Hydrocarbon pressure gradient: plotting

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We can estimate the downdip free-water level from a valid fluid pressure measured within a reservoir.

Plotting gradient

The table below outlines the procedure for plotting a hydrocarbon pressure gradient on a hydrostatic pressure plot when a measured pressure is available from the reservoir.

Step Action
1 Plot measured fluid pressure on a hydrostatic pressure–depth plot.
2 Determine the hydrocarbon pressure gradient from one of two ways:
  • Measured hydrocarbon density * Estimates of hydrocarbon density
3 Determine the buoyancy pressure gradient: static water pressure gradient minus hydrocarbon pressure gradient.
4 Determine a pressure above or below the measured depth point. The table below lists the steps for determining this number.
  • <table-wrap id="ch05utbl16a" position="float"> <colgroup> <col align="center"></col> <col align="left"></col> </colgroup> <thead> </thead> <tbody> 2 Multiply the difference in depth by the buoyancy pressure gradient. 3 Add the number from step 2 to the measured pressure if the depth is deeper; subtract if shallower. </tbody>
    Step Action
    1 Pick a depth above or below the measured point.
    </table-wrap>
Step Action
1 Pick a depth above or below the measured point.
2 Multiply the difference in depth by the buoyancy pressure gradient.
3 Add the number from step 2 to the measured pressure if the depth is deeper; subtract if shallower.

Example:

Measured pressure at depth::7607 ft is 3530 psi and buoyancy pressure gradient is 0.076 psi/ft. What is the hydrocarbon pressure at 7507 ft?

Solution:

7607 – 7507 = 100 ft

100 ft × 0.076 psi/ft = 7.6 psi

Hydrocarbon pressure at depth::7507 ft = 3530 psi – 7.6 psi = 3522.4 psi

5Plot the pressure number from step 4 on the pressure–depth plot and draw a line between this point and the measured pressure point. This line is the hydrocarbon pressure gradient.

See also

External links

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Hydrocarbon pressure gradient: plotting