UNILAG Dons Break Boost Petrochemical Engineering Research with Improved Equation of State

Petrochemical Engineering research and the world’s search for increased energy reserves have received a major boost with the research breakthrough of two University of Lagos Dons.

Dr. Faith Uchenna Babalola and Emeritus Professor Alfred Akpoveta Susu of the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Lagos, have developed the Peng-Robinson-Babalola–Susu Equation of State (PRBS) by carrying out a major modification of the old Peng-Robinson Equation of State (PR).

Like the Peng-Robinson Equation of State (PR), the Peng-Robinson-Babalola–Susu Equation of State (PRBS) is cubic in nature, but completely differs in its attractive force term which, instead of being a constant, is a straight line, thus giving it a unique nature and robustness for High-Temperature, High-Pressure (HTHP) wells.

More on this massive leap

The PENG-ROBINSON-BABALOLA-SUSU Equation of State (PRBS) was developed as a mathematical model for predicting PVT (Pressure-Volume-Temperature) as well as fluid phase behavior of reservoir fluid systems in the Petroleum industry.

In the quest to address the challenges in the design, operation, management and production of petroleum products, researchers have over the years come up with various Equations of State and their modifications to improve accuracy.

The depletion of oil and gas reserves in recent times and the increased demand for energy had led to an increasing global search for more reserves. That has led to the discovery of ultradeep reservoirs which often occur at extreme conditions of high temperature and pressure (HTHP); and thus pose great challenges to conventional exploitation and production technologies.

These new discoveries require highly accurate design of equipment and production management for which more robust equations of state have been sought.

High Temperatire and High Pressure (HTHP) wells require Equation of State models for accurate prediction of their phase behavior during production. Though conventional reservoirs have been well modelled over the years using older models like the Peng-Robinson Equations of State, these models have failed in their predictive capabilities in the face of emerging challenges with HTHP scenarios.

Whereas older models like the PR Equation of State can accurately predict reservoir fluid properties of conventional wells of pressures up to 27MPa (4,000 psi) but fail with pressure increase, the PRBS Equation of State can accurately predict Pressure-Volume-Temperature (PVT) behavior of ultra-deep reservoir fluid systems at pressures as high as 120MPa (17,500 psi).

As it is with most scientific investigations, the Peng-Robinson-Babalola–Susu Equation of State (PRBS) is the product of research works spanning about two decades. It has been tested with numerous reservoir field data and shown to rank among the few that can accurately predict reservoir fluid properties, especially for more challenging ultra-deep wells at High-Temperature, High-Pressure (HTHP) conditions. These works have been published in reputable journals.

The deployment of this Peng-Robinson-Babalola–SusuEquation of State (PRBS) will lead to better design, more efficient production, and utlimately lead to greater availability of petroleum products for the use of all.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, FAS, OFR, on behalf of the staff and students of the University of Lagos, congratulates the duo of Dr. Faith UchennaBabalola and Emeritus Professor Alfred Akpoveta Susu on their commendable feat and wishes them continued success.

April 29, 2024