Properties of formation water

In Section 5.2.8 we shall look at pressure-depth relationships, and will see that the relationship is a linear function of the density of the fluid. Since water is the one fluid which is always associated with a petroleum reservoir, an understanding of what controls formation water density is required. Additionally, reservoir engineers need to know the fluid properties of the formation water to predict its expansion and movement, which can contribute significantly to the drive mechanism in a reservoir, especially if the volume of water surrounding the hydrocarbon accumulation is large. 

Data gathering in the water column should not be overlooked at the appraisal stage of the field life. Assessing the size and flow properties of the aquifer are essential in predicting the pressure support which may be provided. Sampling of the formation water is necessary to assess the salinity of the water for use in the determination of hydrocarbon saturations. 

Formation water density is a function of its salinity (which ranges from 0 to 300,000 ppm), amount of dissolved gas, and the reservoir temperature and pressure. As pressure increases, so does water density, though the compressibility is small 

The formation volume factor for water (B, reservoir volume per stock tank volume), is close to unity (typically between 1.00 and 1.07 rb/stb, depending on amount of dissolved gas, and reservoir conditions), and is greater than unity due to the thermal contraction and evolution of gas from reservoir to stock tank conditions. 

This parameter is important in the prediction of aguifer response to pressure drops in the reservoir. As for liquids in general, water viscosity reduces with increasing temperature. Water viscosity is in the order of 0.5 -1.0 cP, and is usually lower than that of oil. 

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The fluid properties of formation water may be looked up on correlation charts, as may most of the properties of oil and gas so far discussed. Many of these correlations are also available as computer programmes. It is always worth checking the range of applicability of the correlations, which are often based on empirical measurements and are grouped into fluid types (e.g. California light gases). 

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