Primary migration by diffusion through kerogen: I. Model experiments with organic-coated rocks

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

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(90)90011-9· OSTI ID:6381263

Thomas, M M; Clouse, J A ^[1]

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

Laboratory experiments were performed to assess diffusion through kerogen as a mechanism of hydrocarbon transport through fine-grained rocks. Such transport can be important in primary migration within source rocks and in leakage through seals. To test the concept of diffusion through organic matter networks, model experiments were performed in which hydrocarbon diffusion was measured through Austin chalk cores that had been coated with a monolayer of fatty acids. Hydrocarbon fluxes through the coated cores were compared to hydrocarbon fluxes through uncoated Austin chalk cores. Results showed that the organic coating enhanced transport through the core by a hundredfold over diffusion through its water-filled pore space alone.

• OSTI ID: 6381263
• 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
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
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