Application of geochemical, engineering, and geologic methods for petroleum exploration - Bell Creek field, Powder River basin, Montana: an example
Various geologic, geochemical, and engineering methods can be applied in a progressive series of steps for the exploration of oil. These steps are source, generation, migration, and entrapment. Source rock data for oil generation are usually obtained from geochemical analysis of the total organic carbon (TOC) content. Generally, a measurement of 0.5% TOC or more is considered adequate for a source rock. Generation of oil from a source rock is primarily dependent upon its paleotemperature history. The oil-generating temperature window is approximately between 150/sup 0/ and 280/sup 0/F. A temperature indicator that defines these limits is the T/sub MAX/ value from rock pyrolysis analyses. Petroleum migration can be inferred from oil chromatography. This geochemical method can determine if molecular separation (a migration characteristic) of the oil has occurred. A rough estimate of migration distance can be made by the degree of molecular separation. Areas of petroleum entrapment can be interpreted from a geologic paleostructure, or isochron, map of the producing formation at the time of oil accumulation. Time of oil accumulation can be ascertained from field engineering bubble-point data in the area. The paleostructure map is also useful in showing the most likely oil migration pathways. Such information can enhance prospect potential in an area. Bell Creek field is an example, after the fact, of how this exploration method could have been used in its discovery.
- OSTI ID:
- 7042319
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8609129-
- Journal Information:
- Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States), Vol. 70:8; Conference: AAPG Rocky Mountain Section meeting, Casper, WY, USA, 7 Sep 1986
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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