Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company

Maxim O Vityk

Michael P Smith

Robert J Chimenti

Robert J Pottorf

Patricia H Kalamaras

Gary G Gray

Jing Leng

Robert J Bodnar

Robert H Pottorf

A method for predicting hydrocarbon-bearing zones and estimating rock properties by analyzing fluids trapped in the pore spaces or adsorbed on the surfaces of rock samples. The trapped gases are removed under vacuum and analyzed by a mass spectrometer. Data peaks corresponding to petroleum constituent molecules provide an indication of presence and abundance of hydrocarbons. A decrease of the count rate over time is used to estimate permeability and other rock properties. Concentration ratios for selected constituents indicate oil quality and depth of the oil-water contact.

Method for measuring absorbed and interstitial fluids

A method for evaluating sedimentary basins for hydrocarbon potential using aqueous fluid inclusions. Aqueous fluid inclusions are identified in a rock sample. The homogenization temperatures of the fluid inclusions are determined, the optical spectra of the water and methane in the fluid inclusions are measured, and the formation pressures are estimated from the relationship of homogenization temperature and optical spectrum to formation pressure. Formation pressure of the fluid inclusions can be combined with history of the fluid inclusion formation to reconstruct the paleo-history of the basin to evaluate hydrocarbon potential.

Method to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of sedimentary basins from fluid inclusions

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The Woodlands, TX, United States of America

Maxim O Vityk