Petroleum Geochemistry
We offer a complete range of geochemical analyses and interpretations on source rocks, and fluids (liquids and gases).
Geochemistry for Exploration:
- Source rocks and fluids (crude oils, oil shows, oil seeps, condensate and gases)
- Maturity evaluation
- Oil-oil and oil-source rock correlations
- Gas-gas and gas-source rock correlations
- Geochemistry inversion
Reservoir Geochemistry
- Reservoir connectivity/compartmentalisation
- Fluid quality and property predictions
- Tarmats
- Fluid zones & contacts, (e.g. oil zone, oil-water contact)
- Missed pays
- Production allocation
Sedimentology (siliciclastics & carbonates)
- Detailed facies description and interpretation from core and wireline logs
- Depositional environments and paleogeography reconstitution
- Diagenesis and reservoir prediction
- Localisation of subtle traps
- Sequence stratigraphy, seismic stratigraphy
- Integration of biostratigraphy, petrography, petrophysics and borehole image log data
FLUID INCLUSIONS STUDIES
Fluid inclusions provide the geologist with a unique sample of the total spectrum of fluids that have interacted with and developed in the earth’s crust and upper mantle throughout the whole of geological time. At PGS, we undertake commercial-in-confidence research and development for oil companies to aid their understanding of sedimentary diagenetic processes and hydrocarbon migration.
Analytical Services:
- Representative sample selection for fluid inclusion wafer preparation and preparation of fluid inclusion wafer.
- Analysis of fluid inclusions under transmitted plane polarised light and UV light.
- Raman spectrometry for the identification of minerals.
- Microthermometric analysis of fluid inclusions on a heating and freezing stage.
- Raman spectroscopy for trapped fluid composition.
Geo- and Thermochronology Analytical and Sample Preparation Services
Fission-track Thermochronology – Expertise in sample preparation, analysis and interpretation of apatite fission-track data, which reveals rock cooling histories through temperatures of 110 to 60°C. Able to perform external detector method or LA-ICP-MS method.
LA-ICP-MS U-Pb geochronology & geochemistry – Capabilities to perform in-situ U-Pb dating on accessory minerals (e.g., apatite, titanite, zircon) constraining crystallisation, metamorphic and exhumation events. Trace and rare earth elements can be measured on a variety of minerals and rocks. Includes data processing using Iolite.
Thermal History Modelling – Expertise in using modelling software to infer rock thermal histories from measured data and draw interpretations from the model output.
Sample Preparation - Rock crushing, mineral separation, and Thin section/mount preparation for Fission Track Analysis and in-situ LA-ICP-MS.
Petroleum Systems Analysis
Basin modelling is used by the oil and gas industry to study the thermal histories of sedimentary basins to determine the timing of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion, evaluation of secondary migration and trapping of hydrocarbons within basins. Either 1D, 2D, or 3D basin modelling can be performed, depending on data available, project goals, time, and funding. Although full migration modelling, pressure prediction, and volumetrics can only be calculated in 3D basin models.
Our projects range from a single well evaluation to regional basin screening and prospect-scale petroleum systems analysis, appraising and quantifying the key risks associated with petroleum charge (e.g. source type, maturity, migration, sealing efficiency). The deliverables of our basin modelling studies contain usually:
- Source rock maturity prediction & mapping
- Prediction of the timing of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion
- Assessment of charge risk associated with each of the various elements of a given petroleum system
- Mapping of possible migration paths from the kitchen to the prospects/traps
- Prediction of prospect charging: timing, phase and volumes
- Prediction of reservoir porosities based on specified lithologies/facies
- Volumes of hydrocarbons delivered to traps
- Hydrocarbon type in the trap (liquid vs. gas and their relative proportions (GORs)
- Possible post-charge loss from the trap (seal leakage, tilt, and spill, thermal cracking, biodegradation risk)
- Physical properties (PVT) of the hydrocarbon charge.
Training
We offer a range of training courses in petroleum geochemistry and petroleum systems modelling for geologists and explorationists. The training courses can be held in client's offices or remotely:
- Applications of Petroleum Geochemistry in Oil and Gas Exploration
- Reservoir Geochemistry: Applications of Petroleum Geochemistry in Reservoir Management and Production Development Strategies
- Organic Petrography and Maturity
- Petroleum Systems Analysis – Basin Modelling
- Clastic and Carbonate Sedimentology
- Sequence Stratigraphy
Our training courses include both lectures and exercises to provide hands-on experience and are designed specifically for your company’s needs