Journal Home
Login
Register
Open Access Journal
Submit a Paper
Propose a Special lssue
Open Access
ARTICLE
Full-Field Compositional Modeling of Reservoir Fluids with Complex Phase Behavior: Integrating PVT Characterization, Simulation Practice, and Interpretive Frameworks
Issue Vol. 2 No. 01 (2025): Volume 02 Issue 01 --- Section Articles
.pdf
Abstract
The accurate representation of reservoir fluids exhibiting complex phase behavior remains a foundational challenge in petroleum engineering and geoenergy science. As hydrocarbon systems evolve toward deeper, higher-pressure, and near-critical conditions, conventional black-oil approximations increasingly fail to capture the compositional dynamics governing phase transitions, volumetric responses, and flow behavior in porous media. This research article presents an extensive theoretical and interpretive investigation into full-field compositional simulation as an integrative framework for modeling reservoirs characterized by complex phase behavior. Grounded strictly in established scholarly literature, the study synthesizes advances in PVT characterization, equation-of-state-based modeling, quality control methodologies, experimental observations, and computational simulation practices to construct a coherent academic narrative.
The article situates full-field compositional simulation within its historical development, tracing its emergence as a response to limitations observed in simplified fluid descriptions and equilibrium assumptions. Particular emphasis is placed on the conceptual and methodological contributions of early compositional simulation studies that demonstrated the necessity of resolving multicomponent mass transfer and phase equilibrium at the grid-block scale, especially under near-critical and retrograde condensation conditions (El-Mandouh et al., 1993). By embedding compositional simulation within a broader context of reservoir fluid analysis, the study highlights how experimental PVT data, basin modeling, petroleum inclusion analysis, and modern machine learning-enhanced prediction techniques collectively inform the construction and calibration of compositional models (Lei et al., 2025; Patidar et al., 2024).
Methodologically, the article adopts a qualitative, literature-grounded analytical approach, emphasizing descriptive rigor and critical interpretation over numerical exposition. The methodology section details the conceptual workflow of compositional simulation, including fluid characterization, component lumping strategies, phase behavior modeling, and full-field implementation, while also discussing inherent uncertainties and limitations. The results section provides an interpretive synthesis of reported outcomes from prior studies, focusing on how compositional models alter predictions of reservoir performance, recovery mechanisms, and development strategies when compared to simpler modeling paradigms (Zhang et al., 2017; Wang, 2018).
The discussion offers a deep theoretical examination of scholarly debates surrounding compositional modeling, including questions of model fidelity, data sufficiency, computational cost, and scalability. Counter-arguments advocating simplified approaches are critically evaluated, and their limitations are contextualized within evolving reservoir complexities. The article concludes by articulating the implications of full-field compositional simulation for future reservoir management and research, emphasizing the need for integrated, multidisciplinary approaches to fluid characterization and modeling.
By expanding each concept through historical context, theoretical elaboration, and critical discourse, this study contributes a comprehensive, publication-ready academic treatment of compositional simulation grounded entirely in the existing body of peer-reviewed literature.
Keywords
References
1. Abena, E. G. N., Njomo, D., & Legue, D. R. K. (2024). Analyzing PVT properties of crude oil in horizontal offshore well: An experimental study. International Journal of Heat and Technology, 42, 1093–1100.
2. Schlumberger. (2010). PVTi reference manual. Schlumberger.
3. El-Mandouh, M. S., Bette, S., Heinemann, T. F., Ogiamien, E. B., & Bhatia, S. K. (1993). Full-field compositional simulation of reservoirs of complex phase behavior. Presented at the 12th SPE Symposium on Reservoir Simulation, New Orleans, LA.
4. Chen, J. (2020). Real-time monitoring system for pH value of reservoir fluid. China Petroleum Chemical Standards and Quality, 40, 77–79.
5. Ismailova, J., Delikesheva, D., Abdukarimov, A., Zhumanbetova, N., & Sarsenova, A. (2023). Development and application of fluid characterization algorithms to obtain an accurate description of a PVT model for Kazakhstani oil. Eastern-European Journal of Enterprise Technologies, 5, 6–20.
6. Ahmed, T. (2010). Equation of state and PVT analysis. Gulf Professional Publishing.
7. Lei, W., Chen, D., Cheng, M., Cai, C., & Wang, Q. (2025). Combined use of petroleum inclusion analysis, PVT simulation, and basin modeling for reconstruction of deep fluid phase evolution in condensate gas reservoirs. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 171, 107210.
8. Patidar, A. K., Singh, S., Anand, S., & Kumar, P. (2024). Enhancing PVT property predictions for black oil reservoirs through the application of supervised machine learning techniques. Geoenergy Science and Engineering, 243, 213307.
9. Wang, J. (2018). Research on field application method of reservoir fluid phase behavior data. Complex Hydrocarbon Reservoirs, 11, 60–62.
10. Zhang, L., Li, H., & Wu, H. (2017). Study on fluid and development characteristics of high-dip near-critical oil and gas reservoirs. Special Oil and Gas Reservoirs, 24, 100–104.
11. Yang, F. R. (2016). Analysis of prediction methods for high-pressure physical property parameters and phase behavior characteristics of reservoir fluid. Chemical Enterprise Management, 13, 209.
12. Ihle, J., & Wellmann, P. J. (2022). In situ monitoring of unintentionally released nitrogen gas in the initial PVT silicon carbide growth process using mass spectrometry. Materials Science Forum, 63, 79–83.
13. Arzig, M., Künecke, U., Salamon, M., Uhlmann, N., & Wellmann, P. J. (2022). Analysis of the morphology of the growth interface as a function of the gas phase composition during the PVT growth of silicon carbide. Materials Science Forum, 63, 89–93.
