Production Testing Services Colombia (PTS)

Key Points
Location: Colombia

Production Testing
Petroleum Services Challenge
A major Colombian petroleum company (the Company) sought to increase the production of one of its major heavy crude oil fields (the Field). The Company increased drilling of new development wells and required the reconditioning of select existing wells to enable production of extra heavy crude. The Company required accurate production tests to determine fluid quality via sample analyses. In addition, it needed to define the actual production rate of each well based on the frequency of sub-surface pump operations. The Company sought an experienced and tested partner to accurately execute all necessary testing operations.

Project:

Production Testing for Heavy Crude

PTS Contribution & Solution

The Company contracted PTS to perform production tests on wells perforated in the heavy crude zone of the Field. PTS created a complete testing schedule for the entire formation to be completed within one year. The tests involved forcing fluid through an extraction cycle, mixing it with nafta, separating, metering, storing and delivering. Fluid was extracted by means of an Electro Submersible Pump located downhole, with fluid conveyed through the production pipe through to the surface. Next, fluid was forced through a mixer, where nafta was injected into the system using a centrifuge pump to elevate the API gravity of the crude and achieving less viscosity to facilitate easier transportation. Finally, the fluid passed through a separator, whose main function was to separate and meter the produced fluids utilizing turbines. The fluid was monitored throughout the different stages of the process to determine BS&W, API gravity, salinity and viscosity. PTS utilized a real-time data acquisition system, the FIX32, to continuously monitor all primary operation variables. PTS developed variable behavior graphs, recorded well events and historical progress. The equipment it currently operating at the Field, with stellar feedback from the Company as to PTSs punctuality, professionalism and quality of work.