Hydrocarbon Content

The hydrocarbon content is usually determined by doing a well test where the
well is produced into a test separator or series of test separators operating at
different pressures. The flow rates and compositions of the liquid and gas
streams are determined and then recombined to give the overall composition.
Gas and liquid analyses are done using gas chromatographs. Identification of
the lighter components C1 through C5 is strait forward. The heavier components
are somewhat trickier, as there is a difference if the C6 component is hexane or
benzene. A good analysis should identify these individual components. This
allows the designer to base detailed calculations on a detailed analysis, or to
lump components when the details are not required.
Acid Gas Content
The acid gases, H2S and CO2 are usually determined as part of the hydrocarbon
analysis. When the H2S content is in the ppmv range, it is important to take the
sample into a Teflon lined bomb and have the analysis done quickly. Failure to
do this may result in the H2S reacting with the wall of the bomb giving low H2S
results. Believing that there is little or no H2S present in the gas stream may
result in the wrong process design and failure to meet the required product
specifications.
Trace Sulphurs
Trace sulphurs usually refer to mercaptans (RSH), carbonyl sulphide (COS),
carbon disulphide (CS2), and various disulphides (RSSR). These are more likely
to be found when the gas contains H2S. Identification of these compounds is
important as they behave differently than H2S in various treating processes, and
will impact the total sulphur content of the treated products. Specialized
sampling and analysis is required to obtain an accurate assessment.
Elemental Sulphur
Reservoirs that contain H2S often contain elemental sulphur that is tied up with
the H2S in the form of hydrogen polysulphides (H2Sx). The maximum amount of
H2Sx that may be present is a function of temperature, pressure, and H2S
concentration. The actual amount of H2Sx present may however be less than the
maximum. As the gas is produced to surface the temperature and pressure
decrease shifting the polysulphide equilibrium. The shift in the equilibrium may
result in the deposition of elemental sulphur if the saturation point is reached.
Sulphur may deposit as a liquid or solid depending on the local temperature.
Deposition may occur in the reservoir or in the production tubing. Deposition is
more likely to occur and cause problems when the raw gas is very light and lacks
heavy hydrocarbon components. The heavy hydrocarbon components will
dissolved the sulphur or at least transport it in the tubing. The amount of
polysulphide present is determination by taking a downhole sample at reservoir
conditions. Alberta Sulphur Research Ltd. (ASRL) has the equipment and skills
to complete this sort of testing and analysis.

ENCH 609 Lecture 1

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