Information gain in prospect assessment by using basin modeling

To enhance the quality of oil- and gas-resource assessments and to reduce the risks in oil and gas exploration, a number of assessment techniques have been developed. Unfortunately, these techniques have not always been effective in the timely transfer of information. The amount of time that is required for preparing assessments does not always allow for the necessary high-quality data to be generated. To overcome this problem, a method based on an analysis of the phase state of oil and the dynamics of fluids in secondary migration of hydrocarbons is proposed. The phase state of the oil and fluid potential for secondary migration is estimated initially for each prospect together with the extent of the drainage area. On the basis of these estimates, statistical calculations can be made for the generation and expulsion of hydrocarbons. As a result, more reliable data are available for prospect assessment. The application of this method has a practical significance in that it brings the role of basin modeling in prospect assessment into full play, increases the reliability of petroleum-resource assessments, and reduces the risks in exploration. A case study from the Beitang region in eastern China is presented.