SPE 106855

Phase Envelopes From Black-Oil Models

Miguel H. Schindler, SPE, DeltaP

Copyright 2007, Society of Petroleum Engineers

This paper was prepared for presentation at the 2007 SPE Latin American and Caribbean
Petroleum Engineering Conference held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1518 April 2007.
This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE Program Committee following review of
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Box 833836, Richardson, Texas 75083-3836 U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435.

Abstract
This paper compares the output of several available empirical
black oil model correlations against compositional model
results. In this process, the limitations of these models became
apparent.
Even acknowledging the imperfections of black model
implementation, it is possible to improve the quality of the
outputs by means of making the definitions consistent and
coherent across the prediction ranges.
A new method is outlined in order to extend the validity of the
models in predicting both reservoir and multiphase flow
simulations.
This new method is presented here and will be extended in a
separated paper.
Introduction
The behavior of black oil fluid is commonly inferred from two
PVT laboratory procedures: flash (or separator test) and
differential liberation. Oil formation volume factor and gas
solution ratios are calculated as explained by McCain1. On
the other hand, given a particular EOS is possible to obtain
PVT fluid parameters by simulating the same laboratory
procedures or making direct flash calculations at any
particular condition.
The traditional calculation method outlined in 1 can be
modified in a simple way to extend the validity of black oil
model correlations by accounting the dew point curve.
Negative gas solution ratios indicate liquid vaporization, and
need not to be masked by any correction method. If we follow
definitions literally, Rs diminish towards dew point and
reaches a constant negative minimum at dew point and inside
monophasic gas area. Oil formation volume factor can be
lower than unity and in fact should be zero at dew point.
As modern calculations take into account both reservoir and
multiphase wellbore and pipeline calculations, is of paramount

importance to be able to accurately predict fluid properties in a

wider range of pressure and temperature conditions.
The first objective of this paper is to make apparent the
limitations of current PVT laboratory calculations and propose
a revision.
A second objective is to present black oil model standard
correlations phase diagrams together with phase diagrams
calculated with EOS and acknowledge the differences and
limitations of empirical correlations.
The third objective is to outline a new mathematical method to
improve black oil correlations.
Definitions
The following definitions extracted from Dake2 will be taken
as references:
- Rs. The solution (or dissolved) gas oil ratio, which is the
number of standard cubic feet of gas which will dissolve in
one stock tank barrel of oil when both are taken down to
the reservoir at the prevailing reservoir pressure and
temperature (units scf. gas/stb oil).
- Bo. The oil formation volume factor, is the volume in
barrels occupied in the reservoir, at the prevailing pressure
and temperature, by one stock tank barrel of oil plus its
dissolved gas (units rb (oil + dissolved gas)/stb oil).
- Bg. The gas formation volume factor, which is the volume
in barrels that one standard cubic foot of gas will occupy
as free gas in the reservoir at the prevailing reservoir
pressure and temperature (units rb free gas/scf gas).
These parameters enable converting fluid volumes at any
conditions to volumes at standard conditions.
Phase Diagrams from EOS
Starting from an equation of state, it is possible to
determine the vapor liquid equilibrium at any condition by
calculating fugacity coefficients and applying flash methods as
given by Rachford-Rice3.
The output of this method is expressed in molar fractions
of the phases involved, and phase diagrams usually indicate
molar Vapor or Liquid Fractions as in Figure 1; this phase
envelope of a real black-oil fluid was generated using a
modified Peng-Robinson EOS4.

SPE 106855

Pressure
(psia)

Black Oil PVT

Molar Fraction Phase Envelope

3000

VoFv =

( GOR Rs ) Bg
( GOR Rs ) Bg + Bo

(6)

Bubble VoF=0%
2400

1800

In Figures 3 to 8 we can see the phase envelope generated

with the compositional model superimposed with envelopes
generated with standard correlations.

VoF=25%

1200

Retrograde

VoF=50%

Pressure
(psia)

Black Oil PVT

Rs & Bo from Standing Correlations

4000

600

VoF=75%
Dew VoF=100%

0
0

200

400

600

3200

800

Temperature (F)

VoFv=25%
Bubble VoFv=0%

2400

Figure 1. Molar Fraction Phase Envelope.

In order to be able to compare to standard black oil model

outputs, we need to be able to calculate volumetric fractions.
As molar densities are available when using EOS, volumetric
flash is readily achievable, as shown in Figure 2.

VoFv 50%

1600

VoFv=75%
800

Dew VoFv=100%
0
0

Vgas ( P, T ) = VoF mgas

(1)

Voil ( P, T ) = (1 VoF ) moil

(2)

Vgas ( P, T )
Vgas ( P, T ) + Voil ( P, T )

600

900

1200

Temperature (F)
5

Figure 3. Compositional vs Standing Correlation.

Pressure
(psia)

Black Oil PVT

Rs & Bo from Vazquez & Beggs

4000

VoFv =

300

(3)

3200

VoFv=25%
Bubble VoFv=0%
2400

Pressure
(psia)

VoFv 50%

Black Oil PVT

Volume Fraction Phase Envelope

3000

1600

Bubble VoFv=0%

Dew VoFv=100%

VoFv=25%

1800

VoFv=75%

800

2400

0
0

300

600

900

1200

Temperature (F)

VoFv=50%

1200

Retrograde

Figure 4. Compositional vs Vazquez-Beggs Correlation.

VoFv=75%
Pressure
(psia)

600

Black Oil PVT

Rs from Lasater

4150

Dew VoFv=100%

0
0

200

400

600

800

Temperature (F)

VoFv=25%

3300

Bubble VoFv=0%

Figure 2. Volumetric Fraction Phase Envelope.

2450

VoFv 50%

Phase Diagrams from Black Oil Correlations

1600

Considering definitions from above, volume of free gas and

oil, at any pressure and temperature is calculated as:
Vgas ( P, T ) = ( GOR Rs ) Bg

Voil ( P, T ) = Bo

VoFv=75%
750

Dew VoFv=100%

(4)

(5)

Knowing Eq. (3), we can now generate a phase envelope

plot from any black oil model correlation. Replacing Eqs. (4)
and (5) in Eq. (3), we obtain:

-100
0

300

600

900

Temperature (F)
7

Figure 5. Compositional vs Lasater Correlation.

1200

SPE 106855

Pressure
(psia)

Bo#0

Black Oil PVT

Rs & Bo from GlasO

4150

PVT Differential Liberation at 60 degC

Vazquez & Beggs Black Oil Model

1.350

DensityOil#0
(g/cm3)
1.000

1.280

3300

0.920

Bo Real

Bubble VoFv=0%

Rs Real (ft3/bbl)
1.210

0.840

1.140

0.760

VoFv=25%

2450

VoFv 50%

1600

1.070

VoFv=75%

0.680

750

DensityOil Real (kg/m3)

Dew VoFv=100%

1.000
0

1000

-100
0

300

600

900

0.600
4000

3000

Pressure (psia)

1200

Temperature (F)

2000

Figure 9. Laboratory Data vs. Correlation.

Figure 6. Compositional vs GlasO Correlation.

Looking at the envelopes presented, we see that:

Pressure
(psia)

Black Oil PVT

Rs & Bo from Petrosky-Farshad

4150

3300

Bubble VoFv=0%

- None can predict the curvature of the bubble point at

higher temperatures, although Vazquez & Beggs and
GlasO show a less divergent behavior than the others.

VoFv=25%

2450

- No correlation takes into account the dew point line.

VoFv 50%

- There is no possibility of predicting critical points.

1600

VoFv=75%
750

Dew VoFv=100%
-100
0

300

600

900

1200

Temperature (F)

PVT correlations are needed both for reservoir and

multiphase flow correlations. As pressure and temperature
changes occur during multiphase flow there is a strong need to
use a correlation able to predict the PVT behavior in a broader
range of conditions.

Figure 7. Compositional vs Petrosky-Farshad Correlation.

PVT Parameters Calculated From EOS

Pressure
(psia)

Black Oil PVT

Rs & Bo from Dindoruk-Christman

4000

Having implemented EOS3 flash calculations, its possible to

utilize black oil model definitions to calculate Bo and Rs.

3200

Bo#01

VoFv=25%

Bubble VoFv=0%

Bo Calculated From EOS

Modified Peng Robinson

3.00

2400

VoFv 50%

Bubble Point

2.40

1600

Bo
1.80

VoFv=75%

800

Dew VoFv=100%

1.20

0
0

300

600

900

1200

Temperature (F)
0.60

10

Figure 8. Compositional vs Dindoruk-Christman Correlation.

Dew Point

0.00

Main Discrepancies
Any of the empirical models plotted above can be adjusted to
reproduce PVT experiments at a given temperature as shown
in Figure 9.
However, it is evident that each of the models has a limited
range of validity.

750

1500

2250

3000

Pressure (psia)

Figure 10. Bo calculated from Modified PREOS.

Bo. At the dew point, by definition, the volume of oil is null,

so if we need the correlation to predict the dew point, we
should allow Bo to be null at dew point pressure.
Bo =

Voil ( P , T ) (1 VoF( P ,T ) ) / moil ( P ,T )

=
Voil ( sc )
(1 VoF( sc ) ) / moil ( sc )

(7)

SPE 106855

Figure 10 shows Bo curve calculated from EOS.

Effectively at dew point Bo is null.
Rs. In the same way is possible to apply black oil model
definitions to calculate solution gas from EOS. In this case,
knowing that the black oil model does not handle gas
composition changes, we present a way to construct the Rs
curve is the following:
GOR
Rs =

Vgas ( P,T )
Bg

oil ( sc)
gas ( sc )

(10)

Figure 12 shows Rs curve calculated from EOS.

Effectively Rs turns to be negative approaching the dew point
curve. As fluid conditions change from standard conditions
(SC) to point A, gas is released from liquid fraction. This
situation is correctly represented as negative Rs.
The free volume of gas will be higher then than the volume
occupied by free gas at SC when taken to this conditions.

(8)

Voil ( sc)

Rs =

Rsmin =

V gas ( P , T ) = (GOR Rs ) Bg

VoF( sc ) / mgas ( sc ) VoF( P ,T ) /( mgas ( P ,T ) B g )

(1 VoF( sc ) ) / moil ( sc )

Rs#01
(1/1)

(9)

Rs Calculated From EOS

Modified Peng Robinson

140

Bubble Point

(11)

Most empirical correlations artificially force Rs to be null

at 0 pressure or dew point pressure; we conclude that a
coherent black oil model should enable Rs to become negative
under the conditions related before.
In Figure 13 showing Rs correlation from Lasater it is
apparent that Rs could have been allowed to descend below
zero.

90

Rs
(ft3/bbl)

Rs calculated from
Lasater correlation

630
40

Rs
500
-10

370
-60

Dew Point

Temp.PVT= 20 (C)
Temp.PVT= 40 (C)
Temp.PVT= 60 (C)
Temp.PVT= 80 (C)
Temp.PVT= 100 (C)

240
-110
0

750

1500

2250

3000

Pressure (psia)
110

Figure 11. Rs calculated from Modified PREOS.

It is important to note that being coherent with black oil

model definitions means to enable Rs to be negative. This
makes physical sense considering that in certain conditions,
when taken from standard to PVT conditions the liquid
fraction will not dissolve gas but will release it. The maximum
amount of gas that will be released (dew point conditions) can
be calculated considering that all the mass contained in a
barrel of oil will be converted to gas, Eq. (10).
DewPoint
(psia)

-20
0

700

1400

2100

2800

Pressure (psia)
7

Figure 13. Rs calculated from Lasater correlation.

Conclusions
Without need of major modifications is possible improve
significantly the performance of black oil models:
- Enabling the models to accurately reflect PVT flash
experiments.

Rs Behavior near Dew Point

50

- Oil volume factor should be null at dew points.

- Rs solution gas ratio should became negative when
approaching dew point pressure and kept constant below
dew point pressures.

40

30

- Constant saturation lines should curve to converge at

Critical Point.

20

Negative Rs

(SC)

10

DewPoint
0
90

180

270

360

Temperature (F)

Figure 12. Rs calculated from Modified PREOS.

450

A new correlation that takes into account these points is

outlined in the Appendix. The details are presented in a
different paper.

SPE 106855

Acknowledgments
I want to thank Gastn Fondevila for contributing in multiple
technical and presentation aspects of this paper and adjusting
the correlations. I like to thank Javier Schindler and Matas
Machado for implementing and coding standard PVT
correlations and assisted tuning flash calculations using
compositional models.
I would also like to thank Marcelo Crotti from INLAB for his
constructive and generous help in reviewing and discussing
this work.
Nomenclature
VoF = molar vapor fraction
VoFv = volumetric vapor fraction
moil = molar density of oil
mgas = molar density of gas
Bo = oil volume factor
Bg = gas volume factor
Rs = solution gas oil ratio
GOR = gas oil ratio at sc
oil = density of oil
gas = density of gas
References
1.

William D. McCain, Jr.: Analysis of Black Oil PVT Reports

Revisited, SPE 77386
2. L.P. Dake: Fundamentals of Reservoir Engineering, Elsevier,
Developments in Petroleum Science No. 8.
3. Rachford, H.H. Jr., and Rice, J.D., JPT 4, 10, sec. 1, 19; sec. 2, 3
(1952).
4. Peng, D.Y., and Robinson, D.B.: "A new two-constant equation
of state". Ind. and Eng. Chem. Fund. 15, 59-64 (1976).
5. Standing, M.B., A Pressure-Volum-Temperature Correlation
for Mixtures of California Oils and Gases, Drill. And Prod.
Prac., API (1947), 275-87.
6. Vazquez, M.E. y Beggs, H.D. (1980), Correlations for Fluid
Physical Property Prediction, JPT, 5, 968-970.
7. Lasater, J.A.: Bubble Point Pressure Correlation, Trans. AIME
(1958) 231, 379, SPE 957.
8. GlasO,:
Generalized
Pressure-Volume-Temperature
Correlations, JPT (May, 1980), pp. 785-795, SPE 8016.
9. Petrosly, G.E., Jr. and Farshad, F.F.: PVT Correlations for Gulf
of Mexico Crude Oils, SPE 26644.
10. Dindoruk, B., and Christman, P.G.,: PVT Properties and
Viscosity Correlations for Gulf of Mexico Oils, SPE 89030.

SPE 106855

Appendix
A New Black Oil Model Correlation Using Conformal
Mapping Techniques

VoFv =

arctan ( y

( x x0 ) )

(A-2)

Introduction

VoFv= 0.5

Following the discussions in this paper, a need arises for a

black oil correlation that could match fluid behavior in a
broader range of conditions.
The objective of this correlation will be to reproduce the
phase behavior as shown in Figure 2. The approach selected
consists in exploring if the use of conformal mapping could
assist in improving model performance.

VoFv=0.75
VoFv= .25

y
1

Why Conformal Mapping?

Without attempting to provide a complete mathematical or

physical demonstration, it seems that saturation curves
(constant volumetric vapor fraction curves) never cross
excepting at critical point and at absolute Zero. Every pressure
and temperature point corresponds to only one volume
fraction.
It also seems that is possible to think about a potential
function with a VoFv value of 1 at dew point and with value 0
at bubble point. Constant saturation lines will be calculated as
equipotentials.
A convenient set of scale factors could translate imaginary
coordinates into temperature and pressure.

Dew VoFv=1
-1

CP

-4

-2

Rs =

(1 VoFv )

Bo
Bg

Applying Eq. (A-3), we can apply the complete upper

semi plane into a circle of radii = 1, as shown in Figure A-2;
looking at this figure we realize that CP was displaced an
angle .

W = e i

(Z i)
(Z + i)

(A-3)

2.50

2.00

Bubble
VoFv=0

CP

1.50

VoFv=0. 25

1.00

VoFv= 0.5

(A-1)

Bo and Bg are obtained using convenient standard

correlations.

VoFv=0.75
0.50

Dew
VoFv=1
0.00

-1.00

-0.50

0.00

0.50

1.00

Conformal Mapping Details

At this point we show a procedure to transform the upper semi
plane into a phase envelope shape.
For simplicity some rotation and translation functions
needed between transformations are not included.
Without doubt different procedures could be used to reach
same or better results.
The potential value at any point of the semi plane can be
calculated as:

Figure A-1. Conformal Mapping 1.

GOR (1 VoFv ) VoFv

Going from potential to Rs

After defining the set of conformal mappings that could obtain
the desired shape of the phase envelope, a correlation is
optimized using non linear regression to relate transformation
parameters to black oil input parameters: Oil Density(sc), Gas
SG and GOR.
The inverse transformation is calculated so for any
combination of Temperature and Pressure we obtain a single
value of VoFv.

Bubble VoFv=0

Figure A-2. Conformal Mapping 2.

We have now generated this balloon with known values

of VoFv potential in its interior. The next step will be to
deform it to make it match phase envelopes shapes.
In order to be able to fine tune the correlation, was needed
to include two intermediate functions to deform the circle
shape.
The first of these intermediate functions was included to
make the dew point line flat at low pressures and the second
one was to deform the circle into an ellipse like or egg
shape before applying the arccoth function.

SPE 106855

The intermediate functions are:

1.25

W = Z2

(A-4)

Bubble VoFv=0
1.00

Whose output is shown in Figure A-3:

1.15

0.90

0.75

Bubble
VoFv=0

VoFv= 0.25
y
0.50

VoFv=0. 25

0.65

VoFv= 0.5

VoFv=0. 5

VoFv=0.75

0.25

0.40

VoFv=0. 75
Dew VoFv=1

0.15

Dew VoFv=1
-0.10

-0.60

-0.30

0.00

0.30

0.60

x
Figure A-3. Conformal Mapping 3.

W = Z

(A-5)

That turns the figure into an egg shape:

2.50

2.00

0.00
0.00

0.50

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

x
Figure A-5. Conformal Mapping 5.

This function is equivalent to squeezing the balloon under

a wheel or cylinder as is shown in Figure A-5.
Now applying convenient scale factor is possible to
convert X coordinate into temperature and Y coordinate into
Pressure.
PVT Matching
Using Figure 2 as reference we can now optimize the new
correlation parameters in order to match the complete phase
envelope.

Bubble
VoFv=0

1.50

Pressure
(psia)

VoFv=0.25

3250

Black Oil PVT

Phase Envelope From Conformal Mapping

VoFv=0.5

1.00

Bubble VoFv=0%

2550

VoFv=0.75
0.50

Dew VoFv=1
0.00

-0.80

0.00

0.80

1.60

1850

VoFv=25%

1150

VoFv=50%

2.40

Figure A-4. Conformal Mapping 4.

A Joukowsky shape, used for airfoil design seemed

promising. But that transformation deals with the outside of
the circle but isnt continuous in its interior.
The idea is to apply the origin into Absolute Zero
temperature (-549.57 F, 0 psia) and to apply CP into critical
point coordinates. The function preferred was:

450

-250

VoFv=75%
Dew VoFv=100%

-700

-350

350

700

Temperature (F)
Figure A-6. Conformal Mapping vs Compositional Model.

W = arc coth( Z )

(A-6)

At this point we can appreciate the potential of this type of

correlation compared to the ones presented in Figures 3 to 8.
It is possible to correctly predict both the bubble point
curve and dew point curves. Further investigation will indicate
if the use of pseudo pressures and temperatures can improve
the matching.
As in Figure 9, is now possible to generate Rs, Bo and
Density PVT curves at any temperature:

SPE 106855

Bo#0

Rs#0
(ft3/bbl)

PVT Differential Liberation at 60 degC

Conformal Mapping Black Oil Model

1.400

750

1.320

600
Rs Real (f t3/bbl)
Bo Real

1.240

450

1.160

300
Density Oil Real (kg/m3)

1.080

150

1.000

0
0

900

1800

2700

Pressure (psia)

Figure A-7. Conformal Mapping PVT Curves.

3600

SPE 106855

William D. McCain, Jr.: Analysis of Black Oil PVT Reports

Revisited, SPE 77386
2
L.P. Dake: Fundamentals of Reservoir Engineering, Elsevier,
Developments in Petroleum Science No. 8.
3
Rachford, H.H. Jr., and Rice, J.D., JPT 4, 10, sec. 1, 19; sec. 2, 3
(1952).
4
Peng, D.Y., and Robinson, D.B.: "A new two-constant equation of
state". Ind. and Eng. Chem. Fund. 15, 59-64 (1976).
5
Standing, M.B., A Pressure-Volum-Temperature Correlation for
Mixtures of California Oils and Gases, Drill. And Prod. Prac.,
API (1947), 275-87.
6
Vazquez, M.E. y Beggs, H.D. (1980), Correlations for Fluid
Physical Property Prediction, JPT, 5, 968-970.
7
Lasater, J.A.: Bubble Point Pressure Correlation, Trans. AIME
(1958) 231, 379, SPE 957.
8
GlasO, O.: Generalized Pressure-Volume-Temperature
Correlations, JPT (May, 1980), pp. 785-795, SPE 8016.
9
Petrosly, G.E., Jr. and Farshad, F.F.: PVT Correlations for Gulf of
Mexico Crude Oils, SPE 26644.
10
Dindoruk, B., and Christman, P.G.,: PVT Properties and Viscosity
Correlations for Gulf of Mexico Oils, SPE 89030.