Petroleum System Modeling of the Southern Malay Basin, Malaysia

Mahadir Ramly
Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd, Kuala Lumpur

This study was aimed at identifying potential kitchen areas, determining the timing of hydrocarbon generation, and identifying migration pathways for the existing oil and gas fields within the exploration block. It also aimed to investigate the distinct segregation of areas where oil and gas fields are found.

Temperature history is a key parameter for modeling hydrocarbon generation and can be considered well defined in the study area because of the availability of local calibration for subsurface temperature and the paleo-heat flow model.

Three potential source rocks are identified: Group M, Group L and Group K-Shale. At present-day, Group M is within middle to late phase of oil generation, and Group L and Group K-Shale are within early to late phase generation. Four possible kitchens also identified: the Northeast, Duyong, Sotong and Anding Kitchens.

These kitchens probably sourced the existing fields, with a possible maximum migration distance of 20 kilometers. Existing gas fields and any new prospects located in the north are filled by gas with a potential oil rim. In the central area, oil with a gas cap is found in the existing fields and would be expected for new opportunities.

The Early Miocene inversion and compressional events are believed to form the structures in this area. Hydrocarbon generation from the kitchens slightly pre-dated the inversion but expulsion has occurred post-trap formation.

Migration pathways are concluded as the main risk for exploration success in the area.

 

AAPG Search and Discover Article #90066©2007 AAPG Hedberg Conference, The Hague, The Netherlands