Petroleum Geochemistry

This text clearly integrates the contributions of geology, geophysics and other branches of geoscience into one complete, definitive volume. Abundant tables and figures, chapter summaries and references contribute to the book's clarity and comprehensiveness.

Practical Petroleum Geochemistry for Exploration and Production provides readers with a single reference that addresses the principle concepts and applications of petroleum geochemistry used in finding, evaluating, and producing petroleum deposits. Today, there are few reference books available on how petroleum geochemistry is applied in exploration and production written specifically for geologists, geophysicists, and petroleum engineers. This book fills that void and is based on training courses that the author has developed over his 37-year career in hydrocarbon exploration and production. Specific topical features include the origin of petroleum, deposition of source rock, hydrocarbon generation, and oil and gas migrations that lead to petroleum accumulations. Also included are descriptions on how these concepts are applied to source rock evaluation, oil-to-oil, and oil-to-source rock correlations, and ways of interpreting natural gas data in exploration work. Finally, a thorough description on the ways petroleum geochemistry can assist in development and production work, including reservoir continuity, production allocation, and EOR monitoring is presented. Authored by an expert in petroleum geochemistry, this book is the ideal reference for any geoscientist looking for exploration and production content based on extensive field-based research and expertise. Emphasizes the practical application of geochemistry in solving exploration and production problems Features more than 200 illustrations, tables, and diagrams to underscore key concepts Authored by an expert geochemist that has nearly 40 years of experience in field-based research, applications, and instruction Serves as a refresher reference for geochemistry specialists and non-specialists alike

This book is intended primarily as a textbook for geolo gists engaged in petroleum exploration. Its purpose is to introduce the reader to organic geochemistry and to show how to apply geochemistry advantageously in an explora tion program. I have made the explicit assumption that most readers will have a sound background in geology but far less knowledge of, or interest in, chemistry. Be cause there is no need for an exploration geologist to be an expert in organic chemistry, the amount of chemistry used in the book is rather modest. It is, however, often important for a geologist to understand some basic vocab ulary. The emphasis in this book is on applications of geo _chemistry to hydrocarbon exploration. Most of the analyt ical techniques are discussed only briefly, because although a geologist should know what a gas chro matograph is, he or she is unlikely to be asked to repair one. If more detailed knowledge does prove necessary, a laboratory is the proper place to learn. The strengths and weaknesses of the various analytical techniques are discussed so that a geologist will be able to anticipate pitfalls, cull bad data, and choose an appropri ate analytical program. On-the-job experience will prove invaluable in converting the basic information from this text into a practical working knowledge.

Carbonate rocks have diverse characteristics. They can be excellent reservoirs as well as prolific source rocks for oil. Oils from carbonate rocks commonly have distinctive bulk chemical and molecular characteristics that reveal their origin. The papers collected here are descriptions and interpretations (that is, case histories) of specific carbonate source rocks that range in age from Precambrian to Miocene.

Practical Petroleum Geochemistry for Exploration and Production, Second Edition provides readers with a single reference that addresses the principle concepts and applications of petroleum geochemistry used in finding, evaluating, and producing petroleum deposits. The revised volume includes a new chapter on environmental forensic applications of petroleum geochemistry. With the current emphasis on environmental issues (pollution, climate changes, and corporate responsibility), information about how petroleum geochemistry can be used to recognize these problems, determine their source, help identify who is responsible, and how these problems may be mitigated are vital to efficient and economical operation of a project from exploration to production to abandonment. Practical Petroleum Geochemistry for Exploration and Production, Second Edition will continue to serve as a foundational reference to understanding the underpinning of the science, as well as a source of references that the reader can use to find detailed descriptions of methods and protocols. Emphasizes the practical application of geochemistry in solving exploration and production problems Features more than 200 illustrations, tables, diagrams, and case studies to underscore key concepts Authored by an expert geochemist with over 40 years of experience in field-based research, applications, and instruction New edition includes a chapter on environmental issues (impact, climate change, pollution, and corporate responsibility), as well as expanded coverage of topics such as hydrates as unconventional resources; geomicrobial methods (especially DNA analysis) and the use of sea surface slicks from seafloor seeps in surface geochemistry; using GC x GC and asphaltene FTIR in oil correlation studies; and interpretation isotope data for the maturity of thermogenic natural gas

The application of surface geochemical methods to finding petroleum is based on the detection of hydrocarbons in the soil that have leaked from a petroleum reservoir at depth. While the seal over the deposit was once considered impermeable, surface geochemistry data now show that such leakage is a common occurrence. Despite its simplicity and low costs, surface geochemistry remains controversial because, until now, there was no objective and in-depth treatment of the various methods of surface geochemistry for oil exploration. Written by a successful oil finder, this practical guide: * surveys a broad array of surface geochemistry techniques, from soil gases to microbiology, and provides clear strategies for applying them to the high-stakes art of petroleum exploration * offers numerous case studies, both successes and failures, to show the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches * examines statistical and spatial variation, surveys and models in surface geochemistry, demonstrating how each analytical tool can be used to optimize accuracy * integrates surface geochemistry data interpretation with data from conventional methods of oil exploration, and considers the economics of surface geochemical approaches * discusses key topics that have been neglected in the literature, such as grid design and the effects of soils. Geologists, geophysicists, geological engineers and exploration managers involved in petroleum exploration will gain valuable insights from this volume. By presenting and evaluating each method of surface geochemistry in a neutral tone, this book enables the reader to select and employ these methods with greater confidence.

Often the source of confusion to those who have to interpret and apply research results, this glossary gives easy access to the basic nomenclature of petroleum geochemistry. The first part of the book provides a summary in the form of tables and diagrams. The main part gives self-contained explanations for the most common terms. Numerous illustrations and references for further reading are included.