Gas-Oil Ratio of Live Crude Oils Determined by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Abstract

The gas-oil ratio (GOR) of crude oil has a tremendous impact on the processes used for oil production from subsurface formations. Determination of GOR thus becomes of central importance to oil operating companies. Here, it is shown that near-infrared (NIR) spectral measurements on single-phase crude oils (with dissolved gas) can be used to obtain a reliable estimate of the GOR. A simple theoretical formulation accurately accounts for the data. Furthermore, the NIR measurement is shown to be compatible with process flow streams at elevated temperatures and pressures.