Source Rock Chemostratigraphy Using Weighted Activation Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for source rock chemostratigraphy and organofacies characterization are limited by the inadequate utilization of kinetic parameters, which hinders accurate simulation of hydrocarbon generation and heterogeneity representation in petroleum system modeling.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a rock coring system to obtain samples, a pyrolysis system to determine kinetic parameter values, and a well log interpretation system to identify chemostratigraphic segments and correlated stratigraphic units based on weighted average activation energy, enabling detailed characterization and drilling target determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If kinetic parameters are used in source rock chemostratigraphy and organofacies characterization, then the accuracy of petroleum system modeling is improved, but the complexity of the analysis method increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms complex kinetic parameter distributions into a simplified weighted average activation energy value. This parameter transformation reduces the complexity of handling multiple kinetic parameters while preserving the essential information needed for chemostratigraphic correlation and petroleum system modeling accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the most critical kinetic parameter (activation energy) from the complex distribution of kinetic parameters obtained from pyrolysis. By focusing on the weighted average activation energy value, the method simplifies the analysis while maintaining the ability to accurately characterize source rock properties and correlate stratigraphic units.
2Measurement precision
If multiple kinetic parameter values are obtained from pyrolysis systems, then the characterization of source rock heterogeneity is improved, but the time required for analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and focuses on the weighted average activation energy value from the pyrolysis data, which captures the essential heterogeneity information without requiring analysis of all individual kinetic parameter values. This selective extraction maintains characterization accuracy while reducing analysis time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the complex kinetic parameter data into a single weighted average activation energy value that represents the essential heterogeneity characteristics. This parameter transformation enables rapid comparison between different source rock samples and wells without time-consuming detailed analysis of full kinetic distributions.
3Reliability
If kinetic parameters are integrated into chemostratigraphy, then the representation of hydrocarbon generation simulation is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms complex kinetic parameter distributions into a simplified weighted average activation energy value that can be directly integrated into chemostratigraphic correlation. This parameter transformation makes the integration of kinetic data into stratigraphic analysis more straightforward while maintaining reliable hydrocarbon generation simulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The weighted average activation energy value serves as an intermediary that bridges the complex kinetic parameters and the chemostratigraphic correlation system. This intermediary parameter enables the integration of kinetic information into stratigraphic analysis without requiring direct measurement and interpretation of complex kinetic distributions.
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
Enhances the accuracy of petroleum system modeling by providing detailed source rock models and improving the simulation of hydrocarbon generation, retention, and expulsion through the use of kinetic parameters for chemostratigraphy and organofacies characterization.
Implementation Method 1
using a pyrolysis system, the method includes obtaining a set of kinetic parameter values, where the set includes a discrete distribution of activation energy and a common frequency factor
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed. The method may include obtaining a first plurality of hydrocarbon source rock samples from a first well and a second plurality of hydrocarbon source rock samples from a second well, each well penetrating a portion of a subterranean region. For each of the first and second plurality of samples obtaining a set of kinetic parameter values, including a discrete distribution of activation energy and a common frequency factor and determining a weighted average activation energy value from the distribution. The method may further include identifying a first chemostratigraphic segment of the first well and a second chemostratigraphic segment of the second well, each based on the weighted average activation values; determining a correlated stratigraphic unit and mapping organofacies based on the first the second chemostratigraphic segments; and predicting hydrocarbon generation, retention and expulsion and determining a drilling target within the correlated stratigraphic unit.