Integrating Advanced Geochemistry into Basin Modeling: Applications for Exploration and Production Risk Analysis

Tang, Yongchun ^1
1 California Institute of Technology, Covina, CA.

Conventional basin modeling techniques generally attempt to predict the timing and volume of hydrocarbon generation within a basin. Due to the increasingly cost of deepwater oil production, it is extremely important also to predict fluid properties such as pour points, wax and asphaltene content, fluid viscosity and etc. In recent years, significant progress has been made for fluid property prediction by using more complex mathematically models describing the kinetics of hydrocarbon generation. 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 and a tool diagnostic basin modeling prediction. The ability to predict these critical parameters "ahead of the drill" provides enormous benefit for prospect evaluation.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90090©2009 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, Denver, Colorado, June 7-10, 2009