Chemical kinetic model of hydrocarbon generation, expulsion, and destruction applied to the Maracaibo basin, Venezuela

Journal Article · Sun Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1995 · AAPG Bulletin

OSTI ID:150533

Sweeney, J J; Braun, R L; Burnham, A K ^[1]

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1. Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States); and others

This paper describes the development and application of a compositional chemical model of hydrocarbon generation, expulsion,a nd destruction for the Cretaceous La Luna Formation source rock of the Maraciabo basin, Venezuela. Applications include both laboratory and geological settings. Laboratory pyrolysis experiments were used to study bulk oil generation, expulsion, and associated changes in composition of the kerogen, extractable organic matter, and expelled and unexpelled hydrocarbons. The laboratory experiments were also used to determine kinetic parameters to quantitatively describe organic reactions, via a computer model that also includes simulation of pressure-driven primary expulsion, over widely varying conditions. We show that the chemical model accuratley simulates the experimental results. Thermal history models for wells in the Maraciabo basin were used to simulate hydrocarbon generation and pore pressure development in the La Luna Formation and expulsion into nearby Cretaceous reservoirs. Results of the modeling indicate that both compaction disequilibrium and organic maturation play important roles in the development of excess pore pressure in the La Luna Formation. The model simulation of the variation of indicators such as Rock-Eval parameters and extract and oil compositions shows generally good agreement with measurements from remaining kerogen, oils, and extracts recovered from the La Luna Formation and from nearby Cretaceous reservoirs.

• OSTI ID: 150533
• Journal Information: AAPG Bulletin, Journal Name: AAPG Bulletin Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 79; ISSN 0149-1423; ISSN AABUD2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
CRETACEOUS PERIOD
GEOCHEMISTRY
GEOLOGIC MODELS
HYDROCARBONS
MATURATION
ORIGIN
RESERVOIR FLUIDS
SEDIMENTARY BASINS
VENEZUELA