Basin Modeling as a Fundamental Tool at BPS

Map with locations of the basins covered by specific BPS basin modeling reports (yellow) and areas with petroleum systems charts (hatched) integrating all proven or hypothetical elements and processes of the petroleum systems.

In order for our clients to gain a better understanding of the geology and petroleum systems around Brazilian, we are preparing extensive regional evaluation reports for inclusion in the BPS Geodatabase. Many of the reports have already been uploaded as petroleum systems charts that provide a full summary of the geological history, as well as through exploration studies based on quantitative basin modeling and seismic mapping. Several proprietary projects are being made available in the form of short and/or full reports with comprehensive analysis of the main Brazilian exploration acreage (Figure 1). The numerous reports with 2D and/or 3D modeling of the Brazilian basins (covering the basins totally or partially) can bring tremendous benefits to the E&P industry for the exploration of new frontiers and the de-risking of already leased acreage. In fact, we are currently updating much of the advanced data on Brazilian basins—following our goal of revitalizing previous basin models—with new seismic and well framework data, as well as using recent classical and advanced geochemistry analyses.

Sergipe-Alagoas – Bringing It All Together with Basin Modeling

The Petroleum Systems Modeling technology is not only indispensable in the course of exploration and risk assessment, but it also presents value in itself, as BPSM is the only technique that can integrate all types of available data, allowing for the testing of new interpretations, concepts and ideas. It is also the only approach to petroleum systems analysis that can integrate the fourth dimension, time, which we all know is of the utmost importance.

Figure 2 shows an example of the modeling within the Sergipe-Alagoas basin (one of our most recent basin modeling projects), for which updated AGT results were used to calibrate the simulation based on a fully revisited seismic framework in the deep and ultra-deep waters. The result is an impressive example that shows the power of overlapping the basin modeling results with well outcomes in a study that integrated state-of-the-art techniques in petroleum systems modeling. A full revision was completed, creating a whole new view of maturation across the basin and much better explaining the light oil and gas charged from a deep rift source-rock that was mixed with shallower marine oil.

Figure 2 – Maturity map (Ro equivalent) of one of the source-rock intervals, corroborating the existence of a generation pod in the deep and ultra-deep waters that contributed to the highly cracked and light oils and gas condensate sampled in the wells. Empty areas are those with the existence of igneous bodies that cross all sedimentary sections, being SDRs or punctual igneous complexes.

The results of this recent study make us confident that the deep waters of Sergipe-Alagoas will undoubtedly be the next hot area in Brazil outside the pre-salt—also supported by some of the oil majors, who have endorsed our study with great enthusiasm. The deliverables of the BPS multi-client study include not only the short report and maps currently available for all BPS Geodatabase subscribers, but also an extensive written report with the live model (data in both Petromod and Trinity) that can be purchased in a separate package. The basin modeling corroborates the results of the geochemical investigation, with the vast majority of accumulated oil and gas in the basin being sourced from the deep, rift-related source rocks, similar to the pre-salt sources of the Campos and Santos basins. Modeled maturity patterns are also in line with the findings from the geochemical analyses, successfully reproducing the known deep-water discoveries (Figure 3).

Figure 3 – Results of the master model, representing the transformation ratio of one of the syn-rift source-rocks. Most known accumulations are reproduced and have been filled successfully with liquid hydrocarbon at reservoir conditions, as shown in green.

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