ABSTRACT: Inversion Methods and Kinetic Models of Hydrocarbon Generation

J. Liu, Ian Lerche

An inverse model for hydrocarbon generation is exhibited. In this model, two advantages are apparent: (1) laboratory data on residual kerogen pyrolysis determine the behavior of the kinetic process and (2) combined with a dynamic geological model, the inverse model can be used in the geological hydrocarbon evolution processes of a formation or a basin. The application of residual kerogen analysis experimental data enables a more appropriate prediction of hydrocarbon generation directly from kerogen. Ten sets of residual kerogen analysis experimental data have been used in order to have a wide range of comparison.

Areas of interest focus on the inverse methods for hydrocarbon generation kinetics; computer calculation procedures including sensitivity analysis, determining the best sets of kinetic parameters, determining the channeling probability with activation energy, and determining the rate constant parameters for hydrocarbon prediction; and how this model is combined with a one-dimensional dynamic basin analysis model to give a quantitative prediction of hydrocarbon generation.

Georges Bank basin, East Coast, United States, has been chosen as a testing area, and the comparison of different prediction models shows the improvements of the inverse model in relation to other models.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91003©1990 AAPG Annual Convention, San Francisco, California, June 3-6, 1990