Thermodynamic modelling of the effects of high temperatures on brine fluid density

Abstract

Current trends in oil discoveries points to deep water zones characterized by temperatures ranging from 150^oC to 350^oC which needs good prediction of the fracture pressure and pore pressure hence imperative to continually understand temperature-density relationships of the fluids which are pumped downhole for well control. This paper seeks to propose a new, cost effective and easier method of estimating the reduction in density of brine completion fluid as it encounters these extreme temperatures from the more traditional methods. With the use of thermodynamic concepts, experiments and Matlab for modelling, it was observed that the specific volume of brine was a more viable relationship in relating the expansion of brine to the density at any determined temperature. The model predicted well with very least error the expansion of brine changing with an increase in temperature than existing methodologies employed by some industry players.