PETROLEUM SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND MODELING

Petroleum systems analysis is a key discipline in the exploration for oil and gas, and basin and petroleum systems modelling (BPSM) is performed for nearly each decision regarding the acquisition of acreage and expensive datasets, to evaluate farm-in opportunities, and particularly before drilling prospects.

Attending of this course will make staff more comfortable to build simple models themselves and, equally important, have a critical assessment of external information (reports, literature, etc.) to make independent conclusions and solid recommendations.

1. Become familiar with the concept and terminology of petroleum systems analysis and acquire an overview of various petroleum systems in the world: conventional systems and shale plays, thermogenic and biogenic systems, different tectonic settings (passive margins, continent-ocean transition zones, rift basins, fold and thrust belts, salt basins, deltas, inverted basins, volcanic-rich basins).
2. Independently perform quick screening based on 1D BPSM and excel-based calculations (all license-free) to assess thermal maturity of source rocks and its geological timing, transformation ratio, the oil generative potential for a basin or prospect drainage area, the risk for gas, etc.
3. Design a full 2D or 3D BPSM study based on the needs, data and time available, for decision making in different contexts from wildcat exploration in frontier basins to near-field exploration within mature provinces.
4. Analyse and appraise 2D and 3D BPSM studies (models and reports), and make well-informed conclusions and recommendations based on BPSM studies (common risk segments, play and prospect chance).

The course content is transmitted through a fluent mixture of lectures and interactive sessions. The latter include on-screen and paper exercises, as well as software demonstration and hands-on exercises to stimulate discussion. The focus of the software part of the course is not on the button pushing but on a critical understanding of the underlying methods. PetroMod 1D will be actively used in the exercises, and 2D and 3D models are analysed. Particular emphasis is given to adapting the appropriate workflow with respect to the questions to be answered. The daily wrap-up offers an additional podium for discussion and ensures that no participant is left behind.

No specific requirement for this course that can take place in any meeting room equipped with computers and a screen with common HSE characteristics, in your company premises or elsewhere.

• General introduction
• Introduction to petroleum systems analysis (PSA) and basin and petroleum systems modeling (BPSM)
• Petroleum and petroleum systems elements
• Burial history modeling
• Pressure and temperature calibration (1D modeling exercise)

The course introduces the philosophy and approaches of PSA and BPSM, and typical workflows and examples are presented. An overview of source, reservoir and seal rock as well as trap and oil types is given. After some fundamental theory about compaction and thermal modeling in the afternoon, attendees will perform hands-on burial history modeling exercises using PetroMod 1D.

• From 1D to 2D models – what’s different?
• Analysis of 2D models
• Uplift and erosion modeling including modeling exercises

The case study from day 1 is further developed into a ready-built 2D model which attendees will analyse. A more complex case study including several episodes of uplift and erosion is introduced in the afternoon, including hands-on 1D modeling exercise and the analysis of a 2D model.
 

• Structural complexity (faults, thrusts, salt)
• Source rocks, hydrocarbon generation and adsorption modeling
• 1D modeling exercises
• 1D to 3D extrapolation excel workflows
• 2D and 3D model analysis

The morning of the third day is dedicated to petroleum systems in structural complex areas, with case studies of fold and thrust belt, salt basins, and inverted rifts. In the afternoon, source rocks are introduced, with source rock modeling exercises.
 

• Hydrocarbon charge modeling
• Analysis of 2D and 3D migration models
• Quick look migration methods
• Charge modeling case studies 

The fourth day is covering all aspects of charge modeling, with model output analysis exercises and numerous case studies from different settings (Rift basin, delta, passive margins, deep water oceanic crust, foreland basin, fold and thrust belt, salt basin).
 

• Advanced hydrocarbon migration
• Alteration
• PVT and hydrocarbon phase
• Practical advice for designing a PSA and BPSM study
• Recommendations based on a PSA and BPSM study

On the last day, advanced processes such as cross-fault migration, charge lag, PVT effects from uplift and sea level changes, phase and seal relationships, spilling and leaking mechanisms, leaching, biodegradation and secondary cracking are presented. The training finishes with practical guidance on how to design a PSA and BPSM study based on the needs, budget and time constraints, and how-to QC and present such a study, as well as the type of recommendations which can be given (play risk, prospect risk, etc.).
 

Note:
A shorter, more synthetic program can be organized on purpose.
A longer version of the course can be arranged where customer data can be used for 2D and 3D modelling. However, this requires a performing hardware environment and software licenses to be present at the customer location.