Interpretation of Natural Gases

Instructor: Prof. Dr Alexei Milkov (Colorado School of Mines, United States)
Languages: English and Russian
Level: Foundation
Duration and formats:
Online: 2 live sessions of 4 hours CPD Points: 4
Classroom: 1 day CPD Points: 5

Course Description

This course enables participants to add value in E&P projects through interpretation of natural gases. Examples and case studies come from both conventional and unconventional petroleum systems around the world. The instructor will transfer his practical knowledge of most important and relevant theories, interpretation tools and applications used in the industry. The learning objectives are achieved through well-illustrated lectures, numerous hands-on exercises, active class discussions and competitive games.

We will cover the following topics:

  • Fundamentals of natural gas composition and properties;
  • Sampling of natural gas during drilling and production;
  • Analytical techniques used to determine molecular and isotopic composition of natural gases;
  • Interpretation of hydrocarbon gases (origin and processes);
  • Interpretation and prediction of non-hydrocarbon gases (CO2, N2, H2S, He and others);
  • Using gas data and models to solve business problems in exploration, appraisal/development, production and environmental projects.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Design cost-effective fit-for-purpose sampling/analysis programs for natural gases;
  • Evaluate molecular and isotopic composition of hydrocarbon gases and interpret their origin (primary microbial, secondary microbial, thermogenic, abiotic) using state-of-the-art genetic diagrams;
  • Interpret the source, maturity, mixing and post-accumulation alterations of hydrocarbon gases;
  • Interpret the origin and sources of non-hydrocarbon gases (carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide, helium and others);
  • Use gas data to solve business problems in exploration, appraisal/ development, production and environmental projects;
  • Identify and propose geochemical solutions for E&P business problems.

Course Outline

  • Fundamentals of natural gas composition and properties;
  • Sampling of natural gas during drilling and production;
  • Analytical techniques used to determine molecular and isotopic composition of natural gases;
  • Interpretation of hydrocarbon gases (origin and processes);
  • Interpretation and prediction of non-hydrocarbon gases (CO2, N2, H2S, He and others);
  • Using gas data and models to solve business problems in exploration, appraisal/development, production and environmental projects.

Participants’ Profile

The course is designed for geoscientists, engineers and managers who work on exploration, appraisal, development, production and environmental projects and require competency in natural gases.

About the Instructor

Alexei V. Milkov is Full Professor and Director of Potential Gas Agency at Colorado School of Mines and a consultant to oil and gas industry. After receiving PhD from Texas A&M University, Dr. Milkov worked for BP, Sasol and Murphy Oil as geoscientist and senior manager. He explored for conventional and unconventional oil and gas in over 30 basins on six continents and participated in the discovery of more than 4 Billion BOE of petroleum resources. He also worked on several appraisal and production projects. Dr. Milkov has deep expertise in oil and gas geochemistry, petroleum systems modeling, exploration risk analysis, resource assessments and portfolio management. He published 50 peer-reviewed articles. Dr. Milkov received several industry awards including J.C. “Cam” Sproule Memorial Award from the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) for the best contribution to petroleum geology and Pieter Schenck Award from the European Association of Organic Geochemists (EAOG) for a major contribution to organic geochemistry.