Process Measurement & Control Solutions

NOTE 14: HEAVY OIL, HIGH VISCOSITY WELL TESTING

Staatsolies is the Surinames State Oil Company operating the only oil field in Suriname. It is an onshore operation with
heavy crude between 13 and 16 API gravity. Their extraction method is by PCP (Progressive Cavity Pump). They are not
injecting any diluent nor have any thermal method to reduce the viscosity. The produced oil is very heavy, high viscosity
approximately 2000 cP at 80 100F, water cut is between 60 80% with a Gas Void Fraction from 0% up to 60%.

Up until 2001 they tested each of their wells by using a 100 bbl tank. Between 3 to 8 wells will flow through individual flowlines
to each of these tanks. The tank will fill for a distinct period of time to obtain the volumetric flow rate measurement by manual
tank strapping, then water cut was determined by averaging the water content of samples collected at different depths of the
tank (Top, Middle and Bottom). Due to the nature of the heavy,
viscous crude oil the tanks have a large amount of foam which
can take up to 24 hours to settle.

In 2001, Staatsolie bought an Agar MPFM-302-20 for High

Viscosity service. The MPFM was mounted on a small trailer
(see attached picture). After an evaluation period comparing
the test tank readings to the MPFM, they have been testing the
wells with the MPFM rather than their test tanks.

During well testing the MPFM is powered by the same

transformer that powers the PCP pump. The well line is diverted
through the MPFM using flexible hoses. Staatsolie reported that
they were happy with the MPFM performance and it became
their standard method for well testing. The tests are started
with no more than two hours of well stabilization time and then
about one hour of well testing. Then the MPFM is moved to
another well. They can test up to four wells per day when the
distance between wells is short. A good portion of their wells 2001 Model - trailer mounted by Surinames State
were actually low producers that fell below the measurable Oil Company
liquid rates of the MPFM 302-20 (250 5000 BPD Total Fluid
Flow Rate). Because of this, in 2004 Staatsolie ordered MPFM
302-10 (50 1500 BPD Total Fluid Flow Rate) to cover the low
flowing wells. This trailer even has an air conditioned cabin with
AC power for the operators laptop.

Staatsolies is developing another area in a swamp area

with even lower producers. They have received 2 additional
Multiphase Flowmeters for this field and have ordered a third
for the same field.

2004 Model - trailer mounted by Surinames State

Oil Company

APPLICATION NOTE 14
All Agar Corporation Instruments are covered by one or more of the following U.S. Patents: 4,503,383; 4,774,680; 5,099,697; 5,101,163; 5,101,367; 5,263,363;
5,503,004; 5,551,305; 5,589,642; 5,741,977, RE 36,597. Other patents pending in the USA and other countries.
 APPLICATION NOTE 14 - Heavy Oil - High Viscosity

Multi-Phase
Wellhead Flow Meter
Foam
Control
ID-201

ID-201

Well Testing
OW-201
Waste Water
Treatment System ID-201 ID-201
2-Phase
Separator
Free Water
Knock Out(FWKO)

Heater-Treater

ID-201s

ID-310 Electrostatic
Dehydrator
ID-201s
Tank Farm

LACT Unit

ID-201s

Water Cut Meter

Automatic Tank Dewatering OW-201

OIL GAS WATER EMULSION

PRODUCTION APPLICATIONS

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