Gas-oil ratio of live crude oils determined by near-infrared spectroscopy

The gas-oil ratio (GOR) of crude oil has a tremendous impact on the process es used for oil production from subsurface formations, Determination of GOR thus becomes of central importance to oil operating companies. Here, it is shown that near-infrared (NIR) spectral measurements on single-phase crude oils (with dissolved gas) can be used to obtain a reliable estimate of the GOR. A simple theoretical formulation accurately accounts for the data. Fu rthermore, the NIR measurement is shown to be compatible with process how s treams at elevated temperatures and pressures.