Reservoir Description

Commercial oil and gas fields consist of porous and permeable reservoir rocks that contain crude oil, natural gas, and formation water. Due to the density differences of the fluids, natural gas typically caps the field and overlies an oil layer, which overlies the water. We provide services that characterize the porous reservoir rock, all three reservoir fluids, and their derived products. Services relating to these fluids include determining the quality and measuring the quantity of the reservoir fluids and their derived products. This includes determining the value of different crude oils and natural gases by analyzing the individual components of complex hydrocarbons. We measure reservoir hydrocarbons at reservoir conditions to assess the changes in their physical properties with changing pressure and temperature.

We analyze samples of reservoir rocks for their porosity, which determines reservoir storage capacity, and for their permeability, which defines the ability of the fluids to flow through the rock. These measurements are used to determine how much oil and gas are present in a reservoir and the rates at which the oil and gas can be produced. We also use our proprietary services and technologies to correlate the reservoir description data to wireline logs and other subsurface data.

The combined use of both the reservoir rock and fluid data are invaluable to oil companies to determine the most efficient method by which to recover, process and refine these hydrocarbons to produce the maximum value added to crude oil and natural gas fields. Early evaluations and key decisions about well performance and viability are important for optimizing a reservoir. This is accomplished by using proprietary and patented laboratory methods, including both traditional physical measurements and more recently introduced new technologies.

PES conducts a wide variety of physical laboratory measurements to measure and evaluate fluid flow through the rock, often at in-situ reservoir temperatures and pressures. These are most commonly applied to conventional reservoirs. We have also developed unique analytical processes to understand the flow characteristics and saturation profiles of unconventional reservoir systems.

PES’s proprietary legacy portfolio of geological studies and rock and fluid property datasets on conventional reservoirs and seals, accessible are being leveraged in energy transition projects as well, and are proving invaluable to operators evaluating potential Carbon Capture and Storage (“CCS”) sites in onshore and offshore. These legacy studies, originally conducted to evaluate hydrocarbon reservoirs, provide critical data for reconnaissance, benchmarking, and risk reduction ahead of new coring projects for CCS site assessment.

PES also applies its rock fluid and data analytical capabilities to CO2 and other gas and liquid projects. These projects may be for enhanced oil recovery in mature fields, or for CO2-CCS projects.

PES holds various patents, trade secrets, and proprietary designs for laboratory equipment required to analyze reservoir rocks as well as the properties and phase behavior of reservoir fluids and derived products. We manufacture a wide range of ambient and reservoir condition rock and fluid analysis laboratory equipment for our own use throughout our international laboratory network. Among these devices are complex, high-pressure, high temperature, reservoir condition, multi-phase flow systems and black oil PVT analyzer, along with the ancillary equipment required to support these laboratory programs. We also sell equipment of this type to universities, government institutes, and client company research labs.

Production Enhancement

Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) is an advanced measurement technology that uses optical fibers as continuous sensing elements to monitor physical parameters such as temperature, strain, vibration, and acoustic energy along the entire length of the fiber. Unlike traditional point sensors, DFOS provides fully distributed measurements with meter- or even centimeter-scale spatial resolution over distances of several kilometers.

DFOS operates by detecting and analyzing light scattering phenomena — primarily Rayleigh, Brillouin, or Raman scattering — that occur when a laser pulse propagates through the optical fiber. Variations in the backscattered light correspond to changes in strain or temperature along the fiber, allowing the system to construct a continuous profile of the monitored structure or formation.

• DAS (Distributed Acoustic Sensing): Measures acoustic vibrations and is widely used for seismic imaging, microseismic monitoring, and flow detection.

• DTS (Distributed Temperature Sensing): Provides continuous temperature profiles for reservoir, wellbore, or pipeline monitoring.

• DSS (Distributed Strain Sensing): Detects deformation, stress, or bending in wells, pipelines, and structures.

• DTGS (Distributed Temperature and Gas Sensing): Combines temperature sensing with gas detection for enhanced safety and environmental monitoring.

Applications in Energy and Geoscience

1. Reservoir and Wellbore Monitoring – Continuous profiling of temperature, pressure, and flow in horizontal or vertical wells to optimize production and detect water or gas breakthrough.

2. Seismic and Microseismic Monitoring – Using DAS for Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP), cross-well imaging, or passive seismic detection, offering real-time insight into subsurface dynamics.

3. CO₂-EOR and CCUS Projects – Tracking CO₂ plume migration, monitoring caprock integrity, and ensuring long-term storage security through temperature and acoustic response analysis.

4. Pipeline and Infrastructure Integrity – Detecting leaks, intrusions, and mechanical strain to prevent failures and enhance operational safety.

5. Geotechnical and Environmental Monitoring – Measuring strain, vibration, and temperature in tunnels, dams, slopes, and geothermal reservoirs for stability and environmental management.

Advantages

• Continuous, real-time monitoring over long distances

• High spatial and temporal resolution

• Immunity to electromagnetic interference

• Robust operation in harsh environments

• Cost-effective when deployed as multi-parameter sensing systems