Laboratory Simulation of Vertical Hydrocarbon Microseepage

Based on a conceptual model of hydrocarbon microseepage, a macro-sized experimental equipment used the matched mixtures of cement and quartz sand as simulated caprock and its overlying strata is first set up to simulate the processes of hydrocarbon microseepage and its nearsurface expressions. The results of the simulation experiments suggest that simulated caprock and its overlying strata have a certain sealed capability; hydrocarbon microseepage is dominated by the pressure of point gas source, and temperature plays only a subordinate role; on the path of hydrocarbon microseepage, the distribution of hydrocarbon concentration is fan-shaped; differential adsorption of aikanes by the simulated caprock and its overlying strata results in the occurrence of a chromatographic effect. Different migrating patterns within simulated caprock are shown by the ratio of i-butane to n-butane. The concentration of hydrocarbon in the surface soil has good correspondence with the pressure of point gas source. These simulation results are significant to further study of the mechanism of anomalies recovered in surface geochemistry exploration.

Geochemical evidences of trace metal anomalies for finding hydrocarbon microseepage in the petroliferous regions of the Tatipaka and Pasarlapudi areas of Krishna Godavari Basin,India

The long-term seepage of hydrocarbons, either as macroseepage or microseepage, can set up near-surface oxidation reduction zones that favor the development of a diverse array of chemical and mineralogical changes. The bacterial oxidation of light hydrocarbons can directly or indirectly bring about significant changes in the values of pH and Eh of the surrounding environment, thereby also changing the stability fields of the different mineral species present in that environment. The paper reports the role of hydrocarbon microseepage in surface alterations of trace metal concentrations. In this study trace metal alterations were mapped that appear to be associated with hydrocarbon microseepages in the oil/ gas fields. A total of 50 soil samples were collected near oil and gas fields of the Tatipaka and Pasarlapudi areas of the Krishna Godavari Basin, Andhra Pradesh. The soil samples were collected from a depth of 2-2.5 m. The paper reports the chemical alterations associated with trace metals in soils that are related to hydrocarbon microseepages above some of the major oil and gas fields of this petroliferous region. Trace metals, such as scandium （Sc）, vanadium （V）, chromium （Cr）, cobalt （Co）, nickel （Ni）, copper （Cu）, zinc （Zn）, barium （Ba） and strontium （Sr）, in soil samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma- mass spectrometry （ICP-MS）. The concentrations of Sc （8 to 40 mg/kg）, V （197 to 489 mg/kg）, Cr （106 to 287 mg/kg）, Co （31 to 52 mg/kg）, Ni （65 to 110 mg/kg）, Cu （88 to 131 mg/kg）, Zn （88 to 471 mg/kg）, Ba （263 to 3,091 mg/kg） and Sr （119 to 218 mg/kg） were obtained. It was observed that the concentrations of trace elements were tremendously increased when they were compared with their normal concentrations in soils. The analysis of adsorbed soil gas showed the presence of high concentrations of YC2＋ （C2H6, C3H8 and n-C4H10） ranging from 7 to 222 μg/kg respectively. Integrated studies of trace elements over adsorbed light gaseous hydrocarbons （2C2＋） anomalies showed good correlation with the existing oil and gas wells. The carbon isotopic composition of δ13C1 of the samples ranges between -36.6%o to -22.7‰ （Pee Dee Belemnite） values indicate thermogenic origin, which presents convincing evidence that the adsorbed soil gases collected from these sediments are of catagenetic origin. The increase in the concentrations of trace metals near oil/gas producing areas, suggests a soil chemical change to a reducing environment, presumably due to the influence of hydrocarbon microseepage, which could be applied with other geoscientific data to identify areas of future hydrocarbon exploration in frontier areas.

Magnetic and mineralogical characteristics of hydrocarbon microseepage above oil/gas reservoirs of Tuoku region, northern Tarim Basin, China

The Tuoku region in northern Tarim Basin of China is a key area for studying oil/gas reservoir rocks. The magnetic and mineralogical parameters of well cuttings from two wells, well S 7, situated on oil/gas field, and well S 6, at an oil/water interface, were measured. The two wells are located in the same structure with similar strata and types of lithology, but well S 6 is a showing well of oil and gas 5 km northwest of well S 7. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the possibility and distribution of secondary magnetic alteration that may have occurred due to hydrocarbon migration above an oil/gas accumulation. It is concluded that the magnetism of well cuttings from major strata in well S 7, including source rocks, oil reservoir rocks and cap rocks, and in Quaternary (Q) soil is higher than that from well S 6. The Cambrian oil-bearing strata and cap rocks have even higher magnetism in well S 7. The shape and parameters of magnetic hysteresis loops indicate that soft (H c<20 mT, H s<0.3 T) ferrimagnetic components dominate the magnetic carriers within the strongly magnetic strata of well S 7, whereas a mixed paramagnetic and ferrimagnetic distribution occurs in well S 6 (for example, low coecivity H c and nonsaturating magnetized character). Analysis of heavy minerals shows that the contents of iron oxide (magnetite, maghemite and hematite) in well S 7 are often higher than those in well S 6. The magnetite content in samples of cuttings from Cambrian rocks can reach 9.7% in oil-bearing strata in well S 7, and in strata Ekm and N 1j are 1.215% and 1.498%, respectively. Typical spherical magnetite grains are found within the main source rocks and the soils in well S 7. By analysis of surface microtexture and of trace element contents, we infer that the spherical magnetite is composed of aggregates of ultrafine particles that are probably authigenic magnetite formed in a hydrocarbon halo background.

METHOD STUDY OF DIRECT DETECTING HYDROCARBON MICROSEEPAGE BY USING REMOTE SENSING TECHNIQUE

Since the 1980s, there has been rising a new method, that is, detecting hydrocarbon microseepage by using remote sensing technique. This makes it possible to look for the reservoirs directly. At present, this is one of the most advanced studies of remote sensing application. The thesis is the first report of systematic tentative studies in China.

Remote Detection of Hydrocarbon Microseepage in a Loess Covered Area

Hydrocarbon microseepage can result in related near-surface mineral alterations.In this study,we evaluated the potential of detecting these alterations with field measured and satellite acquired hyperspectral data.Fourteen soil samples and reflectance spectra were collected in the Xifeng Oilfield,a loess covered area.Soil samples were analyzed in the laboratory for calcite,dolomite,kaolinite,illite,and mixedlayer illite/smectite content,and we processed reflectance spectra for continuum removal to derive clay and carbonate mineral absorption depth(H).High correlation between absorption depth and mineral content was shown for clay and mineral carbonate with field measured spectra.Based on the result for the field spectra,we proposed and tested a fast index based on the absorption depth of clay and carbonate minerals with a hyperspectral image of the area.The detected hydrocarbon microseepage anomalies matched well with those shown in the geological map.

Methane in soil gas and its transfer to the atmosphere in the Yakela condensed gas field in the Tarim Basin,Northwest China

In this study, by analyzing CH4 concentration and 613CCH4 in soil-gas profiles, the potentials of CH4 gas transfer from ground to atmosphere were studied at four representative sectors in the Yakela condensed gas field in the Tarim Basin, Xinjiang, China. These are： 1） the oil-gas interface sector, 2） fault sector, 3） oil-water interface sector, 4） an external area. Variation in CH4 in soil-gas profiles showed that CH4 microseepage resulted from the migration of subsurface hydrocarbon from deep-buried reservoirs to the earth＇s surface. It was found that CH4 from deep-buried reservoirs could migrate upwards to the surface through faults, fissures and permeable rocks, during which some CH4 was oxidized and the unoxidized methane remained in the soil or was emitted into the atmosphere. The lowest level of CH4 at the soil-gas profile was found at the CH4 gas-phase equilibrium point at which the CH4 migration upwards from deep-buried reservoirs and the CH4 diffusion downwards from the atmosphere met. The 613CcH4 and ethane, propane in soil gas exhibited thermogenic characteristics, suggesting the occurrence of CH4 microseepage from deep-buried reservoirs. A linear correlation analysis between CH4 concentrations in soil gas and temperature, moisture, pH, Eh, Ec and particle size of soil indicated that both soil Eh and soil temperature could affect CH4 concentration in soil gas while soil pH could indirectly influence soil methanotrophic oxidation via impacting soil Eh.

Laboratory Simulation of the Formation Process of Surface Geochemical Anomalies Applied to Hydrocarbon Exploration

The formation mechanisms and processes of geochemical anomalies used as proxies in surface geochemistry exploration （SGE） have not been well understood. Previous studies cannot realize 3D measurement of microseeping hydrocarbons from reservoirs to the surface, which made it difficult to understand the features and pathways of deep hydrocarbon microseepages. Understanding the processes of hydrocarbon microseepages will contribute to the acceptance and effectiveness of surface geochemistry. Based on a simplified geological model of hydrocarbon microseepages, including hydrocarbon reservoir, direct caprock, overlying strata and Quaternary sediments, this work established a 3D experimental system to simulate the mechanisms and processes of deep hydrocarbon microseepes extending to the surface. The dispersive halos of microseeping hydrocarbons in the subsurface were adequately described by using this 3D experimental system. Results indicate that different migration patterns of hydrocarbons above the point gas source within the simulated caprock and overlying strata can be reflected by the ratio of i-butane to n-butane （i-C4/n-C4）, which follow diffusion and infiltration （buoyancy） mechanisms. This is not the case for vertical measurement lines far from the point gas source. A vertical gas flow in the form of a plume was found during hydrocarbon microseepage. For sampling methods, the high-density grid sampling is favorable for delineating prospecting targets. Hydrocarbon infiltration or buoyancy flow occurs in the zones of infiltration clusters, coupling with a diffusion mechanism at the top of the water table and forming surface geochemical anomalies. These results are significant in understanding hydrocarbon microseepage and interpreting SGE data.

Magnetic, Geochemical and Mineralogical Charac teristics of Soils in Qiangtang Basin, Tibet, China: Implications for Prospective Oil and Gas Land

The alteration of iron bearing minerals induced by hydrocarbon microseepage above oil/gas reservoirs has been evaluated using measurements of soil magnetic susceptibility κ , geochemical compositions (gas hydrocarbon and alteration carbonate Δ C ), and composition and concentration of iron bearing minerals. The analyses were performed along two profiles across the Qiangtang basin in Tibet, China: the Nuoermahu Xuehuanhu profile (C) and the Mugari Huochetoushan profile (E). Results show that three strong magnetic anomalies (C 1, E 1 and E 2 anomalies) are related to the distribution of Neogene volcanic rocks on the surface in the Gangmacuo Xiyaergang uplift. Two other anomalies (C 2 and E 4 anomalies), characterized by both moderately amplitude magnetic susceptibility and elevated soil gas hydrocarbons, occur near fault zones in the Cuoni Donghu synclinorium. These latter anomalies display characteristics of hydrocarbon microseepage anomalies commonly associated with oil and gas accumulations. Their presence in the Cuoni Donghu synclinorium suggests that parts of the Qiangtang basin may have significant petroleum potential.

Surface geochemical data evaluation and integration with geophysical observations for hydrocarbon prospecting,Tapti graben,Deccan Syneclise,India

The Deccan Syneclise is considered to have significant hydrocarbon potential. However, significant hydrocarbon discoveries, particularly for Mesozoic sequences, have not been established through conventional exploration due to the thick basalt cover over Mesozoic sedimentary rocks. In this study, near-surface geochemical data are used to understand the petroleum system and also investigate type of source for hydrocarbons generation of the study area. Soil samples were collected from favorable areas identified by integrated geophysical studies. The compositional and isotopic signatures of adsorbed gaseous hydrocarbons （methane through butane） were used as surface indicators of pe- troleum micro-seepages. An analysis of 75 near-surface soil-gas samples was carried out for light hydrocarbons （C_1-C_4） and their carbon isotopes from the western part of Tapti graben, Deccan Syneclise, India. The geochemical results reveal sites or clusters of sites containing anomalously high concentrations of light hydrocarbon gases. High concentrations of adsorbed thermogenic methane （C1 518 ppb） and ethane plus higher hydrocarbons （∑C2＋ = 977 ppb） were observed. Statistical analysis shows that samples from 13% of the samples contain anomalously high concentrations of light hydrocarbons in the soil-gas constituents. This seepage suggests largest magnitude of soil gas anomalies might be generated/source from Mesozoic sedimentary rocks, beneath Deccan Traps. The carbon isotopic composition of methane, ethane and propane ranges are from 22.5‰to -30.2‰ PDB, -18.0‰ to 27.1‰,, PDB and 16.9‰-32.1‰ PDB respectively, which are in thermogenic source. Surface soil sample represents the intersection of a migration conduit from the deep subsurface to the surface connected to sub-trappean Mesozoic sedimentary rocks. Prominent hydrocarbon concentra- tions were associated with dykes, lineaments and presented on thinner basaltic cover in the study area, which probably acts as channel for the micro-seepage of hydrocarbons.

The Application Research of Satellite Remote Sensing to Exploration of Hydrocarbon Alteration Information

Remote sensing method tests and application researches have been used in the oil-gas exploration objects since the 1980s. The surface hydrocarbon alteration anomaly has been directly explored by remote sensing technology, which realizes the purpose of prospecting the oil-gas pools directly. This note mainly inquires into the exploration mechanism and methods of this field through an example of exploring the hydrocarbon

Magnetic and mineralogical characteristics of reservoir rocks in the Yakela oil field, northern Tarim Basin and their implications for magnetic detection of oil and gas accumulations

The evidence about hydrocarbon migration within reservoir rocks in two wells has been obtained according to results of magnetic and mineralogical analysis of the Kapushaliang Group reservoir rocks from wells S15 and S4 located at the Yakela oil field, Tarim Basin. Results show that the secondary alteration associated with oil and gas accumulations above oil and gas field is predominantly magnetite mineralization, and that sulfur alteration occurs commonly at oil-water boundary and their products are generally pyrite and pyrrhotite, except for magnetite alteration which is closely related with hydrodynamical conditions in situ. The spherical magnetite grains of cauliflower microtexture on surface extracted from oil-bearing cores are secondary magnetite related with hydrocarbon microseepage and their diameters are usually less than 50 μm.

Comprehensive evaluation of mechanism of "chimney effect" using principles of magnetism, geochemistry and mineralogy

Study of forming mechanism of "chimney-effect" (CE) has important significance for basic theory and applications of non-seismic geophysical and geochemical methods locating oil/gas reservoirs. The theoretical basis of comprehensive evaluation of mechanism of CE using principles of magnetism, geochemistry and mineralogy has been reviewed, with the problems to be solved: (ⅰ) study for the relationship between process of oil/gas migration and geochemical field; (ⅱ) analysis of genesis of magnetic, geochemical and mineralogical anomaly; (ⅲ) interpretation of surface soil magnetism and geochemical anomaly combined with seismic data.