Live Oil: A Key Term in Oil & Gas Production
In the oil and gas industry, the term "live oil" refers to crude oil that still contains dissolved natural gas. This gas, known as associated gas, is naturally present within the oil reservoir and remains dissolved in the oil under the high pressure conditions found underground.
Why is it called "live" oil?
The presence of dissolved gas significantly affects the oil's properties. Live oil is considered "live" because it:
- Flows more readily: The dissolved gas reduces the oil's viscosity, making it easier to flow through pipelines and wells.
- Is more volatile: Live oil is more prone to vaporization, meaning it can evaporate more easily at atmospheric pressure.
- Has a lower density: The presence of gas reduces the overall density of the oil.
Impact on Oil Production and Processing:
Understanding the "live" nature of oil is crucial for several aspects of oil production and processing:
- Well Production: Live oil can create challenges in well production, as the dissolved gas can expand rapidly when pressure drops, leading to "well kick" and safety concerns. Special equipment and procedures are necessary to safely manage this gas during production.
- Gas-Oil Separation: Once the oil is brought to the surface, the dissolved gas needs to be separated. This process, called gas-oil separation, is typically done in specialized equipment called separators.
- Pipeline Transport: Live oil requires specific handling and pipeline infrastructure to prevent gas from separating and creating safety hazards.
Live Oil vs. Dead Oil:
"Dead oil" refers to oil that has had its dissolved gas removed, either naturally through geological processes or artificially through processing. Dead oil is more viscous, less volatile, and has a higher density than live oil.
Key Takeaway:
The term "live oil" highlights a critical aspect of oil production – the presence of dissolved gas. Understanding this property allows for safe and efficient extraction, separation, and transportation of crude oil, ultimately impacting the overall profitability of oil and gas operations.
Test Your Knowledge
Quiz: Live Oil in Oil & Gas Production
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.
1. What does the term "live oil" refer to in the oil and gas industry? a) Oil that has been processed and is ready for sale. b) Oil that has a high sulfur content. c) Crude oil that still contains dissolved natural gas. d) Oil extracted from deep-sea wells.
Answer
c) Crude oil that still contains dissolved natural gas.
2. Why is live oil considered "live"? a) Because it is extracted from living organisms. b) Because it contains dissolved gas that can expand under pressure. c) Because it is a valuable resource for energy production. d) Because it is easily transported through pipelines.
Answer
b) Because it contains dissolved gas that can expand under pressure.
3. What is the main challenge live oil presents in well production? a) The oil is difficult to extract from the reservoir. b) The oil has a high viscosity, making it difficult to pump. c) The dissolved gas can expand rapidly under pressure, leading to "well kick". d) The oil is highly corrosive to equipment.
Answer
c) The dissolved gas can expand rapidly under pressure, leading to "well kick".
4. What is the process of separating dissolved gas from oil called? a) Gasification b) Dehydration c) Gas-oil separation d) Refining
Answer
c) Gas-oil separation
5. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of live oil compared to dead oil? a) Lower density b) Higher viscosity c) More volatile d) Easier to transport through pipelines
Answer
b) Higher viscosity
Exercise: Live Oil Scenario
Scenario: An oil production company is facing challenges in managing the flow of live oil from a newly drilled well. The well is experiencing frequent "well kicks" due to the rapid expansion of dissolved gas when pressure drops.
Task:
- Explain how the presence of dissolved gas leads to "well kicks" in this scenario.
- Suggest two possible solutions to manage the well kicks and ensure safe and efficient oil production.
Exercice Correction
1. **Explanation of "well kicks":** Live oil contains dissolved gas that remains trapped under high pressure within the oil reservoir. When the oil is brought to the surface, the pressure drops drastically. This sudden pressure reduction causes the dissolved gas to expand rapidly, creating a surge of gas that can overwhelm the well control equipment, leading to a "well kick". 2. **Possible Solutions:** * **Install a choke valve:** A choke valve is a device that regulates the flow of oil and gas from the well. By carefully adjusting the choke valve, the company can control the rate at which the pressure drops, minimizing the expansion of the dissolved gas and preventing well kicks. * **Use a downhole separator:** A downhole separator is a device installed within the wellbore that separates the dissolved gas from the oil before it reaches the surface. This reduces the amount of gas that can expand and cause well kicks.
Books
- Petroleum Engineering Handbook: This comprehensive handbook covers various aspects of oil and gas production, including the properties and behavior of live oil.
- Reservoir Engineering: This book delves into the principles of reservoir simulation and modeling, including the impact of dissolved gas on oil production.
- The Petroleum Industry: A Comprehensive Overview: This book provides a broad understanding of the oil and gas industry, including sections on well production and gas-oil separation.
Articles
- "Live Oil and Its Impact on Oil Production" by [Author Name]: This article provides a detailed explanation of the characteristics of live oil and its effect on various production processes.
- "Gas-Oil Separation: Principles and Techniques" by [Author Name]: This article discusses the methods and equipment used for separating dissolved gas from oil.
- "Understanding Well Kick and Blowout Prevention" by [Author Name]: This article explores the hazards associated with the expansion of dissolved gas during oil production and explains safety measures to prevent blowouts.
Online Resources
- Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE): SPE's website offers numerous articles, research papers, and technical resources related to oil and gas production, including information on live oil and gas-oil separation.
- Schlumberger: Schlumberger, a leading oilfield services company, provides various technical publications and training materials that address live oil properties and production challenges.
- The American Petroleum Institute (API): API offers resources and standards related to safe handling and transportation of live oil in pipelines.
Search Tips
- Use specific keywords: "live oil," "dissolved gas," "gas-oil separation," "well kick," "oil production," "reservoir engineering."
- Combine keywords with industry terms: "live oil properties," "live oil challenges," "live oil pipeline transportation."
- Use quotation marks: "live oil" to find exact matches in search results.
- Explore related terms: "associated gas," "crude oil," "oil reservoir," "wellhead," "separators."
Techniques
Chapter 1: Techniques for Handling Live Oil
This chapter delves into the specific techniques used in the oil and gas industry to manage the challenges posed by live oil.
1.1. Well Production:
- Pressure Management: Maintaining well pressure is crucial to prevent uncontrolled gas expansion. This can be achieved through:
- Artificial Lift: Methods like pumping or gas lift can increase pressure and maintain flow.
- Choke Valves: These valves regulate the flow rate, preventing sudden pressure drops.
- Safety Measures:
- Blowout Preventers (BOPs): These devices act as a safety mechanism to prevent uncontrolled flow in case of well kicks.
- Drilling Fluid: Special drilling fluids help maintain well pressure and prevent gas from escaping.
1.2. Gas-Oil Separation:
- Separators: These vessels are designed to separate the dissolved gas from the oil through pressure reduction and gravity. They come in various designs tailored to specific oil and gas characteristics.
- Gas Scrubbing: Removing impurities from the separated gas using specialized equipment like scrubbers ensures a cleaner and safer product.
- Compression: Separating the gas from the oil often leads to a significant volume reduction. Compressing the gas increases its density and enhances efficiency for transportation and use.
1.3. Pipeline Transportation:
- Pipeline Design: Pipelines for live oil are designed to handle high pressures and minimize gas separation.
- Pipeline Monitoring: Regular monitoring of pipeline pressure and flow helps detect potential issues and ensure safe transportation.
- Flow Assurance: Techniques like multiphase flow meters and software simulations are employed to predict and optimize flow behavior in pipelines.
1.4. Other Considerations:
- Safety Regulations: Stringent regulations are in place for handling live oil, including strict safety protocols and procedures.
- Environmental Impact: Proper handling of live oil is essential to minimize environmental risks, such as gas leaks and spills.
This chapter provides a foundational understanding of the various techniques employed to manage live oil safely and effectively. The following chapters will delve deeper into the specific models, software, best practices, and case studies related to this crucial aspect of oil and gas production.
