Steady state and unsteady state relative permeameter Instruments

The versatile instrument flawlessly performs both unsteady-state and steady-state relative permeability determination studies for liquid/liquid and liquid/gas at reservoir-representative pressure and temperature conditions. A core plug is fitted into a Viton sleeve and inserted into a hydrostatic core holder located in an isothermal convection air-bath. Liquid phases are injected and recirculated through the core sample at different constant flow rates while the gas phase is injected either at constant flow rate or at constant pressure. In the S.S. mode, absolute or relative permeability is determined via the Darcy method, whereas the U.S. method makes use of the standard Jones and Rozelle equations. The system is provided with a dedicated proprietary software allowing both manual and automatic operation and monitoring of the key components, i.e. pumps, valves, camera and sensors. Furthermore, the test sequencing grants the operator the possibility of scheduling automated elaborate testing schemes. To ensure isothermal conditions throughout the circuit, the core holder, pneumatic valves, produced-fluid visual separator and necessary plumbing are all located in the air-bath; which consequently gives an easy access to the entire system. The elegant and efficient high pressure triple pumps (HTP) present an unprecedented solution to generate continuous, pulse-free flow of one or more fluids while maintaining a constant core holder outlet pressure. An automated confining pump ensures a precise, constant net overburden pressure thereby preventing temperature-related pressure fluctuations and an automated pressure regulation system guarantees a constant pore pressure at the core holder outlet.

Maximum confining pressure :

• 700 bar (10,000 psi)

Maximum pore pressure :

• 700 bar (10,000 psi)

Maximum working temperature :

• 150°C

Fluid flow :

• recirculated fluid phases

Core diameter :

• 1"1/2 other upon request

Core length :

• 1" to 3" other upon request

Flow rate :

• 0.005 to 50 cc/min

Material :

• Stainless steel

Power supply :

• 220 VAC, 50/60 Hz

Live oil requirements :

• 300 ml

Air Pressure requirements :

• 7 bar (100 psi)

• The fluid phases are injected and recirculated in the core sample at reservoir conditions.
• The recirculation mode uses less fluid and allows for faster equilibrium with the flowing phases.
• Fluid production from the core sample is measured at reservoir conditions by a self calibrated separator.
• Compact system