Support vector regression and functional networks for viscosity and GAS/oil ratio curves estimation

In oil and gas industry, prior prediction of certain properties is needed ahead of exploration and facility design. Viscosity and gas/oil ratio (GOR) are among those properties described through curves with their values varying over a specific range of reservoir pressures. However, the usual single point prediction approach could result into curves that are inconsistent, exhibiting scattered behavior as compared to the real curves. Support Vector Regressors and Functional Networks are explored in this paper to solve this problem. Inputs into the developed models include hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon crude oil compositions and other strongly correlating reservoir parameters. Graphical plots and statistical error measures, including root mean square error and average absolute percent relative error, have been used to evaluate the performance of the models. A comparative study is performed between the two techniques and with the conventional feed forward artificial neural networks. Most importantly, the predicted curves are consistent with the shapes of the physical curves of the mentioned oil properties, preserving the need of such curves for interpolation and ensuring conformity of the predicted curves with the conventional properties.