allowing the name of the
PVT definition to be altered.
· Three buttons are also displayed at the top of the dialogue. Click on the plus button

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to create a new empty PVT definition. Click on the minus button to delete the
currently selected PVT definition. Click on the multiply button to create a new PVT
definition which is a copy of the currently selected PVT definition.

Command Buttons
Match Displays a variable entry dialogue box in which measured PVT laboratory
data can be entered to modify the selected correlations so that they fit the
measured data
Table Displays a variable entry screen in which the user can enter or import
detailed PVT laboratory data. This command works with the 'Use Tables'
flag. When the option is checked, the program uses the measured data
provided in the tables. If MBAL requires data not provided in the tables, it
will calculate the necessary parameters using the selected correlation
Import Displays a dialogue to allow selection of a PROSPER PVT file to import
into MBAL
Calc Displays a dialogue box where calculations on PVT parameters are
performed using the current PVT model. This can be used to verify the
consistency of the PVT data entered
Match Param Displays a dialogue to view or edit the current matching parameters

2.3.4.2.2.1 Two stage separator

This screen appears if Oil is defined as the reservoir fluid type in the Options menu and the
two stage separator has been selected in the Separator control.

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Enter the required fluid data in the fields provided.

Input Parameters
These are the basic input data required by the black oil model in form of gas gravity, oil
gravity and GOR (or CGR), which are determined by flashing the fluid down to standard
conditions through separator train. This train defines the "path" to standard conditions used
to express the standard volumes (rates).

The meaning of the PVT input properties for a black oil model is illustrated in the following
figure and in the comments below:

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Where:

gi = specific gas gravities

goilST = oil gravity

GORi=(Volume of gas @ STD

at stage i) / QoilST

Total GOR: GORtot = GORsep

+ GORST

The average specific gravity is given by:

The oil gravity is by definition the ratio between the density of the oil and the water both at
STD.

The Impurities correspond to the mole % of CO2, N2 and H2S in the gas liberated in the
process shown above.

The formula above can be used to reduce a train of n separators to an equivalent one stage.

GOR This is the ratio of the volume of gas liberated at each stage to the
volume of oil at the last stage (both expressed as volumes at
standard conditions) obtained by flashing the total fluid to standard
conditions through the separator train above
Oil Gravity This is the gravity of the condensate obtained by flashing the total
fluid to standard conditions. The gravity is defined as ratio of the
condensate density to the water density, both at standard
conditions
Gas gravity This is defined as the ratio of the density of the gas to the density
of the air both at standard conditions, equal to the ratio of the gas
molecular weight to the air molecular weight
Water salinity Concentration of salts in water expressed in ppm equivalent
Mole % of These represent the molar percent of the impurities in the gas
CO2, N2 and H2S stream separated at standard conditions

Input Fields

Separator Select the format of the data to enter, either single stage or two-stage

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separation train to standard conditions

Correlations Select the Gas viscosity correlation to apply
Use Check the 'Use Tables' flag if the program is to use the measured PVT
Tables data supplied in the PVT tables.
In parameters where detailed PVT data is provided, MBAL will use
these values instead of the correlations. Disallow (uncheck) this option,
if it is decided to use the (matched or un-matched) black oil correlations
instead of the PVT tables. This button will be disabled if no table data
has been entered - click the Table button to enter the table data
Use Check the 'Use Matching' box if it is desired to use the matched black
Matching oil correlations.
Disallow (uncheck) this option, if it is decided to use the original
unmatched black oil correlations. This button will be disabled if no
matching data has been calculated - click the Matching button to enter
matching data and calculate matching parameters
Controlled This option is used to control how free gas redissolves into the oil if the
Miscibility pressure of the fluid increases

Multiple PVT Definitions

In some circumstances, the PVT section will allow the user to define more than one set of
PVT data. Note that each set of PVT data includes the input PVT (e.g. GOR, API, gas
gravity) as well as matching tables, matching parameters and table data. In these cases the
above dialogues will look slightly different:
· All the currently defined sets of PVT data will be listed down the right hand side of
the dialogue. Click on the PVT definition which is to be edited - all of the fields and
the actions relating to the buttons will now act on the PVT definition selected.
· An extra field will be displayed at the top of the dialogue to allowing the name of the
PVT definition to be altered.
· Three buttons are also displayed at the top of the dialogue. Click on the plus button
to create a new empty PVT definition. Click on the minus button to delete the
currently selected PVT definition. Click on the multiply button to create a new PVT
definition which is a copy of the currently selected PVT definition.

Command Buttons
Match Displays a variable entry dialogue box in which measured PVT laboratory
data can be entered to modify the selected correlations so that they fit the
measured data
Table Displays a variable entry screen in which the user can enter or import
detailed PVT laboratory data. This command works with the 'Use Tables'
flag. When the option is checked, the program uses the measured data
provided in the tables. If MBAL requires data not provided in the tables, it
will calculate the necessary parameters using the selected correlation
Import Displays a dialogue to allow selection of a PROSPER PVT file to import
into MBAL
Calc Displays a dialogue box where calculations on PVT parameters are

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performed using the current PVT model. This can be used to verify the
consistency of the PVT data entered
Match Param Displays a dialogue to view or edit the current matching parameters.
See PVT Matching Results for more information

.
2.3.4.2.3 Controlled Miscibility Option
This option is used to control how free gas redissolves into the oil if the pressure of the fluid
increases.

It is worth reviewing how gas re-dissolving was handled in older versions of MBAL (and how
it is handled if this option is not selected).

Consider a reservoir whose initial pressure is above the bubble point. As the pressure drops,
the oil is in an undersaturated state and there would be no gas evolving out of the oil. This
continues until the reservoir pressure drops to bubble point pressure. If the pressure
continues to drop below the bubble point, gas will evolving out of the oil. The amount of gas
is described by the saturated part of the Rs vs. Pressure curve as defined by the PVT model.

Now if the pressure of the fluid starts to increase, MBAL will use the predefined Rs vs.
Pressure curve. In other words, we assume that the gas re-dissolves back into the oil at
exactly the same rate as it bubbled out. If the pressure increases beyond the bubble point,
MBAL suntil keeps to the original Rs vs. Pressure curve. Therefore the amount of gas that
can be re-dissolved back into the oil is limited to the initial solution GOR (Rs). So even if we
have injected gas into the sample, it can suntil not be dissolved into the oil above the initial

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Rs - no matter how high the pressure reaches.

So what are the changes if the controlled miscibility option is selected? In fact, as the
pressure drops from the initial pressure, there is no change in the PVT model from before.
The Rs will stay constant until the tank drops below the initial bubble point pressure - it will
then decrease as specified by the saturated Rs vs. P curve. It is only if the pressure starts to
increase that we see a change. Firstly, MBAL can now limit the amount of gas that can
redissolve into the oil - this is specified by the gas remixing value (x) entered in the PVT
dialogue. MBAL will keep track of the lowest value of Rsref during a prediction/simulation and
use this as a reference point.

At each calculation step, MBAL does the following. It first calculates the maximum amount of
gas that can be dissolved in the oil if limitless gas is available and the gas has infinite time to
dissolve. It then calculates the maximum Rs available in the system i.e. the available gas to
available oil ratio. It then sets the potential Rs (RsPOT) to the minimum of these two values i.
e. we are either limited by the available gas or the maximum gas that can dissolve. We then
calculate the actual Rs to be:

RsLAST is the Rs at the last time step. x is adjusted to be the remixing given the length of the
time step. x is limited to a maximum of 1.0. If all of the gas is to be redissolved at each time
step, then simply enter a very large number for the remixing e.g. 1.0e08. A value of 0.0 will
mean that no remixing will occur.

Note that each time we calculate a new Rs, we also recalculate the corresponding new
bubble point.

If the pressure rises above the initial pressure, MBAL will allow the Rs to rise above the
initial Rs, assuming that the remixing factor is large enough, enough gas is available from
injection and the oil can dissolve more gas. Note that if the pressure keeps rising, but the
available gas runs out so the oil becomes under saturated again, MBAL will use fluid
properties based on under saturated properties calculated from the new bubble point.
2.3.4.2.4 Matching PVT correlations
The Match Data input screen is used to adjust the empirical fluid property correlations to fit
actual PVT laboratory measured data.

Correlations are modified using a non-linear regression technique to best fit the measured
data. This facility can be accessed by clicking the Match command in the 'Fluid Properties'
dialogue box or choosing Pvt|Matching.

Tables are sorted by temperature.

Input Parameters
· Enter a Temperature and Bubble (or Dew point) value to match against

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Ü Flash Data not differential liberation data should be used

for matching

· Supply as much measured PVT laboratory data in the columns provided as possible.

Tables are sorted by temperature.

The PVT laboratory data to match against will vary depending on the 'Reservoir Fluid'
selected in the Options menu.

Match Parameters
Oil For each match table enter - Bubble Point, Pressure, GOR, Oil FVF
and Oil Viscosity
Gas For each match table enter - Gas Density, Z Factor (gas
compressibility factor), Gas FVF and Gas Viscosity
Retrograde For each match table enter - Dew Point, Pressure, Produced CGR
Condensate (condensate to gas ratio), Z Factor (gas compressibility factor), Gas
Viscosity and Gas FVF.
The GOR separator does not require temperature and pressure data to
be input in the match tables. The values entered in the 'Fluid
Properties' input screen are used instead

When matching condensate density, there should be no input pressure higher than Dew
Point, as the condensate density does not exist beyond that point.

· To select the next PVT table, check the next free radio button, or click Next.
· Click Match to select the fluid properties and correlation's to match.

Command Buttons

Match Displays the match calculation screen where the fluid properties and
correlations to match against are selected. Correlations are modified
using a non-linear regression technique. See match calculation for
more information
Next Displays the next PVT input table. See PVT Tables 87 for more
information

2.3.4.2.5 Matching correlations

There are several correlations available to model the fluid behaviour with changing pressure
and temperature. By carrying out the 'Matching' system, the most appropriate correlation can
be selected and 'Matched' to the actual fluid properties themselves. This is to ensure that the
predicted fluid behaviour as calculations are run, is reproducing the actual behaviour of the
fluid being modelled (and not just closely).
The correlations are modified using a non-linear regression technique to best fit the
measured data. This facility is accessed by clicking the Match command in the 'Fluid

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Properties' dialogue box:

The following screen will appear:

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Up to 50 PVT tables can be entered which are sorted by temperature.

The available match data can be entered manually or imported using the “Import” button in
this screen (from a file of PVTP for instance).

Ü The data entered for matching should be from a CCE

experiment in order to ensure mass balance consistency in
the data

Once all the data has been entered, click Match as shown above in order to match the
correlations to the available data.

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Click Calc to start the match process. The regression technique applies a multiplier (
Parameter 1), and a shift (Parameter 2) to the correlation. The Standard Deviation
displays the overall match quality. The lower the standard deviation, the better the match.

When the calculations have been carried out, the match coefficients for the selected
correlations and fluid properties are displayed under Match Parameters:

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From these tables, the best correlation (the one requiring the least correction) can be
selected. This should have parameter 1 as close to 1 as possible and parameter 2 as close
to 0 as possible.

Different correlations will calculate different results.

Corrections are applied to the plots obtained from different correlations to ensure that the
actual measured data can be reproduced.
Taking a plot of GOR with pressure, the correlation which calculates the plot requiring the
least correction would be the most desirable.
The parameter values are the multipliers in the linear equation: y = a x + b.

The corrections are Parameter 1 and 2.

As Parameter 1 [a] is a multiplier it needs to be as close to 1 as possible.
As Parameter 2 [b] is an addition, it needs to be as close to 0 as possible.

Ü To unmatch correlations, click Reset. All

parameters will be reset to 1 and 0 respectively.
matching

The correlations selected can then be applied in the program from the main PVT screen:

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2.3.4.2.6 Using PVT tables

If PVT laboratory data is available it can be entered in the tables provided. The program
will:

· Use the data in the PVT tables in all calculations instead of the correlations. To use
the PVT tables, the 'Use Tables' flag must be enabled.
· Where MBAL requires data that is not entered in the tables, the program will
calculate the parameters using the selected correlation method.

Input Parameters
· Enter the required basic PVT information in the 'Fluid Properties' data entry screen
· Select the correlation known to best fit the region or fluid type
· Check the 'Use Tables' option in the data input screen, and click Tables
· Enter the measured PVT data in the columns provided

Up to 50 PVT tables can be entered, and each table may use a different temperature if
desired. Tables are sorted by temperature. Where the program requires data that is not
entered in the tables, it will calculate it using the selected correlation method.

See PVT Oil Tables, PVT Gas Tables or PVT Retrograde Condensate Tables for more
information.

PVT Table Parameters

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Oil For each table enter a Temperature along with:

Bubble Point, Pressure, Gas Oil Ratio, Oil FVF and Oil Viscosity, Oil
Density, Oil Compressibility, Gas FVF, Gas Viscosity, Water Viscosity,
Water compressibility and Formation compressibility
Gas For each match table enter a Temperature along with:
Pressure, Z Factor (gas compressibility factor), Gas Viscosity, Gas FVF,
Gas Density, Water Viscosity, Water compressibility, and Formation
compressibility
Retrograde For each match table enter a Temperature along with:
Condensate Pressure, Z Factor (gas compressibility factor), Gas Viscosity, Gas FVF,
Gas Density, Water Viscosity, Water compressibility and Formation
compressibility

To open the next PVT table, check the next free radio button, and click Next, or Import.
The Import option is open to users who would like to use data from their own nodal analysis
programs. This option is user specific and available only by special request.

If no further data is available, click Done to exit the PVT menu.

Command Buttons
Reset Resets the contents of one or all the PVT Tables. Select the relevant
option, and click Done to confirm the table deletion. Click Cancel to ignore
Import Displays a file import dialogue box. The user will be prompted to enter a
file name and select the appropriate import file type. See importing files for
more information
Plot Allows plotting of a single chosen variable (e.g. Oil FVF, Gas Viscosity)
against pressure or temperature. All the tables are plotted at the same time
Copy Copy a set of table/match data from another section of the program data

If detailed PVT laboratory data is available it can be entered in the tables provided. The
program will use the data in the PVT entered in the tables only in all further calculations if the
'Use Tables' option in the 'Fluid Properties' data entry screen is enabled.

Note on Use of Tables: Tables are usually generated using one fluid composition
which implies a single GOR for the fluid. This will therefore not provide the right fluid
description when we have injection of hydrocarbons in the reservoir (for pressure
support for instance).

Example of table entry

Up to 50 PVT tables can be entered, and each table may use a different temperature if
desired. Tables are sorted by temperature. Should the software require data that has not
been entered in the tables, this data will be calculated using correlations.
To access the PVT tables:

· Enter the information required in the input dialogue box. Check the 'Use Tables' option

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in the data input screen, and click Tables. A 'User Table' dialogue box similar to the
following will appear.

· Enter the measured PVT data in the columns provided. To select the next PVT table,
scroll to the next free table from the up/down button shown above.

The Import facility is an alternative method of entering data. The option is open to any user
who would like to use data from their own programs. As file formats vary across programs,
this option is user specific. The general file import facility is described in the chapter referring
to Data Imports 39 .

Ü For the material balance tool, if a fixed value for water

compressibility has been entered in the tank data, the tool
will ignore any values entered for Bw in the PVT tables.

If no further data is available, click Done to exit the PVT menu.

2.3.4.2.7 PVT Tables for Controlled Miscibility

If controlled miscibility has been selected, the table entry has some differences. As before,
one can enter up to 50 tables with a different temperature for each set. However for each
temperature one must enter a single saturated table and up to 50 under-saturated tables.
Each under-saturated table corresponds to a different bubble point.

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If PVT laboratory data is available it can be entered in the tables provided. The program
will:

· Use the data in the PVT tables in all calculations instead of the correlations. To use
the PVT tables, the 'Use Tables' flag must be enabled.
· Where MBAL requires data that is not entered in the tables, the program will
calculate the parameters using the selected correlation method.

Input Parameters
· Enter the required basic PVT information in the 'Fluid Properties' data entry screen
· Select the correlation known to best fit the region or fluid type
· Check the 'Use Tables' option in the data input screen, and click Tables
· Enter the measured PVT data in the columns provided

Up to 50 PVT tables can be entered, and each table may use a different temperature if
desired. Tables are sorted by temperature. Where the program requires data that is not
entered in the tables, it will calculate it using the selected correlation method.

See PVT Oil Tables, PVT Gas Tables or PVT Retrograde Condensate Tables for more
information.

PVT Table Parameters

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Oil For each table enter a Temperature along with:

Bubble Point, Pressure, Gas Oil Ratio, Oil FVF and Oil Viscosity, Oil
Density, Oil Compressibility, Gas FVF, Gas Viscosity, Water Viscosity,
Water compressibility and Formation compressibility
Gas For each match table enter a Temperature along with:
Pressure, Z Factor (gas compressibility factor), Gas Viscosity, Gas FVF,
Gas Density, Water Viscosity, Water compressibility, and Formation
compressibility
Retrograde For each match table enter a Temperature along with:
Condensate Pressure, Z Factor (gas compressibility factor), Gas Viscosity, Gas FVF,
Gas Density, Water Viscosity, Water compressibility and Formation
compressibility

To open the next PVT table, check the next free radio button, and click Next, or Import.
The Import option is open to users who would like to use data from their own nodal analysis
programs. This option is user specific and available only by special request.

If no further data is available, click Done to exit the PVT menu.

Command Buttons
Reset Resets the contents of one or all the PVT Tables. Select the relevant
option, and click Done to confirm the table deletion. Click Cancel to ignore
Import Displays a file import dialogue box. The user will be prompted to enter a
file name and select the appropriate import file type. See importing files for
more information
Plot Allows plotting of a single chosen variable (e.g. Oil FVF, Gas Viscosity)
against pressure or temperature. All the tables are plotted at the same time
Copy Copy a set of table/match data from another section of the program data

If detailed PVT laboratory data is available it can be entered in the tables provided. The
program will use the data in the PVT entered in the tables only in all further calculations if the
'Use Tables' option in the 'Fluid Properties' data entry screen is enabled.

Note on Use of Tables: Tables are usually generated using one fluid composition
which implies a single GOR for the fluid. This will therefore not provide the right fluid
description when we have injection of hydrocarbons in the reservoir (for pressure
support for instance).

Example of table entry

Up to 50 PVT tables can be entered, and each table may use a different temperature if
desired. Tables are sorted by temperature. Should the software require data that has not
been entered in the tables, this data will be calculated using correlations.
To access the PVT tables:

· Enter the information required in the input dialogue box. Check the 'Use Tables' option

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in the data input screen, and click Tables. A 'User Table' dialogue box similar to the
following will appear.

· Enter the measured PVT data in the columns provided. To select the next PVT table,
scroll to the next free table from the up/down button shown above.

The Import facility is an alternative method of entering data. The option is open to any user
who would like to use data from their own programs. As file formats vary across programs,
this option is user specific. The general file import facility is described in the chapter referring
to Data Imports 39 .

Ü For the material balance tool, if a fixed value for water

compressibility has been entered in the tank data, the tool
will ignore any values entered for Bw in the PVT tables.

If no further data is available, click Done to exit the PVT menu.

2.3.4.2.8 Variable PVT for Oil Reservoir

The Variable PVT Black Oil screen appears if Oil is defined as the reservoir fluid type in the
Options menu and variable PVT as the PVT model. This model attempts to take into

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account the change in black oil properties versus depth.

In this model, the tank is divided into several ‘layers’ having different PVT properties.
Describe the average PVT properties of each layer. If measured data is available, do not
forget to match each layer PVT correlations by clicking on the Match Data button.

The depths entered here must match the depths entered in the reservoir Pore Volume vs
Depth Table. Enter the Initial GOC which should correspond to the 0 pore volume vs depth -
it also defines the top of the top layer. The bottom of the bottom layer should correspond to
the 1.0 pore volume vs depth.

Ü Since the initial GOC defines the top of the top layer, all layer
bottom depths must be greater than the initial GOC. MBAL will
sort the layers in the table by the layer bottom depth. MBAL will
not allow layers of less than one foot thick to be entered

Within the calculations, MBAL splits layers into further sub-layers to increase the accuracy of
the calculations. The default sub-layer size is 250 feet (76.2m). However if it is desired to
use smaller sub-layers to further increase accuracy or use larger sub-layers to increase
calculation speeds then this value can be changed by editing the Discretisation Steps
value.

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Enter the following:

Input Parameters
Enter the required fluid data in the fields provided.
PVT Layers Enter the fluid data which is specific to each layer. If a new layer is to
be added, click on the Layer Label of the next free row in the table and
enter a new label. This will enable the other fields in the new row and
the relevant fluid data will then be entered.

If additional PVT data is to be matched to the correlations, click on the

Match Data field at the end of the row. Note that a '*' will be visible on
the Match Data button if the match process has already been
performed on a layer.

Selecting the layer number field to depress the button will disable the
PVT layer for that row. Click on the layer number button again and it will
re-enable the row
Correlations Select the black oil correlations best known to fit the fluid type

Ü The Formation GOR is the Solution GOR at the bubble point

and should not include free gas production

Ü The Mole Percent, CO2, N2 and H2S are from gas stream
composition

Where additional PVT data can be supplied:

Use Check the 'Use Matching' box if the matched black oil correlations are to be
Matching used. See PVT Oil Match for more information.
Disallow (uncheck) this option, if it is decided to use the original
unmatched black oil correlations. This button will be disabled if no
matching data has been calculated. Click the Match Data buttons in the
PVT layers table to enter matching data and calculate matching parameters
for each layer. See PVT Matching Input Screen 81 for more information

Command Buttons
Import Displays a dialogue to allow selection of a PROSPER .PVT or PVTP .PGD
file to import into MBAL.
To import a PVT file (which contains a single set of PVT data), either click
on an row with data or click on an empty row in the PVT Layers table.
Ensuring that the focus is still in the row, click on the Import button. The
new PVT data will be loaded into the row. If the focus is on a row with
data when Import is clicked, the existing row will be over-written without
any warning.
To import a PGD file (which contains a number of sets of PVT data),
simply select the Import button.

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Ü Ifdeleted
any PVT Layers have been set up in the dialogue, they will be
without warning when importing a PGD file

See Import Variable PVT for more information

Calc Displays a dialogue box where calculations on PVT parameters are
performed using the current PVT model. This can be used to verify the
consistency of the PVT data entered. See PVT Fluid Properties Calculation
Input Screen for more information

Example entry
In order to account for the change of black oil properties versus depth (compositional
gradient), a ‘Variable PVT’ tank model has been implemented. To enable this tank model,
select ‘Variable PVT’ as the tank model in the Options menu:

In this model, the tank is divided into several ‘layers’ having different PVT properties. The
basic PVT properties of each layer can be entered and if measured data is available, the
PVT correlations can be matched by clicking on the Match Data button:

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Ü Note that an asterisk sign '*' will appear on the Match Data
button if the match process has already been performed on
a layer

The depths entered here must match the depths entered in the reservoir pore volume versus
depth table (see Tank Data Input). If a primary gas cap exists, the Datum Depth must be the
depth of the initial Gas/Oil contact. The Datum Depth must correspond to the 0 pore volume
versus depth and the bottom depth of the last layer must correspond to the 1 pore volume
versus depth.

Ü The datum depth defines the top of the top layer, so all layer
bottom depths must be greater than the datum depth. MBAL
will sort the layers in the table by the layer bottom depth.
The definition of any layer less that one foot in thickness is
not possible

2.3.4.2.9 PVT for Gas

When Gas is defined as the fluid type in the Options menu, the PVT dialogue box displayed
below is observed.

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The Dry Gas model assumes all liquid dropout occurs at the separator. In the calculations,
an equivalent gas rate is used (based on the CGR entered) that allows for condensate
production to ensure that a mass balance is observed.

Enter the required fluid data in the fields provided.

Input Parameters

Gas gravity This is defined as the ratio of the density of the gas to the density of
the air both at standard conditions, equal to the ratio of the gas
molecular weight to the air molecular weight
Separator This is used to convert the amount of condensate in an equivalent
pressure gas amount (see Gas Equivalent 371 )
Condensate This is the ratio of the volume of condensate to the volume of gas
to gas ratio (both expressed as volumes at standard conditions) obtained by
flashing the total fluid to standard conditions
Condensate This is the gravity of the condensate obtained by flashing the total
gravity fluid to standard conditions. The gravity is defined as ratio of the
condensate density to the water density, both at standard conditions
Water salinity Concentration of salts in water expressed in ppm equivalent
Mole % of CO2, N2 These represent the molar percent of the impurities in the gas
and H2S stream separated at standard conditions

Input Fields

Correlations Select the Gas viscosity correlation to apply

Use Check the 'Use Tables' flag if the program is to use the measured PVT
Tables data supplied in the PVT tables.

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In parameters where detailed PVT data is provided, MBAL will use

these values instead of the correlations. Disallow (uncheck) this option,
if it is decided to use the (matched or un-matched) black oil correlations
instead of the PVT tables. This button will be disabled if no table data
has been entered - click the Table button to enter the table data
Use Check the 'Use Matching' box if it is desired to use the matched black
Matching oil correlations.
Disallow (uncheck) this option, if it is decided to use the original
unmatched black oil correlations. This button will be disabled if no
matching data has been calculated - click the Matching button to enter
matching data and calculate matching parameters
Model Check the 'Model Water Vapour' box if the water that can be vaporised
Water in the gas is to be calculated.
Vapour See Ref: "Properties of Petroleum Fluids 2nd Edition" Page 460

Multiple PVT Definitions

In some circumstances, the PVT section will allow the user to define more than one set of
PVT data. Note that each set of PVT data includes the input PVT (e.g. GOR, API, gas
gravity) as well as matching tables, matching parameters and table data. In these cases the
above dialogues will look slightly different:
· All the currently defined sets of PVT data will be listed down the right hand side of
the dialogue. Click on the PVT definition which is to be edited - all of the fields and
the actions relating to the buttons will now act on the PVT definition selected.
· An extra field will be displayed at the top of the dialogue to allowing the name of the
PVT definition to be altered.
· Three buttons are also displayed at the top of the dialogue. Click on the plus button
to create a new empty PVT definition. Click on the minus button to delete the
currently selected PVT definition. Click on the multiply button to create a new PVT
definition which is a copy of the currently selected PVT definition.

Command Buttons
Match Displays a variable entry dialogue box in which measured PVT laboratory
data can be entered to modify the selected correlations so that they fit the
measured data
Table Displays a variable entry screen in which the user can enter or import
detailed PVT laboratory data. This command works with the 'Use Tables'
flag. When the option is checked, the program uses the measured data
provided in the tables. If MBAL requires data not provided in the tables, it
will calculate the necessary parameters using the selected correlation
Import Displays a dialogue to allow selection of a PROSPER PVT file to import
into MBAL
Calc Displays a dialogue box where calculations on PVT parameters are
performed using the current PVT model. This can be used to verify the
consistency of the PVT data entered
Match Param Displays a dialogue to view or edit the current matching parameters

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2.3.4.2.10 Water Vapour Option

The “Model Water Vapour” Option is available for Gas reservoirs and serves in providing the
amount of water (from the vaporised water) that will drop out as pressure depletes in the
reservoir.

The following plot is taken from PROSPER and shows the vaporised water curves used by
the program when this option is activated:

Previous tests have shown that little impact is made on material balance calculations with
the application of condensed water effects. However, when a reservoir is used as part of an
IPM model, then this water will cause loading for low rates and will result in the well dyeing
sooner in the prediction (more realistic forecast).

The properties of gas (Z factor, density etc) will be calculated with the gas equation of state
PV = ZnRT and the Standing-Katz model with corrections for impurities.

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As with the Black Oil model for Oils, the PVT properties can be matched using the same
procedure.

2.3.4.2.11 PVT for Retrograde Condensate

If Retrograde Condensate is defined as the fluid type in the Options menu, the following
PVT dialogue box is displayed:

Enter the required fluid data in the fields provided.

Input Parameters
These are the basic input data required by the black oil model in form of gas gravity, oil
gravity and GOR (or CGR), which are determined by flashing the fluid down to standard
conditions through separator train. This train defines the "path" to standard conditions used
to express the standard volumes (rates).

The meaning of the PVT input properties for a black oil model is illustrated in the following
figure and in the comments below:

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Where:

gi = specific gas gravities

goilST = oil gravity

GORi=(Volume of gas @ STD

at stage i) / QoilST

Total GOR: GORtot = GORsep

+ GORST

The average specific gravity is given by:

The oil gravity is by definition the ratio between the density of the oil and the water both at
STD.

The Impurities correspond to the mole % of CO2, N2 and H2S in the gas liberated in the
process shown above.

The formula above can be used to reduce a train of n separators to an equivalent one stage.

Gas gravity This is defined as the ratio of the density of the gas to the density of
the air both at standard conditions, equal to the ratio of the gas
molecular weight to the air molecular weight
Gas to oil ratio This is the ratio of the volume of gas liberated at each stage to the
volume of oil at the last stage (both expressed as volumes at
standard conditions) obtained by flashing the total fluid to standard
conditions through the separator train above
Condensate This is the gravity of the condensate at the last stage obtained by
gravity flashing the total fluid to standard conditions. The gravity is defined
as ratio of the condensate density to the water density, both at
standard conditions
Water salinity Concentration of salts in water expressed in ppm equivalent
Mole % of CO2, N2 These represent the molar percent of the impurities in the gas
and H2S stream separated at standard conditions

If Tank GOR and Tank Gas Gravity are unknown, they may be left at zero. If this is
Ü the case, then the TOTAL produced GOR should be entered under Separator GOR

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Input Fields

Correlations Select the Gas viscosity correlation to apply

Use Check the 'Use Tables' flag if the program is to use the measured PVT
Tables data supplied in the PVT tables.
In parameters where detailed PVT data is provided, MBAL will use
these values instead of the correlations. Disallow (uncheck) this option,
if it is decided to use the (matched or un-matched) black oil correlations
instead of the PVT tables. This button will be disabled if no table data
has been entered - click the Table button to enter the table data
Use Check the 'Use Matching' box if it is desired to use the matched black
Matching oil correlations.
Disallow (uncheck) this option, if it is decided to use the original
unmatched black oil correlations. This button will be disabled if no
matching data has been calculated - click the Matching button to enter
matching data and calculate matching parameters
Model Check the 'Model Water Vapour' box if the water that can be vaporised
Water in the gas is to be calculated.
Vapour See Ref: "Properties of Petroleum Fluids 2nd Edition" Page 460

Important Note
Ü The black oil model for Gas Retrograde Condensate is a mathematical model
developed by Petroleum Experts based on mass balance. As it relies on black oil
assumptions (which assumes the quality of gas and oil to be invariant), it
requires to be validated 103 against an Equation of State model before it can
reliably used

Multiple PVT Definitions

In some circumstances, the PVT section will allow the user to define more than one set of
PVT data. Note that each set of PVT data includes the input PVT (e.g. GOR, API, gas
gravity) as well as matching tables, matching parameters and table data. In these cases the
above dialogues will look slightly different:
· All the currently defined sets of PVT data will be listed down the right hand side of
the dialogue. Click on the PVT definition which is to be edited - all of the fields and
the actions relating to the buttons will now act on the PVT definition selected.
· An extra field will be displayed at the top of the dialogue to allowing the name of the
PVT definition to be altered.
· Three buttons are also displayed at the top of the dialogue. Click on the plus button
to create a new empty PVT definition. Click on the minus button to delete the
currently selected PVT definition. Click on the multiply button to create a new PVT
definition which is a copy of the currently selected PVT definition.

Command Buttons
Match Displays a variable entry dialogue box in which measured PVT laboratory
data can be entered to modify the selected correlations so that they fit the

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measured data
Table Displays a variable entry screen in which the user can enter or import
detailed PVT laboratory data. This command works with the 'Use Tables'
flag. When the option is checked, the program uses the measured data
provided in the tables. If MBAL requires data not provided in the tables, it
will calculate the necessary parameters using the selected correlation
Import Displays a dialogue to allow selection of a PROSPER PVT file to import
into MBAL
Calc Displays a dialogue box where calculations on PVT parameters are
performed using the current PVT model. This can be used to verify the
consistency of the PVT data entered
Match Param Displays a dialogue to view or edit the current matching parameters

2.3.4.2.12 Black Oil Condensate model validation procedure

The formulation of the Black Oil model for condensates is described in the PROSPER manual
and it can be used to model the majority of Condensates. The shape of the CGR curve is
difficult to predict from the basic data and this is why condensate models need to be
validated before use.

Within MBAL,the Condensate model needs to be matched to CCE data (honouring mass
balance). The process that MBAL will follow is one of depletion by removing gas from the
reservoir, which resembles a depletion experiment.

The objective of the validation procedure is to cross check that the BLACK OIL model
reasonably reproduces the drop out and recovery results as predicted by laboratory
experiments and/or fully compositional models.

.To perform the validation, the following steps are taken:

1. Use an Equation of State (EOS) package (e.g. PVTP) to characterise a fluid

compositionally. Characterisation of a fluid indicates that the properties predicted using
the Equation of State have been confirmed against those that have been measured in the
laboratory. It is assumed that the fluid characterisation has already been performed in a
fluid characterisation package such as PVTP. For further information on how to
characterise a fluid, standard examples can be found in the PVTP User Guide with a step
by step guide towards the characterisation.

2. Using this characterised fluid in PVTP, simulate a depletion experiment using the given
separation scheme and an initial Gas in Place of 100 MMSCF. The range of pressure
values used may start from the reservoir pressure and reduce at regular intervals. In the
example below, a pressure value at every 500 psig is used.

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As soon as the calculations are finished:

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3. As soon as the calculations are finished, transfer the following results to a package like
EXCEL

i) Produced GOR i.e. yield

ii) Liquid Drop Out
iii) Gas recovery

4. Simulate a Constant Composition Experiment (CCE) with the compositional tool (PVTP)
and create an export file with the match data MBAL will need to match the BO model to:

It should be noted that MBAL requires the Gas Z-factor from the CCE.
As MBAL uses a PVT model which accounts for the condensate dropout, there is no need to
modify the Z factor for liquid.

At this point, export and save the .ptb file.

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5. Go to MBAL PVT section and enter the separator data and dew point under the PVT input
section as shown earlier.

6. Transfer the drop out and gas property data generated with CCE to the match data in PVT
screens of MBAL. Perform the match, so that the black oil model is tuned.

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7. Under Tank | Input Data and specify the GIIP of 100 MMSCF and set the connate water
saturation in the tank to zero:

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This will ensure that no support comes from connate water expansion and the gas in place is
the same as the Depletion experiment in PVTP (since we want to compare the two).

8. Set water influx to None.

9. Set the tank rock compressibility to 1E-20, i.e. no energy will come from the rock itself.

10.Set the relative permeability in such a manner that oil is blocked, i.e. oil relative
permeability is zero:

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11.Go to Prediction | Prediction Setup and set the model to “Profile from Production
Schedule (No Wells)” and ensuring that the "Use Fractional Flow Model" has been
selected.

12.In Prediction | Production and Constraints set the average gas production rate to a
very small value as shown:

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13.Run the prediction and save the model.

14.Once the prediction is finished, export the following from the model to EXCEL:
– GOR
– Oil Saturation (equivalent of liquid drop out)
– Gas Recovery
15.Once imported onto the EXCEL spread sheet, the following variables can be plotted
versus pressure allowing for a comparison between the MBAL and PVTp results:
– Produced GOR
– Liquid dropout
– Gas recovery

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Note that the liquid drop out in MBAL is represented by the oil saturation in the tank, which is
a fraction and needs to be converted to a % value.

The results of this validation for one case are shown below:

Liquid Drop out Comparison.

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Gas Recovery Curve

Results of Validation:
On basis of these three graphs, it can be concluded that for this particular case, the Black Oil
model is able to replicate the behaviour of a fully compositional model and as such we can
use the Black Oil PVT approach within MBAL tool to study this reservoir.
In Case the Black Oil properties of the fluid do not match those predicted with the
Compositional method, it indicates that the Black Oil Condensate PVT model (which is
a mathematical model [and not a correlation based approach]) may not be suitable for
the stated fluid. In this case the fluid should be modelled using the Compositional PVT
approach in MBAL.

2.3.4.2.13 PVT for General Model

In MBAL if the Oil, Gas or condensate options are selected, the material balance equations
are solved specifically for the type of fluid selected. So, in an oil reservoir with a gas cap, the
gas cap will be defined in the PVT section as the “m” value. The properties of the gas cap
will be defined by the gas gravity entered in the PVT screen.
However, when the situation to be modelled is that of a condensate with an oil leg, then the
above PVT definitions are not adequate. The 'General' description was added to the

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program in order to accommodate this situation and be able to solve the material balance
equations for any type of fluid.

If the General fluid model has been selected in Options menu:

The following screen will appear in the PVT definition for the fluid:

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There are three tabs on the above screen:

Oil This tab will display the same fields as on the standard oil or variable PVT
dialogue. The only difference is that the water inputs and the gas impurities
are not displayed
Gas This tab will display the same fields as on the standard retrograde
condensate dialogue. The only difference is that the water inputs are not
displayed
Water This tab displays the water inputs that normally appear on the oil or
retrograde condensate

In this case, the oil properties are calculated from the model entered in the oil tab, the gas
properties are calculated from the model entered in the gas tab and the water properties are
calculated from the model entered in the water tab.

The Import, Match, Table and Match Param buttons on each tab will operate on each
phase model separately. For example, each phase can be matched separately. However the
results calculated from the Calc button will always be from the combination of the three
models.
It is also possible to exclude the use of the full model for either the oil or gas phase. This
allows compatibility with old oil or retrograde condensate models. For example, if a full model
for the gas phase is unavailable, the 'Use Full Gas Model' option could be switched off. In
this case, the gas properties will be calculated from the oil model i.e. the same as the
standard oil model. Note that the water properties will still be calculated from the data in the
water tab.

2.3.4.2.14 Multiple PVT Definitions

In MBAL, it is possible to have more than one tank described with transmissibility between
them that would simulate different regions of a reservoir. If the fluid in the different
compartments are different, different PVT models can be defined for each tank in MBAL.
The tank model should be defined as "Multiple Tanks".

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In the PVT section, the following screen will be viewed:

The buttons shown above will allow the user to add (+) and delete (-) streams with different
PVT definitions. The (x) button copies streams.
So, it the (x) button is clicked 5 times, 5 streams will be created accordingly (with the same
properties as the original):

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The title for each stream can then be selected from the 'PVT definitions' in the reservoir
screen:

2.3.4.2.15 Checking the PVT calculations

The quality of the PVT data can be verified by selecting either; Calc in the 'Fluid Properties'
screen or PVT½Calculator. The PVT calculator may be used to generated PVT properties to
be used in any other third party application, e. g. numerical simulator for instance.

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OR

Both of the methods will result in the same dialogue box being prompted:

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Input Data

Data points Automatic Enter a range of pressures and temperatures, and the number
of steps to calculate for each
A separate input screen appears that allows for up to 10
User selected specific pressure and temperature points to be entered
Layer (for multi-PVT only)
For multi-PVT, this option allows the user to specify which layer the calculations
are to be performed upon
Correlations Select the correlations or interest, or those known to best 'fit' the region or fluid
type. The correlations displayed default from the Data Input screen. The
methods selected can be changed to test the other correlations
Values Values input varies depending on the Data Points selection:
Automatic Enter:
· A range of pressures and temperatures
· The number of steps to calculate for each variable (i.e.
pressure and temperature)..
MBAL will calculate the values of pressure and temperature
required and set up points to combine all the different values
of pressure and temperature. For example, if there are 3
pressure values and 5 temperature values, there will be 15
points in total
User-defined enter the pressure and temperature required for each data
point directly

If the controlled miscibility option has been selected then the bubble point is not

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fixed. So the bubble point (Pb) at which the calculations are to be carried out will
also need to be entered
Calc Displays a dialogue box which allows the user to start the calculation and displays
the results of the calculation. See PVT Calculation Results for more information

These are the steps to follow to perform a PVT calculation

· Select the correlations to apply. The default correlations from the Fluid Properties
input screen will initially be available however, these can be altered if other
correlations are to be tested.
· Check the Data Points method of calculation (Automatic or User Selected)
· If the controlled miscibility option has been selected then the bubble point will not be
fixed. This means that the bubble point Pb at which the calculations are to be carried
out needs to be entered.
· Click Calc. A calculation screen showing the results of the previous calculation
appears.

Command buttons

Report Allows reporting of a listing of the calculation results. The user will be
prompted to select the output format. Click Report again to generate the
listing. See reports to get a description of the available output formats
Layout This option allows control over which columns are displayed in the table. For
example, it may only be desired to examine Oil viscosity and water density
which would normally require scrolling horizontally across the table
Plot This option displays a graph which can display the calculated variables
plotted against either pressure or temperature. Only one calculated variable
can be plotted at once. The variable plotted can be changed using the
Variables menu option

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Calc Allows re-calculation of the PVT variables. Use this option if values of
pressure and temperature required in the previous dialogue were re-entered

· Click Calc again to start the calculation.

· To view the calculation results graphically, click Plot. A graphics screen similar to the
following appears:

Other PVT variables can be viewed by choosing the Variables menu option. The program
allows modification of the plot display to be carried out; i.e. alteration of plot colours, labels
and scales or the variables displayed on the X and Y axes.
To change a plot display, use any of the following menu options on the menu bar.

Finish Closes the plot

Redraw Cancels any zoom and redraws the original plot
Display Use this option to access the facilities for changing the plot scales, plot
labels and plot colours
Output Use this option to make a copy of the plot display. The plot can be sent
directly to 'the printer, the Windows clipboard or into a Windows Metafile
Variables Use this option to select different display variables for the X and Y axes
Next Variable Use this option to select the next PVT variable to plot
Versus Set the x-axis i.e. pressure or temperature
Help Display the appropriate help topic

2.3.4.3 Compositional Modelling

These can be selected from the Options screen as shown below:

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In MBAL there are two ways of utilizing fluid compositions: Composition Tracking and Fully
compositional.

Tracking uses a Black Oil model for the PVT properties (Bo, GOR etc) and simply
track the compositions by flashing the fluid at the different resulting
pressures during the calculations
Fully uses the composition to calculate all the fluid properties required during the
Compositiona calculations. The produced composition is also reported at each time-step
l

The following sections will describe the data entry in the relevant screens in order to set up
the models for both compositional tracking and the Full EOS Calculation.

2.3.4.3.1 EOS Model Setup

The EOS Model Setup section is enabled as soon as the user selects either the 'tracking' or
'fully compositional' methods from the options menu.

The EOS Model Setup button needs to be activated. Accessing this screen will show the
different options for the EOS:

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These options should reflect the EOS available for the fluid (from PVTP for example)
and the process (path) the fluid follows to standard conditions (which will affect the
volumes and quality of the resulting fluid)

2.3.4.3.1.1 EOS Model

This can be set up to Peng Robinson or SRK:

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2.3.4.3.1.2 Optimisation Mode

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Over the past few years, our PVT experts have been working on ways to speed up the
calculation of properties from an EOS model. Speed is one of the main issues with fully
compositional models and the options in this section will define the speed of calculations.
The fastest calculations will be done by the default “Medium” option and this should remain
as such unless any problems have been detected in the calculations.

2.3.4.3.1.3 Separator Calc Method

There are three options in this section of which the first two are self explanatory. Of course,
the amount of gas and liquid resulting from the calculations will be different, depending on
the path the fluid will take to standard conditions.

The “Use K Values” option is an addition to the compositional modelling that allows
modelling of the process based on K values (equilibrium ratios). This can allow process
calculations from systems more complex than separation to be represented as “Pseudo”

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separators and can be obtained from process simulators.

In PVTP, these values can be easily exported by carrying out a separator calculation:

Having carried out the calculations, the Analysis tab can be selected to view the components
while the Export K Values button can be used to export them:

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Now the program will allow the user to export a *.pks file than can be imported in MBAL,
containing all of the information with respect to separator stages and K values.

2.3.4.3.1.4 Injection Gas Source

These options define the properties of the gas to be possibly injected in the reservoir:

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The three available options will either use a fixed composition which can be defined later, the
gas resulting from a given separation process or the gas which can be picked from a
selected number of separator stages.

2.3.4.3.2 Compositional Tracking

The material balance tool allows compositional tracking in both history simulation and
production prediction.

Input Data

To use compositional tracking the following input data must be entered.

· Select the Options menu and select the Yes option in the Compositional Tracking
combo box.
· Next enter the composition of the tanks at the start of the production history (or at the
start of the prediction if there is no production history). Select the PVT menu and Oil
Composition and Gas Composition.
· The composition of the free oil and the composition of the free gas at this time are
required as input data. If a gas or condensate system is in use, then there is no free oil

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in the tank - in this case, enter the gas composition in both the oil and gas composition
dialogue. Conversely, if an oil system above the bubble point has been defined, there is
no free gas - in this case enter the oil composition in both the oil and gas composition
dialogue. Note that the same input composition is used for all tanks in a multi-tank
system.
· If gas injection, gas recycling or gas voidage replacement are to be accounted for, the
composition of the gas being injected into the tank needs to be defined. Select the PVT
menu and Gas Injection Composition.

All the input compositions for a particular data set must have the same number of
components and the same component names. If a component is to be excluded from a
particular composition then enter a very small fraction (i.e. 1.0e-06) - note that it is not valid
to enter a fraction of 0.0.

The input data for history simulation or production prediction must also be entered as
normal.

Operation

If all this input data has been successfully entered, MBAL is ready to do compositional
tracking.
Re-running a simulation or a production prediction as normal will now calculate the
composition of the free oil, the free gas and the combined composition (of the free oil and
gas) in each tank at each time step.
To view the tank results for the history simulation, select the History Matching-Run
Simulation menu item. The mole fraction of each component is displayed as an extra column
to the far right or the results table. For more detailed results, click on the analysis button for a
particular row - It will now be possible to view the free oil composition, free gas composition
and total composition as well as generate fluid properties and plot the phase envelope.
The tank results for a production prediction are in the same form but the Production
Prediction-Run Prediction menu item must be accessed.
Having performed a production prediction with prediction wells, MBAL will also calculate the
compositions from each layer and the combined well compositions. To view the well/layer
results, select the Production Prediction--Well Results menu item. The results are accessed
as for the tank results.

What is MBAL Calculating?

The first important thing to note is that this calculation is effectively a post processor. The
standard simulation/prediction results such as pressure, rates, saturations will be exactly the
same whether compositional tracking is on or off. This is because MBAL does not use the
composition to calculated the required fluid properties at each time step - it uses the
standard black oil models.

So what does MBAL actually calculate?

· At the start of the time step, MBAL calculates the well and layer compositions using the
well and layer rates plus the composition in the tank at that time.

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· MBAL then calculates the pressure and the new volumes at the end of the time step as
normal.
· The composition at the start of the time step is then flashed to the new pressure at the
end of the time step.
· Using the new volumes of oil and gas at the end of the time step and the new oil and
gas composition, MBAL can calculate a new total composition.
· These new compositions are then used as input to the next time step and so on...

Example set up
Once the compositional tracking option is selected and the EOS setup complete, the PVT
button will show an option to enter the compositions for tracking:

In this screen:

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The “Edit Composition” will allow the import of the EOS for this fluid to be carried out:

Once a prediction is done now, one extra button will appear in the results screen (the
“Analysis” button), this allows the variation of composition in time to be viewed:

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Of course the results can also be seen and plotted from the results screen itself:

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2.3.4.3.3 Fully Compositional fluid description

This method allows for an equation of state to be used when modelling the fluid behaviour
with respect to changing pressures and temperatures. So this method allows the tracking of
the number of moles in the reservoir rather than surface volumes to be carried out. The
process can be described as follows:

· Calculate the initial number of moles in the tank from the initial surface volume,
the gravities and molecular weights at surface calculated from flashing the initial
composition to surface.
· At each time step
· Calculate the well performance, the program will use the black oil properties for
this calculation, taken from flashing the current reservoir composition.
· Calculate the number of moles in the production over the time step using the
gravities and molecular weights at surface calculated from the last flash.
· Remove these moles from the tank.
· Use flash to calculate the number of moles in each phase and the oil and gas
composition at the current pressure.
· Calculate the downhole volume of each phase using the molecular weight and
density calculated from the flash at the current pressure.

Different compositions moving between tanks using transmissibilities are also modelled, at
the same time different injection compositions are also taken in to account.

Graphical plots are based on CCE (constant composition expansion) theory; therefore it is
assumed this experiment only in the plots. Analytic plots, history regression and history
simulation respect the actual process.

Once the Fully Compositional option is selected and the EOS setup completed:

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The PVT button will show an option to enter the compositions for tracking:

In this screen:

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The equation of state for each fluid in the system can be entered separately:

The import can be done in the same way as shown earlier.

The results can be viewed in the same way as for the compositional tracking option.

2.3.4.3.3.1 Lumping/Delumping
Lumping/Delumping allows the number of components for the fluid composition to be
extended or reduced while maintaining the fluid properties.

MBAL is part of the IPM suite; as such, it is a part of a set of tools allowing for a fully
integrated system which can dynamically model the behaviour of the fluid from the reservoir
through to the processing system.

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This means that the modelled fluid throughout the system needs to correspond to the
necessary information in the necessary format required by the processing model.

Evidently, the fluid PVT and characterisation must be the same across the whole model
(ensure that the same is fluid is being modelled). The concept behind compositional lumping/
delumping is to be able to pass from an extended composition (full/delumped) to a reduced
one and vice-versa without impacting on the quality of the characterisation, this means that
at any point, full and lumped compositions will be equivalent and representative of the real
fluid.

How the fluid is to be lumped is pre-defined during the characterisation of the fluid in PVTP.
This characterised fluid can then be imported as previously described and MBAL will
automatically account for the defined lumping 'Rule.'

The observance of the 'Rule' can be verified in MBAL:

Ensuring that the 'Allow Lumping' option has been set to yes, the 'Rule' defined during the
characterisation will be accounted for.

When entering the fluid PVT as described in the 'Help,' the full fluid composition will be seen,
and an option to view either 'Full' or 'Lumped' description can be selected:

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2.4 The Material Balance Tool

Quotation by Muskat, taken from the 'Reservoir Engineering News Letter', September 1974:

“The Material Balance method is by no means a universal tool for estimating reserves. In
some cases it is excellent. In others it may be grossly misleading. It is always instructive to
try it, if only to find out that it does not work, and why. It should be a part of the 'stock in
trade' of all reservoir engineers. It will boomerang if applied blindly as a mystic hocus-pocus
to evade the admission of ignorance. The algebraic symbolism may impress the 'old timer'
and help convince a Corporation Commission, but it will not fool the reservoir. Reservoirs
pay little heed to either wishful thinking or libellous misinterpretation. Reservoirs always do
what they 'ought' to do. They continually unfold a past with an inevitability that defies all
'man-made' laws. To predict this past while it is still the future is the business of the
reservoir engineer. But whether the engineer is clever or stupid, honest or dishonest, right
or wrong, the reservoir is always 'right'.”

Overview:
The material balance is based on the principle of the conservation of mass:

Mass of fluids originally in place = Fluids produced + Remaining fluids in place.

The material balance program uses a conceptual model of the reservoir to predict the
reservoir behaviour based on the effects of reservoir fluids production and gas to water
injection.

The material balance equation is zero-dimensional, meaning that it is based on a tank model
and does not take into account the geometry of the reservoir, the drainage areas, the
position and orientation of the wells, etc.

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However, the material balance approach can be a very useful tool in performing many tasks,
some of which are highlighted below:

· Quantify different parameters of a reservoir such as hydrocarbon in place, gas cap size,
etc.
· Determine the presence, the type and size of an aquifer, encroachment angle, etc.
· Estimate the depth of the Gas/Oil, Water/Oil, Gas/Water contacts.
· Predict the reservoir pressure for a given production and/or injection schedule,
· Predict the reservoir performance and manifold back pressures for a given production
schedule.
· Predict the reservoir performance and well production for a given manifold pressure
schedule.

2.4.1 Material Balance Tank Model

Assumptions:

The Material Balance calculations are based on a tank model as pictured below:

Throughout the reservoir the following assumptions apply:

· Homogeneous pore volume, gas cap and aquifers,
· Constant temperature,
· Uniform pressure distribution,
· Uniform hydrocarbon saturation distribution,
· Gas injection in the gas cap,

The Material Balance Program can handle:

· Oil, gas or condensate reservoirs,

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· Linear, radial and bottom drive reservoir and aquifer systems,

· Naturally flowing, gas lifted, ESP, gas or water injector wells,
· In predictive mode, automatic shut-in of well based on production or injection
constraints,
· The use of tubing performance curves to predict well production,
· The use of relative permeability tables or curves.
· Multiple tanks with transmissibilities between them.
· Oil tanks with variable PVT vs. Depth.

The Material Balance Tool is divided into three main sections:

Input where the following information can be entered:

section · Known and estimated reservoir parameters,
· Known or estimated aquifer type and properties,
· Pore volume fraction versus depth (optional),
· Relative permeability curves,
· Transmissibility parameters (optional),
· Production and injection history on a well to well basis or total tank
production.
History where:
Matching · A graphical method (P/Z, Havlena Odeh ...) is used to quantify the
section missing reservoir and aquifer properties.
· An iterative non linear regression is used to automatically find the
best mathematical fit for a given model.
· A simulation of production can be run to check the validity of the
results of the above two techniques.
· Gas, oil and water relative permeabilities can be estimated from
historical GOR, WC or WGR
Production where reservoir performances can be simulated assuming:
Prediction · Production and constraint schedules,
section · Gas contracts,
· Relative permeabilities,
· Well performance definitions,
· A well schedule or drilling program

Note:
· It is not necessary to enter the reservoir production history to run a Production
Prediction.
· It is highly recommended to tune the reservoir & aquifer models if any production
history data is available.
· If data is unavailable upon which to match the models, the 'Production History'
section of the Input menu, and History Matching menu can be left blank.
· Relative permeability curves are used for tanks, transmissibilities and wells in
prediction – however their use in history matching is limited for calculation of

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transmissibility rates.

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