Characterization of Crude Oils and Asphaltenes for Al-Shaheen Field

Al Shaheen field is the largest oil producing field in Qatar. It is considered as an important strategic asset for the economic growth of Qatar. Hence, it is crucial for the country to explore and analyze ways that could optimize the development process in this oilfield. Scientists and scholars have not been able to completely segregate the crude oil into individual components. Also, huge variations are found in the chemical composition of crude oil from oilfield to oilfield and from region to region. Hence, there is a need of conducting a focused study for the characterization of crude oil and asphaltenes in the context of Al Shaheen field. It is not possible to use experimental data for analytical purposes due to its large volume and the complexities involved. Hence, the researchers use cubic equations of state to predict the composition and behavior of crude oils in different oilfields. Maersk Oil Qatar is operating Al Shaheen field at present under a 25 year agreement with Qatar Petroleum. The company is using Peng Robinson Equation of State for the characterization of crude oil. This study recommends expanding the match of EOS from C20 plus (currently used by Maersk Oil) to C60 plus extended oil analysis using the Peng-Robinson equation. The new approach is expected to address accuracy problems, if there are any, particularly evident for very heavy crude oils