Reservoir·Fluid Property
Correlations-State of the Art
W.D. McCain .Jr., * SPE, Cawley, Gillespie & Assocs. Inc.
Summary. This paper presents correlations to determine reservoir-fluid properties from field data. The best available correlations
were selected by comparison with a data base of hundreds of reservoir-fluid s~dies of sampl~s representing ~ areas o~ the free world
involved in active petroleum exploitation from 1980 to 1986. Also, correlations of formation-water properties are given.
Introduction
Values of reservoir liquid and gas properties are often needed when
laboratory PVT data are not available. This paper shows how to
use normally available field data to estimate fluid properties.
While at Texas A&M U., I had access to a data base of hundreds
of reservoir-fluid studies provided by Core Laboratories Inc. The
geographical and geological origins of the reservoir samples had
been carefully removed from the data but the samples were known
to represent all areas of the free world in which petroleum exploi-
tation was active during the first 6 years of the 1980's.
All reservoir-fluid property correlations available in the petrole-
um engineering literature were compared with this data base. This
paper gives the best correlations.
IdentHlcatlon of Re.ervolr·Fluld Type
Surprisingly accurate "rules of thumb" are available I to identify
reservoir-fluid type from field data. When the initial producing GOR
is <3,300 scf/STB, the fluid is a liquid at reservoir conditions.
Possible exceptions occur if the stock-tank liquid is colorless or
has a gravity higher than about 50° API.
Reservoir liquids are either black oils or volatile oils; the gener-
al material-balance equations 2 work only for black oils. The be-
havior of volatile oils does not fit the assumptions inherent in the
derivation of the material-balance equations. Black oils are identi-
fied as having initial producing GOR's below 2,000 scf/STB and
deeply colored stock-tank oil with gravities below 45° API.
Reservoir gases are classified as retrograde gases (often called
condensate gases or gas condensate), wet gases, and dry gases.
Retrograde gases have initial producing GOR's > 3,300 scf/STB.
The few exceptions of oils that have ratios higher than this are iden-
tified as having deeply colored stock-tank liquids with gravities <
40° API. Retrograde behavior occurs for gases with initial produc-
ing GOR's of 150,000 scf/STB or higher; however, as a practical
matter, gases with initial producing GOR's ~50,000 scf/STB can
be treated as wet gases.
The term wet gas is used for a gas that does not release conden-
sate in the reservoir but does form hydrocarbon liquid at the sur-
face. The term dry gas is used for a gas that does not form any
hydrocarbon liquid at the surface. In this context, the terms "wet"
and "dry" do not refer to water or water vapor, which is always
present to some extent.
Propertle. of Re.ervolr Uquld.
The physical properties discussed next apply only to black oils. En-
gineering a volatile-oil reservoir requires a special laboratory study
not discussed here.
Solution GOR at Bubblepoint, Rsb' The initial producing GOR
provides a good estimate of solution GOR for use at pressures equal
to and above bubblepoint pressure. This will not be true if free gas
from a gas cap or another formation is produced with the oil. Field
data often exhibit a great deal of scatter; however, a trend of con-
stant GOR usually can be discerned before reservoir pressure drops
below the bubblepoint.
Often the reported values of producing GOR do not include stock-
tank vent gas. In this case, the use of initial producing GOR for
'Now with S.A. Holdltch & Assocs.
Copyright 1991 Society 01 Petroleum Engineers
266
solution GOR results in values that are low by 10% or more. The
stock-tank GOR can be estimated with 3
log RST=AI +A 2 log 'Yo+A3 log 'YgSp+A 4 log Psp
+As log Tsp , .................................... (1)
where Al =0.3818, A2 = -5.506, A3 =2.902, A4 = 1.327, and
As= -0.7355. Eq. 1 should not be used if the separator tempera-
ture is > 140°F.
Addition of the estimate of stock-tank GOR from Eq. 1 to the
separator GOR results in an estimate of solution GOR accurate to
within 3%.
Bubblepoint Pressure, Pb' The bubblepoint pressure of the oil at
reservoir conditions can be estimated with 4
Pb=18.2(Cpb -1.4), ............................... (2)
where Cpb =(Rs/'Yg)O.83 x IO(O.00091T-O. 012S 'YAPI) •••••••••• (3)
to an accuracy of 15 %. The specific gravity of the separator gas
can be used for 'Yg; however, Rs should include stock-tank vent
gas. The equations are valid to 325°F.
A more accurate estimate ofbubblepoint pressure can be obtained
if reservoir pressure is measured regularly. Plot reservoir pressure
and producing GOR vs. cumulative production. For a volumetric
solution-gas-drive reservoir, pressure will decline rapidly initial-
ly, then flatten when reservoir pressure drops below the oil bub-
blepoint pressure (the pressure at which the line changes slope).
The producing GOR will begin to increase shortly after bubblepoint
pressure is reached.
Solution GOR, Rs. Eqs. 2 and 3 can be used to estimate solution
GOR for pressures below the bubblepoint. Enter any pressure be-
low bubblepoint in place of Pb in Eq. 2 and calculate the corre-
sponding value of solution GOR with Eq. 3. The results should
be within 15% of measured values.
If a field-derived bubblepoint pressure has been obtained from
pressure measurements as described above, the accuracy of the es-
timates of solution GOR can be improved. 5 Start by creating a ta-
ble of pressures and solution GOR's. Subtract the field-derived
bubblepoint pressure from the bubblepoint pressure calculated with
Eqs. 2 and 3 to obtain a "delta pressure." Subtract this "delta pres-
sure" from all pressures in the Rs vs. P table. This procedure
works very well for pressures near the bubblepoint. It is less ac-
curate at low pressures.
Oil FVF, Bo. The oil FVF for use at pressures equal to or below
bubblepoint can be estimated with 4
Bob =0.9759+ 12(IO- S)CBob 1.2, .................... ; (4)
where CBob =Rs('Y g1'Yo)O's + 1.25T. .................... (5)
The equations can be used for any pressure equal to or below the
bubblepoint by inserting the corresponding value of solution GOR
estimated as discussed above. The resulting FVF value will be within
5 % of laboratory-measured values if accurate values of solution
GOR are used. If solution GOR's are obtained with Eqs. 2 and 3,
the accuracy of the resulting FVF values will be some unknown
combination of the 15% accuracy ofEqs. 2 and 3 and the 5% ac-
curacy of Eqs. 4 and 5. Do not use at temperatures above 325°F.
SPE Reservoir Engineering, May 1991
 At pressures above bubblepoint pressure, the oil FVF is calcu-
lated with
Bo=Bob exp[co(Pb-P»), ........................... (6)
where FVF at the bubblepoint is estimated as discussed above. Es-
timation of the coefficient of isothennal compressibility of oil, Co'
is discussed later.
Oil Density at Reservoir Conditions, PoR' Eq. 7 may be used to
calculates the density of the oil in the reservoir at bubblepoint pres-
sure (and below) from estimated values of Bo and Rs'
PoR =(PSTO +0.01357Rs'Y g)IBo, ...................... (7)
where PoR is the density of the reservoir liquid at the pressure and
temperature at which Bo and Rs were estimated. A weighted aver-
age of separator and stock-tank-gas specific gravities should be used
for 'Yg; however, the use of separator gas gravity gives adequate
results. The accuracy of this .calculation should be some unknown
combination of the accuracy of the estimates of Bo and Rs; how-
ever, in practice, the calculated density is within 5 % of laboratory-
measured values.
Density of reservoir oil at pressures above the bubblepoint can
be calculated with
Po =Pob exp[co(P-Pb»)' ............................ (8)
CoetJicient or Isothennal Compressibility or on, co' The coeffi-
cient of isothennal compressibility of oil, often called oil compress-
ibility, is defmed for pressures above the bubblepoint as
Co = -(II V)(oVlop) T, ............................. (9a)
c o = -(IIBo)(oBo)lop)r, ........................... (9b)
or Co = (IIP o)(oPolop)r . ............................. (9c)
At pressures below the bubblepoint, oil compressibility is defined 6
as
co=- ;J(O~)T-B )J..................
g ( o;s (10)
At pressures above the bubblepoint,7
co=(A l +A2Rs+A3T+A4'Yg+AS'YAPI)/A6P, .......... (11)
where Al =-1,433.0, A2=5.0, A 3 =17.2, A4= -1,180.0, As=
12.61, and A6 = lOS.
Values of oil compressibility calculated with Eq. 11 are general-
ly low, by as much as 50 % at high pressures. Accuracy is improved
at pressures near the bubblepoint. The data set used to develop this
equation included pressures as high as 9,500 psig; however, the
author did not give a temperature range. S
At pressures below the bubblepoint,9
In(co)=-7.633-1.497 In(p) + 1.115 In(T)+0.533 In("(API)
+0.184 In(R sb )' .................................. (12)
The results are accurate to within 10% at pressures above 500 psia.
Below 500 psia, the accuracy is within 20%. If the bubblepoint pres-
sure is known, the accuracy of estimates of oil compressibility at
pressures below bubblepoint can be improved by using 9
In(C o) = -7.573-1.450 In(p)-0.383 In(Pb)+ 1.402 In(T)
+0.256 In('YAPI)+0.449 In(R sb )' .................... (13)
Eqs. 12 and 13 are valid to 330°F and 5,300 psia.
Oil Viscosity, "'0' Estimation of oil viscosity at pressures below
the bubblepoint is a two-step procedure. First, the viscosity of the
oil without dissolved gas (dead oil), "'oD, is estimated at reservoir
temperature 10 :
log 10g(p.oD+ 1)= 1.8653-0.025086"( API-0.5644 log T.
................................... (14)
Eq. 14 is based on data with rangesof5 to 58° API and 60 to 175°F.
SPE Reservoir Engineering, May 1991
Then, the effect Qf solution GOR corresponding to the pressure of
interest is taken into account with II
11-0 =AII-oD B , ..................................... (15)
where A=1O.715(Rs +l00)-0.Sls ..................... (16)
and B=5.44(Rs +150)-0.33S . ........................ (17)
Eqs. 15 through 17 were derived with data to 295°F and5,250psig.
Oil viscosity at pressures above the bubblepoint is estimated by
first calculating viscosity at the bubblepoint with Eqs. 14 through
17 from the solution GOR at the bubblepoint and then adjusting
viscosity to higher pressures with 7
lI-o=lI-ob(plpb)B, ................................. (18)
where B=C I p C2 exp(C3 + C4 P) , ..................... (19)
and C I =2.6, C2 = 1.187, C3 =-11.513, and C4 =-8.98xlO- S.
Eqs. 18 and 19 were developed from a data base with pressures
to 9,500 psig; the applicable temperatures were not given. S
It appears that the relationships of oil viscosity to other proper-
ties of the oil are too complicated to be explained by the limited
field data normally available. Thus, the values of oil viscosity cal-
culated with Eqs. 14 through 19 should be considered to be "order-
of-magnitude" estimates only.
Prop.rtl•• of R•••rvolr Ga•••
Properties of dry gases will be considered first. Then, the calcula-
tions necessary for estimating properties of reservoir wet gases will
be discussed. Retrograde gases will not be considered because a
special laboratory report is required for these gases.
Compressibility Equation of State. The equation of state most
often used by petroleum engineers is
pV=znRT. . ..................................... (20)
The Standing-Katz 12 correlation of z factors has stood the test
of time. Their graphical correlation may be represented by 13.14
z= 1+(A I +A21Tpr +A31Tpr3 +A41Tpr 4 +AsITprS)Ppr
+(A 6 +A7 ITpr+ASITpr2)Ppr2 -A9(A7ITpr+ASITpr2)PprS
+A lo (1 +A llPpr2)(Ppr2ITpr 3)exp( -A llPpr2) ......... (21)
and Ppr=0.27[Ppr/(zTpr»)' ........................... (22)
where A 1=0.3265, A2 = -1.0700, A3 = -0.5339, A4 =0.01569,
As = -0.05165, A6 =0.5475, A7 = -0.7361, As =0.1844, A9 =
0.1056, A IO =0.6134, and All =0.7210. Eq. 21 represents the
Standing-Katz correlation to within 1 % for 0.2 <Ppr < 15 and
0.7< Tpr<3.0 and to within 3% for 15<Ppr<30.
The pseudoreduced properties are defined as
Tpr=TITpc ..................................... (23a)
and Ppr=plppc' ................................... (23b)
where the pseudocritical properties may be calculated with IS
Ppc =756.8 -131.0"{g - 3.6"1g 2 ...................... (24)
and Tpc= 169.2+349.5"1g -74.0"{ g2 . .................. (25)
Eqs. 21 through 25 produce z factors that are well within 2% of
experimental for temperatures to 360°F, pressures to 12,500 psia,
and gas specific gravities to 1.6.
If the gas composition is known, gas specific gravity for use in
Eqs. 24 and 25 should be calculated with
'Y g =MaIMair =MaI29, ............................. (26)
where Ma= EYjMj . ................................ (27)
j
This will improve accuracy over direct calculation of the pseudocrit-
ical properties with composition. IS
When H 2S and CO 2 are present, the pseudocritical properties
are adjusted by 16
T;c=Tpc-e ..................................... (28)
267
 I PpcT;c
and Ppc = , ...................... (29)
Tpc +YH2s(1-YH2S)E
where l7 E=120(f~Jd+ f~~1d)+(f'~2s- f~2s) . ......... (30)
Eqs. 28 through 30 result in z factors within 5 % of experimental 16
for CO 2 concentrations to 55 mol % and H 2S conditions to 74
mol % at temperatures to 300°F and pressures to 7,000 psia.
z-factor values are not greatly affected by the presence of nitro-
gen. z-factor increases by about 1 % over the values calculated with
Eqs. 21 and 22 for each 5 mol % of nitrogen in the gas. 5
The z-factor values calculated as described above are about as
accurate as can be measured in the laboratory. This is true even
for wet gases and retrograde gases with specific gravities as high
as 1.6.
Dry Gases. Dry gases are easy to deal with because no liquid con-
denses from the gas as it moves from the reservoir to the surface.
Thus, the specific gravity of the surface gas can be used in correla-
tions to determine the properties of the gas in the reservoir.
When the gas is associated and produced with a black oil, it may
be assumed to be a dry gas with specific gravity equal to the spe-
cific gravity of the gas from the primary separator.
Gas FVF. The FVF of a dry gas is defined as
Bg=VR1Vsc . ..................................... (31)
If standard conditions are taken to be 14.65 psia and 60°F,
Bg =0.0282(zTlp)=0.OO502(zTlp) . ................... (32)
The equations are exact, and the calculated values of gas FVF are
directly related to the accuracy of the values of z factor used.
Coefficient of Isothermal Compressibility of Gas. The coeffi-
cient of isothermal compressibility of gas is defined as
c g = -(lIV)(iWloph ..................... ~ ....... (33a)
or cg =(lIBg )(oBgloph . ............................ (33b)
Eqs. 33 and 20 can be combined and placed on a pseudoreduced
basis 5 :
Cp,=Cgppc=_l__ ~( ~)..................... (34)
PP' z oPP' Tpr
Eq. 34 can be combined ls with the definition of pseudoreduced
gas density,
pp,=0.27[pp,/(ZTp,)] , ............................. (35)
where the z factor of the gas at the critical point is assumed to be
0.27, to arrive at
1 0.27 [ (ozlopp,hpr ] where AI =2.99222, A2 =0.970497, A3 =6.80491, A4 = 1.07916,
cp,= PP' - z2T , l+(Pp,Iz)(ozlopp,)T •••••••••••• (36)
p pr
An expression for (ozlopp,) can be derived s from Eq. 21:
(ozlopp,h =A I +A 2ITp,+A 3ITp,3 +A 41Tp, 4
pr
+AsITp,S +2pp,(A 6 +A7ITp,+AsITp,2)
-5pp,4A9(A7ITp,+AsITp,2)
+ 2A tOPP' (1+A l1 Pp, 2 -A l1 2PP' 4 )exp( -A l1 Pp, 2) , .... (37)
Tp ,3
where the values of the constants are given with Eq. 21.
Isotherms of the z factor plotted vs. pseudoreduced pressure have
rather sharp minima at low temperatures. Eq. 21 follows the shape
of these isotherms rather well. However, the slopes of the isotherms
calculated with Eq. 37 are not particularly accurate near these mini-
ma, where the slope changes sharply from negative to positive.
Thus, Eqs. 36 and 37 should not be used at Tp , < 1.4 for
O.4<p ,<3.0. The accuracy of these equations is unKnown; how-
ever, the results should be suitable for engineering calculations.
268
Gas Viscosity. Gas viscosity may be estimated with 19
p-g=A exp(Bpg C)(1O- 4), .......................... (38)
(9.379+0.01607Ma)TI.S
where A = , .................. (39)
209.2+ 19.26Ma +T
B=3.448+(986.4IT)+0.01009Ma , .................. (40)
and C=2.447 -0.2224B . ............................ (41)
The results of Eqs. 38 through 41 agree with the limited pub-
lished data of gas viscosity to within 2 % at low pressure and to
within 4 % at high pressure when the specific gravity of the gas
is < 1.0. The equations are less accurate for gases of higher spe-
cific gravities, usually giving low estimates by up to 20% for retro-
grade gases with specific gravities over 1.5.
Wet Gases. The key to the estimation of the properties of a wet
gas is that the composition of the reservoir gas is not the same as
the composition of the surface gas. Hydrocarbon liquid condenses
from the reservoir gas as it moves from reservoir conditions to sur-
face conditions. The surface gas and surface liquid must be recom-
bined by calculation to determine the specific gravity of the reservoir
gas. Correlations given above can be used once the specific gravi-
ty .of the reservoir gas is known.
Specific Gravity of Wet Gas. Wet gases are processed through
two or more stages of separation at the surface. Unfortunately, the
quantity and specific gravity of the stock-tank gas are rarely known.
The specific gravity of a reservoir wet gas can be estimated when
only the properties of the gas from the primary separator are
known. 20
RSP)'YSPI +4,6O(}yo +Gpa
'YgR= .................... (42)
R SPI +Veq
The equivalent volume, Veq , is the volume of stock-tank gas and
second separator gas, if present, plus the volume in standard cubic
feet that would be occupied by a barrel of stock-tank liquid if it
were gas. The additional gas produced, Gpa' is related to the mass
of gas produced from the stock tank and the second separator, if
present.
For three stages of separation,
Veq=AO +A I (PSPI)A 2 hSPI)A3 ('Y API)A4(TsPI)As (TSP2 )A 6 ,
................................... (43)
whereA o=535.916, AI =2.62310, A2 =0.793183, A3 =4.66120,
A4 = 1.20940, As = -0.849115, and A6 =0.269869, and
Gpa =A I (PSPI -14.65)..12 ('YSPI)A 3 ('Y API)A4(TsPI)As (TSP2 )A 6 ,
................................... (44)
A5 = -1.19605, and A6 =0.553669.
For two stages of separation,
Veq =Ao +A I (PSPI)A 2 hSp)A3 ('Y API)A4(Tsp )As , ........ (45)
whereA o=635.530, AI =0.361821, A2 = 1.05435, A 3 =5.08305,
A4 = 1.58124, A s =-0.791301, and
Gpa=AI (PSPI -14.65)..12 ('YSp)A 3h API)A4(Tsp )As , ..... (46)
where AI =1.45993, A2 = 1.33940, A 3 =7.09434, A 4 =1.14356,
and A5= -0.934460.
Values of specific gravity of reservoir gas calculated with Eq.
42 and the appropriate pair of Eqs. 43 and 44 or Eqs. 45 and 46
will be within 2 % of laboratory-determined values. This accuracy
degenerates to about 6% when the total nonhydrocarbon content
of the gas is between 5 and 25 mol %. The equations are not rec-
ommended when total nonhydrocarbon content of the gas exceeds
25 mol %. The results are independent of reservoir temperature and
pressure. Reservoir gases with specific gravities between 0.8 and
1.55 were used in the development of the equation.
FVF of Wet Gas. Eqs. 31 and 32 apply only to a dry gas. The
FVF of a wet gas is usually defined as the volume of reservoir gas
SPE Reservoir Engineering, May 1991
 TABLE 1-SUMMARY OF NOMENCLATURE AND UNITS FOR
CONCENTRATION OF DISSOLVED SOLIDS IN FORMATION WATERS·

Term Symbol Definition Equations

- -
molality Cm 9 mol solid
1,000 9 pure water
molarity CM 9 mol solid
1,000 mL brine
normality CN eq wt solid
1,000 mL brine
milliequivalents per liter Cmeq/L meq solid Cmeq/L = 1,000 X CN = CmglL/eq wt
1,000 mL brine
weight percent solids Cw 9 solid CW=Cppmx10-4
100 9 brine
parts per million C ppm 9 solid Cppm=Cwx104
10 6 9 brine
milligrams per liter C mgIL 9 solid C mglL =Pw X C ppm =Pw X C w X 10 4
10 6 mL brine
grains per gallon Cgr/gal grains solid Cgr/gal = 17.1 x C mglL = 17.1 xPw x C ppm '
gal brine where P w is in g/cm 3 at standard
conditions .
• Adapted from Jorden, J.R. and Campbell. F.L.: We/I Logging I-Rock PropertIes, Borehole Environment, Mud, and
Temperatura Logging, Monograph Series, SPE, Richardson, TX (1985) 9, 38.

required to produce 1 bbl of stock-tank liquid. The units are either
standard cubic feet of reservoir gas per stock-tank barrel or bar-
rels of reservoir gas at reservoir conditions per stock-tank barrel.
The sum of the primary separator gas and Veq is the standard
cubic feet of reservoir gas required to produce 1 bbl of stock-tank
liquid:
Vwg=RSPI + Veq . ................................. (47)
This can be converted to reservoir conditions, S resulting in
Bwg=0.00502(RsPI + Veq)T/p, ...................... (48)
where standard conditions of 14.65 psia and 60°F were used.
Eq. 48 will give results within about 6% oflaboratory measure-
ment for gases with nonhydrocarbon content < 5 %. The accuracy
degenerates badly for higher nonhydrocarbon content.
Values from this correlation agree with the limited published ex-
perimental data to within 2 %. The correlation is valid throughout
the full range of solids contents, temperatures to 260°F, and pres-
sures to 5,000 psia. An increase in solids content causes a slight
increase in ~ VwT and a slight decrease in ~ Vlip that are offsetting
to within 1 %.
Density of Fonnation Water, Pw' The density offormation water
at standard conditions may be calculated with s
Pw =62.368 +0.438603S+ 1.60074 x 1O- 3 S 2 . . ........ (52)
The results are as accurate as laboratory measurement through-
out the full range of solids contents. Density at reservoir condi-
tions is calculated by dividing density at standard conditions by FVF
for the pressure and temperature of interest.

Propertl•• of R•••rvolr Wat.r
Most of the water correlations presented here require a knowledge
of the solids content of the brine of interest. Solids content can be
easily measured in the laboratory, or it can be determined 21 from
measurement of the resistivity of the brine.
Solids Content. All formation waters contain dissolved solids,
primarily NaCI. The quantity and distribution of the ions are differ-
ent in every formation water. Solids contents have been reported
from as little as 200 ppm to saturation, which just exceeds 300,000
ppm.
Solids contents are reported in various sets of units. Table 1 gives
the relationships between these units.
Bubblepoint Pressure of Formation Water, Pb' The bubblepoint
pressure of formation water is the same as the bubblepoint pres-
sure of the coexisting oil. If the water is in contact with gas, its
bubblepoint pressure is equal to initial reservoir pressure. Both of
the above are the result of thermodynamic equilibrium in the reser-
voir at discovery.
FVF of Formation Water, Bw' The FVF of brine may be calcu-
lated with s
Bw=(1+~VlIp)(1+~VwT)' ......................... (49)
where ~VwT= -1.0001(10- 2 )+ 1.33391(10-4)T+
5.50654(1O- 1)T2 ................................ (50)
and ~VlIp= -1.95301(10-9)pT-1.72834(10- 13 )p2T
-3.58922(10 -1)p-2.25341(1O -IO)p2. . ............. (51)
Solution Gas/Water Ratio of Fonnation Water, Rsw' The solu-
tion gas/water ratio of pure water may be calculated with S
R sw =A+Bp +Cp 2, ............................... (53)
where A=8.15839-6.12265(1O- 2 )T+ 1.91663(10-4)T2
-2.1654(1O- 1 )T3, ............................... (54)
B= 1.01021(10 -2) -7.44241(10 -S)T+ 3.05553(10 -1)T2
-2.94883(10-10)T3, ............................. (55)
and C= -(10- 1 )[9.02505 -0. 130237T+8.53425(1O- 4)T2
-2.34122(10 -6)T3 +2.37049(10 -9)T4]. . ............. (56)
These equations fit the original graphical correlation 22 to within
5% at pressures from 1,000 to 10,000 psia and temperatures from
100 to 340°F. Do not use at pressures below 1,000 psia.
Eq. 57 gives a salinity adjustment factorS that is multiplied by
the result of Eq. 53 to give the solution gas/water ratio of forma-
tion water.
10g[ (Rsw)brine ] = -0.0840655ST-o.28S8S4. . ...... (57)
(Rsw)pure water
Eq. 57 fits the existing graphical correlation 23 to within 3% for
salinities up to 30% and temperature from 70 to 250°F.
Coefficient oflsothennal Compressibility of Formation Water,
CWo At pressures above the bubblepoint, water compressibility is
defmed as
c w= -(lIVw)(iWw/iJph, .......................... (58a)

SPE Reservoir Engineering, May 1991 269

 Cw= -(lIBw)(oBw/oP)r, .......................... (58b)
or cw=(lIPw)(oPw/oph . ........................... (58c)
Eq. 59 may be used to estimate values of water compressi-
bility.24
c w=1I(7.033p+0.5415S-537.0T+403,300), ......... (59)
where S=salinity in mg/L.
Eq. 59 is valid only for temperatures between 200 and 270°F,
pressures of 1,000 to 20,000 psia, and salinities up to 200,000 mg/L.
Osif24 gave no estimate of accuracy. A graphic correlation 25 is
available for use at lower temperatures and pressures.
At pressures below the bubblepoint, water compressibility is
calculated 26 as
CW=-:w C~w)/:: C:;w t......... (@)
The first term on the right side of Eq. @ is related to water com-
pressibility at pressures above the bubblepoint and can be estimat-
ed with Eq. 59. The derivative in the second term on the right side
of Eq. @ can be estimated with 5
(oR sw /oph=B+2Cp, ............................. (61)
whereB and Care from Eqs. 55 and 56. The result ofEq. 61 should
be multiplied by the salinity adjustment factor of Eq. 57. Values
of FVF of formation water for use in the second term are estimat-
ed as described above, and FVF of gas is estimated with a gas spe-
cific gravity of 0.63.
The resulting estimate of water compressibility is of unknown
accuracy. It should be considered to be •'order of magnitude" only.
Viscosity of Fonnation Water, #J.w' The viscosity of formation
water at reservoir temperature and atmospheric pressure can be es-
timated with 5
/Lwl =AT-B, .................................... (62)
where A=I09.574-8.40564S+0.313314S2 +8.72213(1O- 3)S3
................................... (63)
and B= 1.12166-2.63951(1O- 2)S+6. 79461(10-4)S2
+5.47119(10 -5)S3 -1.55586(1O- 6)S4 ............... (64)
Eq. 62 fits the existing graphical correlation 27 to within 5% at tem-
peratures between 100 and 400°F and salinities to 26%.
Water viscosity at 1 atm can be adjusted to reservoir pressure
with 5
/Lw//Lwi =0.9994+4.0295 X 1O- 5p+3.1062X 1O- 9p2 . ... (65)
Eq. 65 fits data 28 at 86 to 167°F and pressures below 10,000 psia
to within 4%. At pressures between 10,000 and 15,000 psia, the
fit is to within 7 % .
Moisture Content of Natural Gas. The dewpoint water-vapor con-
tent of natural gas in equilibrium with liquid water may be calcu-
lated with 29
W=A/p+B, ..................................... (66)
18(106)psc
where A =Pv H 0 ................ (67)
• 2 10.73(459.6+ Tsc)zsc
and log B=-3083.87(lIT)+6.69449 . ................. (68)
Eqs. 66 through 68 give results that are as accurate as moisture
content can be measured (about 5%) at pressures to 10,000 psia
and temperatures to 4@°F.
Dissolved solids in the water reduce the partial pressure of the
water, thereby reducing the water content of the gas. Moisture con-
tent from Eq. 66 should be multiplied by the salinity-adjustment
factor 5 given in Eq. 69:
Wbrine
---=1-4.920(10-3)S-1.7672(1O- 4)S2, ..... (69)
Wpure water
270
where S=salinity, wt%. Eq. 69 agrees with the existing graphical
correiation 30 to within 1 %.
The above correlations were developed for dry-gas systems con-
taining no nonhydrocarbon components. The presence of heavier
hydrocarbons in wet gases or retrograde gases will increase the water
content by as much as 10% at 1,000 psia and 20% at 10,000 psia.
Natural gas that contains substantial amounts of CO 2 and/or H 2S
will contain more water vapor. 30 Although no data are available,
the increase is probably on the order of 5 %. Substantial amounts
of nitrogen or helium will lower the moisture content. 31 Limited
data are available; the decrease is probably 5 to 10%.
Hydrate Formation. Hydrocarbon gas and liquid water will com-
bine to form solids called gas hydrates at temperatures above the
temperature at which water freezes. Eq. 70 can be used to estimate
the temperature at which hydrates will form 32 :
Th = 11[2.77077(10 -3) -2.78224(10 -3)(1n 'Y g) -5.64929(10- 4)
(In p)-1.29859(1O- 3)(1n 'Y g)2 + 1.40712(1O- 3)(ln 'Y g)(ln p)
+ 1.78574(10 -4)(1n p)2 + 1.13028(10 -3)(1n 'Y g)3
+5.97282(10-4)(1n 'Yg)2(1n p)-2.32792(1O- 4)(1n 'Yg)(1n p)2
-2.68408(10-5)(ln p)3 +4.66106(10-3)(ln 'Y g)4
+5.55424(1O- 4)(ln 'Yg)3(1n p)-1.47278(1O -5)(ln 'Yg)2(1n p)2
+ 1.39381(1O- 5)(ln 'Y g)(ln p)3 + 1.48850(10-6)(1n p)4].
................................... (70)
The estimate of hydrate-forming temperature could be in error by
5°F or more. Do not use Eq. 70 at temperatures above 62°F, pres-
sures above 1,500 psia, or gas specific gravities above 0.9.
The presence of H 2S and/or CO 2 in the gas will cause an in-
crease in hydrate-forming temperatures, but data are too limited
to quantify this.
The presence of dissolved solids in the water will decrease the
temperature at which hydrates form. The decrease can be calculat-
ed with 5
fl.Th =AS+BS2+CS3, ............................. (71)
where A=2.20919-1O.5746-yg+12.1@1'Y/, ........... (72)
B= -0.10@56+0.722692'Yg-0.85093'Yg2, ........... (73)
and C=0.00347221-0.0165564'Y g +0.019764'Y g2 . ....... (74)
Eq. 71 agrees with the existing data 30 exactly when the results are
rounded to the nearest whole degree Fahrenheit. Eqs. 71 through
74 are based on gas specific gravities < 0.68 and salinities < 20% .
Inhibitor is often added to the water in contact with gas to reduce
the hydrate-forming temperature. The temperature reduction can
be calculated with 33 •34
fl.Th =2,335w/l00M - Mw. .. ....................... (75)
The results ofEq. 75 are well within the scatter of the experimen-
tal data.
The presence of liquid hydrocarbons with the gas and liquid water
will decrease hydrate-forming temperature. 34 Data are limited, and
the temperature decrease has not been quantified.
Nomenclature
A,B,C = coefficients
Bg = FVF of dry gas, res ft3/scf or RB/scf
Bo = oil FVF, RB/STB
Bw = water FVF, RB/STB
Bwg = FVF of wet gas, RB/STB
cg = coefficient of isothermal compressibility of gas,
psi -I
CO = coefficient of isothermal compressibility of oil,
psi -I
cpr = pseudoreduced coefficient of isothermal
compressibility
C w = coefficient of isothermal compressibility of
water, psi-I
SPE Reservoir Engineering, May 1991
 facid = sum of mole fraction of CO 2 and H 2 S in Eq.
30
iH 2 s = mole fraction of H 2S in Eq. 30
Gpo = additional gas produced, Eqs. 42 through 44,
scf/STB times specific gravity
m = mass, Ibm mol
M = molecular weight of solute in Eq. 75, Ibm/Ibm
mol
Ma = apparent molecular weight, Ibm/Ibm mol
M air = apparent molecular weight of air, Ibm/Ibm mol
P = pressure, psia
Ph = bubblepoint pressure, psia
Ppc = pseudocritical pressure, psia
P~c = pseudocritical pressure adjusted for acid-gas
content, psia
Ppr = pseudoreduced pressure
P v, H20 = vapor pressure of pure water at temperature of
• •
Interest, pSla
R = universal gas constant, 10.732 (psia-ft 3)/(lbm
mol- OR), or producing GOR
Rs = solution GOR, scf/STB
RSP1 = producing GOR from primary separator,
scf/STB
RST = producing GOR from stock tank, scf/STB
Rsw = solubility of gas in water, scf/STB
S = salinity, wt % solids or mg/L in Eq. 59
T = temperature, of or oR in Eqs. 12, 13, 20, 23,
32, 39, 40, 48, and 68
Th = hydrate-formation temperature, of
llTh = decrease in hydrate-formation temperature, of
Tpc = pseudocritical temperature, oR
T;c = pseudocritical temperature adjusted for acid-gas
content, oR
Tpr = pseudoreduced temperature
V = volume, ft3
Veq = equivalent volume, scf/STB
Vw = volume of water, ft3
Vwg = volume of reservoir wet gas, ft3
II Vlip = change in liquid volume during pressure
reduction in Bw correlation
II VwT = change in liquid volume during temperature
reduction in Bw correlation
w = weight percent solute in Eq. 75
W = moisture content of gas, Ibm/MMscf
Wbrine = moisture content of gas in contact with brine,
Ibm/MMscf
Wpure water = moisture content of gas in contact with pure
water, Ibm/MMscf
y = composition of gas, mole fraction
z = gas compressibility factor, pVlmRT
'Y API = stock-tank oil gravity, °API
'Yg = gas specific gravity
'Yo = stock-tank oil specific gravity
'YSPI = specific gravity of gas from primary separator
E = pseudocritical adjustment factor for acid-gas
content, oR
/Lg = gas viscosity, cp
/Lo = oil viscosity, cp
/LoD = oil viscosity at l-atm pressure and reservoir
temperature, cp
/Lw = water viscosity, cp
/Lwl = water viscosity at l-atm pressure and reservoir
temperature, cp
P = density, g/cm 3 in Eq. 38 or Ibm/ft 3
Po = oil density, Ibm/ft3
PoR = reservoir oil density at reservoir conditions,
Ibm/ft3
Ppr = pseudoreduced density
SPE Reservoir Engineering, May 1991
PSTO = stock-tank oil density at standard conditions,
Ibm/ft3
Pw = water density, Ibm/ft3
Subscripts
acid = CO2 +H 2 S
air = air
b = at bUbblepoint pressure at reservoir temperature
H 2 S = hydrogen sulfide
j = component j
R = reservoir conditions
sc = standard conditions
SP = separator
SPI = primary separator
SP2 = second-stage separator
ST = stock tank
STO = stock-tank oil
Acknowledgment.
I am grateful to Core Laboratories Inc. and, in particular, to Phil
Moses for providing the data used to evaluate these correlations.
Also, I thank Cawley, Gillespie & Assocs. Inc. for permission to
publish this paper.
Reference.
1. Moses, P.L.: "Engineering Applications of Phase Behavior of Crude
Oil and Condensate Systems," JPT (July 1986) 715-23.
2. Schilthuis, R.J.: "Active Oil and Reservoir Energy," Trans., AIME
(1936) 118, 33-52.
3. Rollins, J.B., McCain, W.D. Jr., and Creeger, J.T.: "Estimation of
Solution GOR of Black Oils," JPT (Jan. 1990) 92-94; Trans., AIME,
289.
4. Standing, M.B.: Volumetric and Phose Behavior of Oil Field Hydrocar-
bon Systems, SPE, Richardson, TX (1977) 124.
5. McCain, W.D. Jr.: The Properties of Petroleum Fluids, second edi-
tion, PennWell Books, Tulsa (1989) 120, 175, 214, 318, 322, 513,
525-28.
6. Martin, J.C.: "Simplified Equations of Flow in Gas Drive Reservoirs
and the Theoretical Foundation of Multiphase Pressure Buildup Anal-
yses," Trans., AIME (1959) 216,309-11.
7. Vazquez, M. and Beggs, H.D.: "Correlations for Fluid Physical Prop-
erty Prediction," JPT(June 1980) 968-70.
8. Vazquez, A.M.E.: "Correlation for Fluid Physical Prediction," MS
thesis, U. of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK (1976).
9. McCain, W.D. Jr., Rollins, J.n:, and Villena, A.J.: "The Coefficient
of Isothermal Compressibility of Black Oils at Pressures Below the Bub-
blepoint," SPEFE (Sept. 1988) 659-62; Trans., AIME, 285.
10. Ng, J.T.H.1Ind Egbogah, E.O.: "On Improved Temperature-Viscosity
Correlation for Crude Oil Systems," paper CIM 83-34-32 presented
at the 1983 Petroleum Soc. of CIM Annual Technical Meeting, Banff,
May 10-13.
11. Beggs, H.D. and Robinson, J.R.: "Estimating the Viscosity of Crude
Oil Systems," JPT (Sept. 1975) 1140-41.
12. Standing, M.B. and Katz, D.L.: "Density of Natural Gases," Trans.,
AIME (1942) 146, 140-49.
13. Takas, G.: "Comparisons Made for Computer z-Factor Calculations, "
Oil & Gas J. (Dec. 20, 1976) 64-66.
14. Dranchuk, P.M. and Abou-Kassem, J.H.: "Calculations of z-Factors
for Natural Gases Using Equations of State," J. Cdn. Pet. Tech. (July-
Sept. 1975) 34-36.
15. Sutton, R.P.: "Compressibility Factors for High-Molecular-Weight
Reservoir Gases," paper SPE 14265 presented at the 1985 SPE Annu-
al Technical Conference and Exhibition, Las Vegas, Sept. 22-25.
16. Wichert, E. and Aziz, K.: "Calculate z's for Sour Gases," Hydrocar-
bon Processing (May 1972) 119-22.
17. Wichert, E. and Aziz, K.: "Compressibility Factor of Sour Natural
Gases," Cdn. J. Chern. Eng. (Apri11971) 267-73.
18. Mattar, L., Brar, G.S., and Aziz, K.: "Compressibility of Natural
Gases," J. Cdn. Pet. Tech. (Oct.-Dec. 1975) 14, 77-80.
19. Lee, A.L., Gonzales, M.H., and Eakin, B.E.: "The Viscosity of Natural
Gases," JPT (Aug. 1966) 997-1000; Trans., AIME (1966) 234.
20. Gold, D.K., McCain, W.D.-Jr., and Jennings, J.W.: "An Improved
Method for the Determination of the' Reservoir-Gas Specific Gravity
for Retrograde Gases," JPT(July 1989) 747-52; Trans., AIME, 287.
21. Log Interpretation Charts, Scblumberger Well Services, Houston (1986)
5.
271

Author
William D. McCain dr. Is an executive
consultant with S.A. Holdltch & Assocs.
In College Station, TX. He previously wss
a petroleum engineer with Cawley,
Gillespie & Assocs. Inc. In Fort Worth
and taught petroleum engineering at
Texas A&M U. and Mississippi State U.
He holds a as degree from Mississippi
State U. and MS and PhD degrees from
Georgia lnat. of Technology. McCain was
a member of the 1986-89 Career
Guidance Committee and the 1972-75
Textbook Committee. He was 1972 Mississippi Section chair·
man and a member of the Education and Accreditation Com·
mlttee from 1967 to 1971, chairing It In 1970.
SI Metric Conversion Factors
°API 141.5/(131.5+ o API) g/cm 3
atm x 1.013 250* E+05 Pa
bbl x 1.589 873 E-Ol m3
OF (OF-32)/1.8 °C
psi x 6.894757 E+OO kPa
scf/bbl x 1.801 175 E-Ol std m 3 /m 3
• Conversion factor is exact.
Original SPE manuscript received for review June 15. 1988. Paper (SPE 18571) accepted
for publication Feb. 22, 1989. Revised manuscript received March 17, 1989.
22. Culberson, O.L. and McKetta, J.J. Jr.: "Phase Equilibria in
Hydrocarbon-Water Systems m-Solubility of Methane in Water at Pres-
sures to 10,000 psia," Trans., AIME (1951) 192, 223-26.
23. McKetta, J.J. and Wehe, A.H.: "Hydrocarbon-Water and Formation
Water Correlations," Petroleum Production Handbook, T.C. Frick and,
R.W. Taylor (eds.), SPE, Richardson, TX (1962) n, 22-1-22-26.
24. Osif, T.L.: "The Effects of Salt, Gas, Temperature, and Pressure on
the Compressibility of Water," SPERE (Feb. 1988) 175-81.
25. Dodson, C.R. and Standing, M.B.: "Pressure, Volume, Temperature
and Solubility Relations for Natural Gas-Water Mixtures," Drill. &
Prod. Prac., API, Dallas (1944) 173-79.
26. Ramey, H.J. Jr.: "Rapid Methods for Estimating Reservoir Compres-
sibilities," JPT (April 1964) 447-54; Trans., AIME, 231.
27. Matthews, C.S. and Russell, D.G.: Pressure Buildup and Flow Tests
in Wells, Monograph Series, SPE, Richardson, TX (1967) 1.
28. Collins, A.G.: "Properties of Produced Waters," Petroleum Engineer-
ing Handbook, H.B. Bradley (ed.), SPE, Richardson, TX (1987) 24-17.
29. Bukacek, R.F.: "Equilibrium Moisture Contact of Natural Gases," re-
search bull. IGT, Chicago (1955) 8, 2,11.
30. Katz, D.L. et al.: Handbook of Natural Gas Engineering, McGraw-
Hill Book Co. Inc., New York City (1959) 198-200.
31. Deaton, W.M. and Frost, E.M. Jr.: Gas Hydrates and Their Relation
to the Operation ofNatural Gas Pipelines, Monograph Series, USBM,
Washington, DC (1946) 8.
32. Kobayashi, R., Kyoo, Y.S., and Sloan, E.D.: "Phase Behavior of
WaterlHydrocarbon Systems," Petroleum Engineering Handbook, H.B.
Bradley (ed.), SPE, Richardson, TX (1987) 25-1-25-28.
33. Hammerschmidt, E.G.: "Formation of Gas Hydrates in Natural Gas
SPERE Transmission Lines," Ind. & Eng. Chern. (1934) 26, 851-55 .
34. Scauzillo, F.R.: "Inhibiting Hydrate Formations in Hydrocarbon
Gases," Chern. Eng. Prog. (Aug. 1956) 52, 324-28.

272 SPE Reservoir Engineering, May 1991

Discussion of Reservoir-Fluid Property
Correlations-State of the Art
W.R. Hayworth, SPE, Diversified Operating Corp.

In "Reservoir-Fluid Property Correlations-State of the Art" (May McCain's definition of a black oil does not consider reservoir
1991 SPERE, Pages 266-72), McCain states that "Black oils are temperature or composition. For the example cited, reservoir tem-
identified as having initial producing GOR's below 2,000 scf/STB perature and a high concentration of intermediate components have
and deeply colored stock-tank oil with gravities below 45° API." undoubtedly had a significant impact on reservoir-fluid behavior.
Unfortunately, defining reservoir fluid type by these parameters Earlier authors 1,2 considered reservoir temperature and compo-
alone can result in misinterpretation of the reservoir-fluid behavior. sitions as important parameters in classifying reservoir fluid types.
For example, Field X, a Cretaceous "0" sand reservoir in the
Denver basin, has an initial stock-tank gravity of 40° API, an ini- Reference.
tial producing GOR of 600 scf/STB, and a reservoir temperature 1. Craft, B.C. and Hawkins, M.P.: Applied Petroleum Reservoir Engineer-
of 230°F. According to the author's classification of black oils, ing, Prentice-Hall Inc., Englewood Cliffs, NJ (1959) 186.
this field would fall well within the black-oil designation. Reser- 2. Moses, P.L.: "Engineering Applications of Phase Behavior of Crude
Oil and Condensate Systems," JPT (July 1986) 715-23.
voir performance, however, has shown that the fluid does not be-
have as a black oil. 51 Metric Conver.lon Factor.
During primary depletion, the producing GOR increased to more
than 13,000 scf/STB. Stock-tank oil gravity coincidentally increased °API 141.5/(131.5+ o API) g/ cm 3
of (OF-32)/1.8 °C
from 40 to 60° API.
Evidently, this reservoir does not fit black-oil assumptions. Black- scf/bbl x 1.801 175 E-Ol std m 3 /m 3
oil material-balance calculations have proved unrealistic. (SPE 23583) SPE~

Author's Reply to Discussion of Reservoir-Fluid

Property Correlations-State of the Art
William D. McCain Jr., SPE, S.A. Holditch & Assocs. Inc.

Hayworth may have found an example reservoir fluid that does not Reference.
fit the "rules of thumb" for determining reservoir fluid type. 1,2 1. Moses, P.L.: "Engineering Applications of Phase Behavior of Crude
However, he does not give the color of the stock-tank liquid. Stock- Oil and Condensate Systems," JPT (July 1986) 715-23.
tank oil color is the third rule of thumb and is useful in confirming 2. McCain, W.D. Jr.: "Reservoir-Fluid Property Correlations-State of
fluid type. the Art," SPERE (May 1991) 266-72.
3. McCain, W.D. Jr.: The Properties ofPetroleum Fluids, second edition,
Composition was not considered because the paper2 was written PennWell Books, Tulsa (1989) 149-53.
to show how to use field data to estimate reservoir-fluid properties
(see the first sentence of the Summary or the second sentence of (SPE 23594) SPERE
the Introduction). Extensive information in the use of field and
laboratory data to distinguish between black and volatile oils is
available elsewhere. 3

510 SPE Reservoir Engineering, November 1991