--> Abstract: Integrating Advanced Geochemistry into Basin Modeling: An Additional Dimension for Constraining Model Predictions, by Yongchun Tang and Geoffrey S. Ellis; #90039 (2005)

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Integrating Advanced Geochemistry into Basin Modeling: An Additional Dimension for Constraining Model Predictions

Yongchun Tang and Geoffrey S. Ellis
California Institute of Technology, Covina, CA

Conventional basin modeling techniques generally attempt to predict the timing and volume of hydrocarbon generation within a basin, while the chemistry of the resource is largely disregarded. Recent advances in our ability to mathematically describe the kinetics of hydrocarbon generation have led to the development of an advanced tool for the prediction of many geochemical and physical properties of generated petroleum products. Integration of this kinetic model into standard basin models allows for the prediction of key physicochemical properties of (1) the liquid phase such as gas-to-oil ratios (GORs), wax content, oil composition, API gravity, and viscosity; (2) the gas phase including the volume, timing, and migration pathways of gas as well as the gas composition (e.g., condensate yield, H2S formation via TSR, CO2 generation, etc.); and (3) the stable isotopic composition of the generated gases. The ability to predict these critical parameters "ahead of the drill" provides enormous benefit for prospect evaluation. Equally as important as the forward predictive capabilities of this tool is its application to geochemical inversion. Incorporation of geochemical field data into the kinetic model can place important constraints on the basin model, thereby significantly reducing the uncertainty associated with the model. Ultimately, the kinetic and basin models can be run interactively such that they converge on a single solution.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90039©2005 AAPG Calgary, Alberta, June 16-19, 2005