Isothermal gravitational segregation: algorithms and specifications

New algorithms for calculating the isothermal equilibrium state of reservoir fluids under the influence of gravity are presented. Two types of specifications are considered: the specification of pressure and composition at a reference depth; and the specification of the total overall content of the reservoir, along with the reservoir geometry. It is shown how both types of calculations can be performed in an efficient and robust manner using volume-based thermodynamics. The new method makes it possible to evaluate the influence of reservoir geometry and gravity segregation on the hydrocarbon reserves.