Effects of geochemical compositional heterogeneities on hydrocarbon expulsion and thermal maturation: An analog study of Maastrichtian source rocks from Jordan

IF 5.6 2区 工程技术 Q2 ENERGY & FUELS
Muhammad Usman , Sebastian Grohmann , Israa S. Abu-Mahfouz , Volker Vahrenkamp , Ralf Littke
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Abstract

Accurately identifying sweet spots remains a significant challenge for the petroleum industry despite the growing amount of information available for unconventional hydrocarbon resources. These challenges may stem from the inorganic geochemical heterogeneities in source rock composition that can vary within a given basin over time. This study investigates the relationship between source rock composition and the resulting hydrocarbon expulsion, retention, and thermal maturation behavior through artificial maturation experiments on Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Jordanian source rocks (JSR). The JSR is a carbonate-rich Type IIS source rock, which is compositionally similar to major Arabian unconventional prospects (Tuwaiq Mtn, Hanifa, and Shilaif/Natih Fms) as well as other major carbonate source rocks (Eagle Ford & La Luna Fms). However, it is thermally immature and, therefore, can be considered as an immature analog to the mature unconventional Type IIS source rock prospects.

This study utilized a thick JSR interval in the Al-Lajjun area of western Jordan, by using core samples from a 72 m long vertical well. Initial characterization of the source rock interval using bulk organic and inorganic geochemical parameters revealed three distinct geochemical cycles. Representative homogeneous plug samples from each cycle underwent artificial maturation experiments and showed differences in hydrocarbon expulsion and retention trends along with a difference in thermal maturity. Samples with higher silica content exhibited an early hydrocarbon expulsion as compared to Ca-dominated samples. The Ca-rich samples demonstrated a higher hydrocarbon retention and delayed expulsion at corresponding maturity stages as compared to the Si-rich samples. Additionally, the silica-rich samples also displayed lower Tmax values than the calcium-rich samples of similar thermal maturity.

The findings of this study highlight the significance of inorganic compositional heterogeneities within a source rock interval that can lead to the formation of multiple play fairways with varying hydrocarbon expulsion and thermal maturity characteristics. These insights emphasize the need for a more comprehensive understanding of source rock composition when assessing thermal maturity and identifying sweet spots for unconventional hydrocarbon exploration and production.

地球化学组成异质性对碳氢化合物排出和热成熟的影响:约旦马斯特里赫特源岩模拟研究
尽管有关非常规碳氢化合物资源的信息越来越多,但准确识别甜点仍是石油工业面临的一项重大挑战。这些挑战可能源于源岩成分中的无机地球化学异质性,这种异质性在特定盆地内会随着时间的推移而变化。本研究通过对晚白垩世(马斯特里赫特)约旦源岩(JSR)进行人工成熟实验,研究源岩成分与由此产生的碳氢化合物排出、保留和热成熟行为之间的关系。约旦源岩(JSR)是富含碳酸盐的 IIS 型源岩,其成分与阿拉伯主要非常规勘探区(Tuwaiq Mtn、Hanifa 和 Shilaif/Natih Fms)以及其他主要碳酸盐源岩(Eagle Ford & La Luna Fms)相似。本研究利用约旦西部 Al-Lajjun 地区的厚 JSR 区间,从一口 72 米长的垂直井中采集岩芯样本。利用大体积有机和无机地球化学参数对源岩层间进行的初步表征揭示了三个不同的地球化学循环。每个周期中具有代表性的均质堵塞样本都进行了人工成熟实验,结果表明碳氢化合物的排出和保留趋势不同,热成熟度也不同。与以钙为主的样本相比,硅含量较高的样本碳氢化合物排出较早。与富含硅的样品相比,富含钙的样品在相应的成熟阶段表现出更高的碳氢化合物保留率和延迟排出率。此外,富硅样本的 Tmax 值也低于热成熟度相似的富钙样本。这项研究的结果突出表明了源岩层间无机成分异质性的重要性,这种异质性可导致形成具有不同碳氢化合物排出和热成熟度特征的多条作业航道。这些见解强调,在评估热成熟度和确定非常规油气勘探与生产的最佳地点时,需要更全面地了解源岩成分。
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来源期刊
International Journal of Coal Geology
International Journal of Coal Geology 工程技术-地球科学综合
CiteScore
11.00
自引率
14.30%
发文量
145
审稿时长
38 days
期刊介绍: The International Journal of Coal Geology deals with fundamental and applied aspects of the geology and petrology of coal, oil/gas source rocks and shale gas resources. The journal aims to advance the exploration, exploitation and utilization of these resources, and to stimulate environmental awareness as well as advancement of engineering for effective resource management.
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