Ranking Source Rock Reactivity via Activation Energy Cross-Plot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current petroleum system modeling faces challenges in accurately ranking thermal reactivities of source rocks at different thermal maturities, which affects the assignment of kinetic parameters in basin modeling, leading to inefficiencies in hydrocarbon generation prediction.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a cross-plot of weighted average activation energy (WA-Ea) and the logarithm of frequency factor (A) to rank thermal reactivities, allowing for the comparison and assignment of kinetic parameters across various source rock samples, enabling improved selection and assignment of kinetic parameters in basin modeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If kinetic parameters are individually assigned to each source rock subcomponent, then the accuracy of hydrocarbon generation prediction is improved, but the complexity of basin modeling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing different kinetic parameter sets (Ea and A values) for different organofacies types. The method changes the parameters based on the thermal maturity level and organofacies classification, allowing accurate prediction without manually assigning individual parameters to each subcomponent. The system automatically selects appropriate kinetic parameters based on the source rock characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by assigning specific kinetic parameters to different organofacies types (I, II, III) and thermal maturity levels. Each local category receives tailored kinetic parameters appropriate to its characteristics, rather than using a uniform set of parameters for all source rocks. This localized parameter assignment improves accuracy while maintaining systematic organization.
2Reliability
If thermal reactivities are ranked using multiple kinetic parameters, then the reliability of reactivity evaluation is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple kinetic parameters (activation energy Ea and frequency factor A) into a unified reactivity ranking system. By combining these parameters and plotting them on cross-plots organized by organofacies type, the method maintains reliable evaluation while simplifying the operational process. The systematic merging allows users to evaluate reactivity through organized visual plots rather than handling multiple independent parameters.
3Productivity
If kinetic parameters are assigned to mature source rock units, then the productivity of basin modeling is improved, but the measurement precision of immature source rock parameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first classifying source rocks into organofacies types and determining their thermal maturity levels before assigning kinetic parameters. This preliminary classification ensures that when kinetic parameters are assigned to mature source rock units for productivity improvement, the underlying parameter precision is maintained through systematic categorization. The method establishes a framework that preserves measurement precision while enabling efficient modeling.
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 simplifies the evaluation of source rock reactivity, facilitates the use of kinetic parameters as a single variable, and enhances the accuracy of hydrocarbon generation predictions by accounting for thermal maturity and reactivity, thereby improving basin modeling outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
determining thermal reactivities of source rocks corresponding to the various source rock samples. The source rocks are at a same level of thermal maturity in an area of interest
Implementation Method 2
ranking the thermal reactivities at different thermal maturities using a cross-plot of a weighted average of an activation energy WA-Ea and the logarithm of a frequency factor A as kinetic parameters
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for ranking thermal reactivities for kinetics assignment in basin modeling may include obtaining information relating to various source rock samples and determining thermal reactivities of source rocks corresponding to the various source rock samples. The source rocks are at a same level of thermal maturity in an area of interest. The method may include ranking the thermal reactivities at different thermal maturities. The method includes comparing published, archived and measured kinetic parameters of source rocks in the area of interest. The method may include sorting kinetic parameters in organofacies of a source rock formation in terms of reactivity and maturity. The method may include assigning kinetic parameters derived from an immature source rock unit to mature source rock units in a source rock formation in a sedimentary basin. The method may include evaluating the reactivities to improve selection and assignment of the kinetic parameters in the basin modeling.