Computer Simulation of Secondary Hydrocarbon Migration and Entrapment

Robert P. Laudati

The physical processes responsible for secondary hydrocarbon migration and entrapment are well understood. The primary forces involved consist of (1) buoyancy of the hydrocarbon charge, the main driving force, and (2) capillary pressure of the sedimentary sequence, the dominant resistant force. The conditions for secondary migration therefore are determined by the interaction between these opposing forces.

As a result of these well-known relations, secondary migration is well suited to computer simulation. A simple three-dimensional computer model, called PATH, has been developed to predict the secondary migration paths of hydrocarbon (oil) charges through time. The most important feature of PATH is its ability to monitor migration paths in response to change in the sedimentary sequence with time due to deposition, erosion, and the coalescing of once-distinct hydrocarbon charges.

Although PATH contains several simplifications, initial experiments illustrate the model's utility as an experimental tool for studying secondary migration and entrapment in a dynamic context.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91022©1989 AAPG Annual Convention, April 23-26, 1989, San Antonio, Texas.