Microbial Gas Favorability Index Mapping with MTR and Deposition Rates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods struggle to accurately assess the potential and risk for microbial methane generation and accumulation due to the unique geochemical conditions and formation processes, which are distinct from thermogenic gas, making it challenging to identify favorable locations for microbial gas using existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A method integrating microbial transformation ratio (MTR) and deposition rate (D-Rate) in a 3D framework using basin modeling software to generate a favorability index map, which includes determining microbial gas source rock intervals, generating MTR and normalized D-Rate maps, and calculating a favorability index by multiplying these maps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional technologies and workflows are used to assess microbial gas potential, then the evaluation process is simple and widely applicable, but the accuracy and reliability of identifying favorable locations is poor due to the unique geochemical conditions of microbial gas formation
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation methodology is segmented into distinct computational modules: source rock interval identification, MTR calculation, deposition rate calculation, and favorability index computation. Each module processes specific geochemical parameters independently before integrating them into a comprehensive assessment, enabling accurate evaluation of microbial gas potential while maintaining organizational clarity
Solution Approach 2:
The method transforms conventional geochemical parameters into normalized computational parameters. Deposition rates are normalized to a 0-1 scale, MTR values are calculated using specific kinetic equations, and temperature isothermal depth is used to define source rock intervals. These parameter transformations enable quantitative integration of multiple factors into a unified favorability index, significantly improving assessment accuracy
2Productivity
If conventional assessment methods are used, then the workflow is straightforward and easy to implement, but the ability to quantitatively integrate key factors like MTR and deposition rate is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The methodology merges multiple geochemical factors (MTR, deposition rate, temperature, source rock characteristics) into a single integrated favorability index through multiplicative combination. This unified index combines the quantitative results of separate computational modules into a comprehensive assessment tool, enabling efficient exploration while maintaining high measurement precision through rigorous quantitative integration
Solution Approach 2:
The favorability index map serves as an intermediary product that translates complex geochemical data into actionable exploration guidance. It mediates between the raw geochemical parameters and the final exploration decisions, providing a normalized, integrated assessment that can be directly applied to identify favorable locations without requiring analysts to manually integrate multiple factors
3Reliability
If microbial gas generation is evaluated using traditional thermogenic gas approaches, then the methodology is well-established and widely applicable, but it fails to accurately capture the unique conditions of microbial methane formation including low temperature and anoxic environments
Solution Approach 1:
The methodology applies local quality by tailoring specific computational parameters to the unique geochemical conditions of microbial gas formation. Source rock intervals are defined using 80°C temperature isothermal depth specific to methanogenesis, MTR calculations use microbial kinetic equations rather than thermal alteration models, and deposition rate normalization accounts for local sedimentation characteristics. This localized approach ensures high reliability while maintaining adaptability to varying geochemical conditions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively predicts favorable locations for microbial gas generation and accumulation, enhancing the accuracy of microbial gas exploration by quantitatively integrating key factors like MTR and deposition rate, thereby improving the identification of potential areas.
Implementation Method 1
The microbial transformation ratio (MTR) differs from the 'conventional' transformation ratio which tracks the thermal alteration of the organic matter. Microbial methane generation is primarily influenced by the geochemical conditions in the basin, including the nature of the source, which may be sedimentary organic matter or accumulated hydrocarbons, and the extent of microbial transformation (MTR-microbial transformation ratio).
Implementation Method 2
Aspects of seal and entrapment mechanism are the other key factors for the formation of commercial microbial gas accumulations. These accumulations are often associated with high deposition rates.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for generating a map indicating areas that are favorable for microbial gas generation and accumulation by determining microbial gas source rock intervals, which may include preexisting hydrocarbon accumulations; generating an average microbial transformation ratio (MTR) map; generating an average deposition rate map which is normalized; and generating a favorability index map indicating areas that are favorable for microbial gas generation and accumulation by multiplying the MTR map and the normalized average deposition rate map. The method is executed by a computer system.