Practical Basin Modelling, Petroleum System Analysis and Geochemistry

Course Description

The Practical Basin Modeling, Petroleum System Analysis, and Geochemistry course provides a comprehensive understanding of the geological and geochemical processes that influence hydrocarbon exploration and production in sedimentary basins. Designed for both new and experienced professionals, this course enhances participants' ability to analyze and interpret basin evolution, petroleum systems, and geochemical data, equipping them with essential skills for making informed decisions in the oil and gas industry.

Participants will explore the formation and evolution of sedimentary basins, gaining insights into the tectonic and depositional processes that shape hydrocarbon reservoirs. Through discussions and hands-on exercises, they will learn basin modeling principles, including burial history, thermal maturation, and hydrocarbon generation. The course emphasizes interpreting basin modeling results to assess petroleum system elements such as source rock, reservoir, seal, and trap.

A key focus is petroleum system analysis, covering methods for characterizing and evaluating petroleum systems. Participants will integrate geological, geophysical, and geochemical data to refine exploration strategies. The course highlights organic geochemistry fundamentals, enabling professionals to analyze source rocks, oils, and gases to determine hydrocarbon origin, maturity, and migration pathways.

Understanding the relationship between tectonics, basin evolution, and hydrocarbon generation is another crucial aspect. Participants will assess tectonic controls on basin architecture and petroleum system development, enhancing their ability to identify exploration targets. Risk assessment and resource estimation methodologies will also be covered, helping professionals evaluate exploration risks and optimize decision-making.

The course includes case studies from global sedimentary basins, offering practical applications of basin modeling and geochemical analysis. Hands-on exercises reinforce theoretical concepts, while discussions on emerging trends and technologies provide insights into future exploration challenges, including frontier basins and unconventional resources.

By the end of the course, participants will have gained a strong foundation in basin modeling, petroleum system analysis, and geochemistry. They will be equipped with essential tools to enhance exploration efficiency, optimize resource assessment, and mitigate risks. This course fosters critical thinking, innovation, and professional growth, preparing participants to contribute effectively to hydrocarbon exploration and resource development.

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Basin Modelling

• Principles of basin modelling

• Software tools for basin modelling

• Simulation of burial history and thermal maturation

 

Module 2: Source rocks

• Depositional environments (oxic and anoxic environments)

• Kerogen Structure, Types, Richness and Kinetics

• Kerogen Evolution

• Exercise: Vankrevelen diagram HI vs.OI to determine the kerogen type

 

Module 3: Heat Flow

• What causes the heat flow?

• Tectonic settings and heat flow models and its significance in the exploration

• Temperature (BHT) and Paleotemperature

• Energy transitions, geothermal energy resources (Rift and volcanic belts)

 

Module 4: Maturity Indicators and model calibration techniques

• Organic macerals, Vitrinite (VR) as a paleotemperature indicator

• Rock- Eval Pyrolysis, Tmax parameter as a maturity indicator

• Time temperature Index(TTI)

• Spore colour Index (SCI) and Thermal Alteration Index(TAI)

• Fission Track (AFTA and ZFTA) and significance in the geohistory models

• Carbon Preference Index (CPI), Kerogen H/C ratio

• Exercise: HI vs.Tmax to determine the type and maturity path

• Exercise: Creating richness maps using source GDE maps for generated volume estimations

Module 5: Lopatin’s Time Temperature Index (TTI) Method

• TTI theory and significance

• Methodology of TTI calculations

• TTI interpretation for maturity and Timing

• Exercise: TTI model building and finding oil and gas window tops and timing of generation

• Module 6: Migration: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary

• Gussow Theory

• Fate of Hydrocarbons

 

Module 7: Volumes Generated, Expelled, Fetch Area, Fill to Spill and Under Fill

• Generated and Expelled volumes

• Fetch area

• Fill to spill and Under fill traps

• Exercise: Estimating generating potential of the kitchen

• Exercise: Trap filling vs. variable seal capacities

 

Module 8: Geohistorical, Genetical Analysis and Timing

• Maturation through time

• Genetical analysis

• Petroleum Event chart and its significance in derisking

• Exercise: Petroleum Event chart and risking in exploration workflow

 

Module 9: Geochemistry Oil Source Correlations (Biomarkers), and Biodegradation

Module 10: Case Studies and Practical Applications

• Analysis of case studies from different sedimentary basins.

• Application of theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios.

• Exercise: Petroleum system analysis using regional seismic line for Basin prospectivity analysis

Participants’ Profile

The course on Practical Basin Modeling, Petroleum System Analysis, and Geochemistry typically requires participants to have a foundational understanding of geology, petroleum geoscience, and related disciplines to ensure they can fully engage with the course material and benefit from the learning experience. Here are some common prerequisites for the course:

Prerequisites

• A bachelor's degree in geology, geophysics, petroleum engineering, or a related field is often required.

• Familiarity with geological principles, sedimentary processes, and structural geology is essential for understanding basin formation and evolution. 

About the Instructor

Dr.B.N.S.Naidu is graduated in M.S and Ph. D in Petroleum Geology from People's Friendship University, Moscow. He is specialized in Geochemistry, Basin Modelling, Petroleum Systems Analysis with over 25 years of E&P industry global experience with proven track records of discoveries in the frontier, matured and semi matured basins. His  Research work on petroleum systems  published in key international journals (AAPG, Petroleum Geo science, and The Leading Edge). As a advisor in Petroleum Systems he was involved in Regional petroleum systems analysis of Indian Basins, SE Asian Basins, African basins including East African Rift basins, Middle East Basins and Basins of former Soviet Union. His scientific interests are thermal history and associated Hydrocarbon generation migration processes in Sedimentary Basins of various geo tectonic settings. His work on Petroleum Systems of the Barmer Basin published as a case study in AAPG memoir. He presented research papers in International AAPG, IMOG and world Petroleum congress conferences and worked collaboratively with global domain experts. He participated  in various national and international Geological field trips such as Dorset and California Bay area. He delivered guest lectures on Petroleum Systems in National and International scientific institutions. He had got keen interest in teaching and mentoring the Petroleum Systems.