Generation and migration of petroleum from abnormally pressured fluid compartments: Discussion

Journal Article · Fri Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1991 · AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (United States)

OSTI ID:5220835

Toth, J; Maccagno, M D; Otto, C J; Rostron, B J ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Alberta, Edmonton (Canada)

Hunt's (1990) model of seal-bounded fluid compartments is built upon the axiomatic and faulty assumption that abrupt changes in pore-fluid pressures, or in vertical pore-pressure gradients, are unequivocal indications of effectively zero permeability to gas, oil, and water of the rock interval across which they occur. The explanation of the physical principles presented as the basis of this assumption is deficient in that it igores the well understood flow-related parameters of dynamic pressure increment and pressure adjustment time. An alternative working hypothesis is provided based on a hydraulically continuous rock framework. The continuous-flow model recognizes the flow-retarding effect of poorly permeable strata but, at the same time, accounts automatically for the sharp changes in pore-pressure gradients and resolves the compartment model's conflicting requirement of seals to act as conductors. As well, it provides a coherent and unifying explanation for the natural conditions observed by Hunt (1990) in conjunction with petroliferous basins.

• OSTI ID: 5220835
• Journal Information: AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (United States), Journal Name: AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (United States) Vol. 75:2; ISSN AABUD; ISSN 0149-1423
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
DEPOSITION
ENERGY SOURCES
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FLOW MODELS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC HISTORY
GEOLOGIC TRAPS
GEOLOGY
GEOPRESSURED SYSTEMS
MASS TRANSFER
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MINERAL RESOURCES
PETROLEUM
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
PRESSURE EFFECTS
RESERVOIR PRESSURE
RESERVOIR ROCK
RESOURCES