Primary migration by diffusion through kerogen: III. Calculation of geologic fluxes

Journal Article · Mon Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1990 · Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(90)90013-B· OSTI ID:6030153

Thomas, M M; Clouse, J A ^[1]

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1. Exxon Production Research Co., Houston, TX (USA)

Geologic flux calculations were performed to assess diffusion through kerogen as a mechanism of liquid hydrocarbon transport through fine-grained rocks. Such transport can be important in primary migration within source rocks and in leakage through seals. From previous experimental measurements of hydrocarbon diffusivities through kerogen, a geologic hydrocarbon flux was estimated for rocks similar to the experimental sample. Diffusion driven by the hydrostatic pressure gradient (through its influence on chemical potential) gave an estimated bitumen flux of 2.5 bbl/(acre-Ma) (98 m{sup 3}/(km{sup 2}-Ma)). This was compared to fluxes required to source oil accumulations in four basins, and it indicated that diffusion through kerogen could account for small to moderate accumulations.

• OSTI ID: 6030153
• Journal Information: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta; (USA), Journal Name: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta; (USA) Vol. 54:10; ISSN GCACA; ISSN 0016-7037
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
58 GEOSCIENCES
580000 -- Geosciences
BITUMINOUS MATERIALS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
COATINGS
DIFFUSION
DIFFUSION COATINGS
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUID FLOW
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GEOLOGIC MODELS
GEOLOGIC TRAPS
KEROGEN
LEAKS
MATERIALS
MIGRATION
ORGANIC MATTER
PERMEABILITY
PETROLEUM
POROSITY
SOURCE ROCKS