--> Abstract: 3-D Modeling for Migration and Accumulation of Hydrocarbons in the Danish Central Graben, North Sea, by A. W. Fugl and I. D. Meshri; #90933 (1998).

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Abstract: 3-D Modeling for Migration and Accumulation of Hydrocarbons in the Danish Central Graben, North Sea

Fugl, Annette W. - 123D Technology and Indu D. Meshri* - Advanced Basin Chemical Modeling, Inc.

Modeling of a dynamic sedimentary hydrocarbon system has been accomplished on a desktop computer. A quantitative analysis of the Danish Central Graben has provided oil and gas in-place data that can be compared to known field data. Using this technology the area can be analyzed for additional accumulations and by-passed production.

Three dimensional basin modeling was applied to an integrated study of the Tail End Graben, the Arne-Elin Graben, and the Heno Plateau in the Danish Central Graben, North Sea. The timing of generation and expulsion from the source rocks is coupled to the timing of porosity preservation, hydrocarbon migration, and entrapment in the reservoirs. This investigation focused on the prospect for using basin modeling technology as a predictive tool- delineating hydrocarbon accumulations, particularly by-passed production.

This model combined regional geologic history with structural history and integrated the data into the basin development and maturation history. The result has been a three dimensional process model for assessment of hydrocarbon migration and accumulation. The case histories in the Danish Graben are used to validate the model against known reserve data. Modeling of oil pore volume for a Cretaceous chalk horizon of the Danish Graben (Fig. 1) shows an undrilled accumulation near the Elly Field.

The input lithology and the algorithms describing compaction and heat conduction of the respective lithologies have been validated by comparing simulated results of formation pressure, pore pressure compartments, and temperature against measured well data.

Algorithms generating paleo heat flow and paleo surface temperature have been validated by comparing calculated present day temperature and two thermal indicators to measured well data. Present day temperature is mostly dependent on present day heat flow and the first thermal indicator, transformation ratio of sterane isomerization, is sensitive to the most recent paleo heat flow. The second thermal indicator, vitrinite reflectance, is sensitive to the major span of the paleo heat flow history.

The algorithm generating the total organic carbon in the source rocks is based on an empirical relation between total organic carbon, sedimentation rate, and shale content. The model both calculates TOC and allows for actual TOC input; therefore providing a crosscheck of the modeling dynamics.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90933©1998 ABGP/AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil