Modeling Petroleum Generation and Migration in the Dongying Basin, China

Richard W. Davis and Shenbiao Yang

This display presents results of an ongoing project to develop procedures for testing geologic models by computer simulation of petroleum migration and entrapment. Geologic data from the Dong Ying Basin in eastern China were provided for use in the project. The unit investigated as a carrier bed/reservoir rock is a thin, extensive sandstone of Eocene age in the lower Shahejie Formation. The units above and below the sandstone are source rocks.

Commercially available software was used to develop data for constructing oil and gas source data. These maps plus eight others and some miscellaneous information on geologic parameters allowed definition of stratigraphic and structural traps, oil and gas migration paths, trap volumes, and trap spillage.

Over fifty potential oil accumulations were identified. Petroleun "budgeting" indicated that the volume of hydrocarbons generated was vastly ii excess of basin trapping capacity, and most of the petroleum was "wasted" to the surface and other units. The extensive fault system in the basin has prnbably provided conduits for vertical migration of the hydrocarbons. Lacking data on rock properties parallel to the fault plane, the effects of faults on petroleum movement has only been evaluated in the plane of the Shahejie sand. Efforts are underway to develop seal information which can be used to quantify vertical migration.

AAPG Search and Discover Article #91019©1996 AAPG Convention and Exhibition 19-22 May 1996, San Diego, California