Light hydrocarbon analysis illustrates oil type and tight reservoir conditions --- examples from PERMIAN, EAGLE FORD, STACK and MISS LIME

Abstract

Light hydrocarbons, i.e. C1 through C9, in oil or headspace contain the most subtle part of the oil's inherent information, like DNA for life matters. We could analyze the high resolution GC chromatograph and predict the many properties of the produced oil, e.g. type and API; or go beyond to expose the reservoirs conditions, such as maturity and kerogen type, water cut and the causes of water cut, i.e. water through original coexistence or water driven by flooding. The dynamic change in the headspace gases, both isotope and concentration even reveal the pressure and permeability of the reservoir rocks. This white paper demonstrates some of the basic analysis and applications, examples from Permian, Eagle Ford, STACK and Miss Lime are given.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90266 © 2016 AAPG Pacific Section and Rocky Mountain Section Joint Meeting, Las Vegas, Nevada, October 2-5, 2016