PVT and phase behaviour analysis in petroleum exploration

This paper describes the application of PVT data, routinely determined for almost all conventional oil tests, with respect to petroleum exploration in a broader context. The use of PVT and phase behaviour analysis focuses on phase envelope evolution as a function of source rock maturity and secondary migration using both laboratory analyses and natural examples from the Ekofisk, Eldfisk and Snorre Fields as well as data from the Tampen Spur area and Barents Sea in general. PVT analysis is demonstrated to be applicable for relative maturity estimation, recognition of mixing effects, volumetric evaluation of complex reservoir filling histories and as a screening tool for oil population characterisation. PVT analysis is used in this paper as a tool complementary to organic geochemistry, allowing the integration and interpretation of data reflecting fluid response to geological conditions on a regional scale.