Optimized Gel Permeation Chromatography Configuration for Characterizing Fluid Properties from Drill Cutting Extracts

Summary Given the absence of universal calibration standards for GPC, careful selection and control of system parameters are essential to minimize measurement errors. Prior to initiating large-scale data acquisition, it was essential to optimize the GPC-UV methodology. In early system configuration, the void time was excessively long, approximately 54 minutes, before any signal was detected. The primary objective was to reduce elution time and establish optimal operating conditions. Extensive laboratory testing was conducted to refine the setup, including evaluation of parameters such as the number of columns, mobile solvent type, solvent flow rate, operating temperature, sample injection volume and amount. A total of sixty stock tank oil samples, with API gravities ranging from 11° to 50°, were analyzed alongside with their corresponding wet drill cutting samples, collected from various fields across the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). After observing the fluid response from GPC, the associated cutting samples were compared against the fluid sample. And both data exhibits a remarkable degree of similarity, indicating a strong correlation between the fluid and cutting sample profiles.