Petroleum Systems and Exploration and Development Geochemistry

Course Outline (all modules discuss interpretive pitfalls and include exercises)

Module I. The Dynamic Petroleum System Concept

· Objectives and Nomenclature, Pre-Course Exam

· Petroleum System Folio Sheet: Map and Cross Section at the Critical Moment, Table of Accumulations, Event Chart, Burial History Chart

· Introduction to Basin and Petroleum System Models

· Timing of Petroleum System Events and Processes

Module II. Origin of Organic Matter, Sample Collection

· Origin and Preservation of Sedimentary Organic Matter

· Anoxic Source Rock Depositional Settings

· Project Initiation and Sample Collection

Module III. Evaluating the Rocks

· Vitrinite Reflectance, Thermal Maturation

· Chemical Reaction Kinetics

· TOC, Rock-Eval Pyrolysis, Geochemical Logs

· Fractional Conversion, Original TOC, Expelled Petroleum, Expulsion Efficiency

Module IV. Exploration Geochemistry

· Gas Chromatography, Stable Isotopes

· Surface Geochemical Exploration, Semivariograms and Spatial Significance of Data

· Biomarker Separation and Analysis, GCMS, GC-MSMS

· Source- and Age-Related Parameters, Introduction to Oil-Oil and Oil-Source Rock Correlation

Module V. Preservation and Destruction of Accumulations

· Thermal Maturity Parameters

· Biodegradation Parameters

· Ancillary Geochemical Tools; Semi-Volatile Aromatics, Light Hydrocarbons, Mud Gas Isotope Logging, Fluid Inclusion Volatiles, Diamondoids

· Chemometrics for Correlation, Property Prediction, Mixture Analysis

Module VI. Expulsion, Migration, and Reservoir Processes

· Expulsion/Sorption-Fractionation vs. Primary Migration

· Secondary Migration and Compartments; Migration Mechanisms: Diffusion, Solution, Gas-Phase, Oil-Phase

· Gravity Segregation, Biodegradation/Water Washing

· Desaphalting, Wax Crystallization, Retrograde Condensation, Evaporative Fractionation

· Microbial and Thermochemical Sulfate Reduction

Module VII. Gas and Oil Fingerprinting, Production Allocation

· Oil Fingerprinting: Reservoir Compartments

· Leaky Casing, Production Allocation

· Hydrocarbon and Non-Hydrocarbon Gases

· Gas Shale and Other Unconventional Resources

 Module VIII. Worldwide Case Studies and Conclusions

· Exploration Geochemistry Case Studies

· Reservoir Geochemistry Case Studies

· Conclusions and Post-Course Exam