Petroleum and Gas Natural Engineering Department  Laboratories 

Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering Department (P.N.G.E.D) comprises numerous laboratories for student’s experimental work, and for research projects.

Student’s laboratories

Phase behavior of reservoir fluids Lab

Due to the possible change of hydrocarbon production from one oilfield to another, it is very important to petroleum engineers to know the properties of the produced fluids from different types of hydrocarbon reservoirs. In our laboratory, among processes which can be achieved in that way is the set up of similar temperature and pressure found in oil and gas reservoirs. Experimental work on that way allows students to understand the behavior of fluids found within a hydrocarbon reservoir versus temperature and pressure. The same laboratory has got also the mission to determine certain characteristics: Viscosity, Density, …[Laboratory View].    

Accumulation of hydrocarbon is found within rock reservoirs. Depending on the rock reservoir properties, reserves and recovery percent can be estimated. Similar assessments will allow us to predict whether the volume intended is of an economical profit making exploitation or the contrary. In addition, in this laboratory measurements of rock physical properties are currently taken. Among these properties we can list; the wettabillity, porosity, permeability and saturation [Laboratory View].

Production Lab

Production conditions are varying from one area to another. These conditions are affecting mainly the physical properties of hydrocarbon. In our Department production laboratory, physical properties measurements of hydrocarbon are taken according to The American Institute of Petroleum standard (A.P.I.). Such precise measurement and calibration are intended not only to achieve measurements but also to improve production, transport and storage [Laboratory View].       

Drilling Fluids Lab

Drilling is the main key for the success of well production. Therefore, we must draw an efficient program regarding the type of drilling fluids with regard to the nature of predicted lithology and the different drilling phases scheduled. Consequently, achievement of fluid drilling properties under various conditions is well measured in our laboratory. Property measurements include physico - chemical parameters, density, and viscosity [Laboratory View].    

One of the main roles for Cementation operation is the borehole preservation conditions. Among these condition is the stability of the borehole boundaries. In order to maintain the borehole margins, stability of the crossed rocks during drilling operation has to be established. Thus a detailed mechanical properties study of the predicted traversed formations has to be realized. One of the main targets in our laboratory is the measurement of the cement properties used to maintain drilled borehole in a stable state. Therefore study of consolidation, extending time of resistance, stresses and strains, prior to any rupture of the borehole boundaries. All these parameters have to be précised to each specific oilfield. Moreover and in order to organize the drilling program and particularly the types of bits which should be used for the different traversed formations, a detailed study of  rock properties has  also to be achieved. Such procedure is not only used to define the efficient way of drilling as well as completion, but it is also used to avoid technical problems which can occur during the drilling operation. Similar course of action is also intended to perform the possibility of production money wise [Laboratory View].

Engineering exploration is the first stage in order to predict the possibility of hydrocarbon presence in a defined area at different depths. Accomplishment of this phase is based on the use of up dated technology which can be applied to the subsurface recognition of lithology types as well as geological structures present.  In the Department of Petroleum and Gas Engineering, there is an Exploration laboratory with different equipments able to provide any researcher with geological data based on sample analysis, stereoscopy, maps, and microscopy…Softwares dealing with such available data are also accessible. Similar data is presented prior to any development of an oilfield [Laboratory View]. 

Computer Lab

Software packages and programs matching with petroleum exploration and development have been worldwide performed. Based on this mission, our Department of Petroleum Engineering and Natural G has put the priority of the accessibility and the use of computer and software packages as one of the main concern. Petroleum engineering students in this laboratory are receiving training and lectures in the way of performing their knowledge and applications for industrial purposes [Laboratory View].         

The Natural Gas has got a vital role by the time being in its use for industrial purposes and also for consuming duties. The use is not only for economical purposes but also for its low level environmental impact: this has led companies to some encouragement for exploration and production worldwide. Therefore development of industrial factories for properties measurement as well as transformation of natural gas was indispensable. In this Department Laboratory, students are getting use to information on gas properties at different levels of temperature and pressure common to oilfield reservoirs. In the laboratory petroleum engineering students are also well trained in taking gas samples, measurement of their characteristics: Gas impurities, engineering measurements of natural gas, and techniques of measurements, …[Laboratory View].