COURSE OVERVIEW:

Applied Geochemistry for Petroleum Systems Evaluation is a fundamental discipline that bridges the gap between geological modeling and fluid characterization. This course focuses on the chemical signatures of source rocks, crude oils, and natural gases to reconstruct the history of hydrocarbon generation and migration. By analyzing organic matter at a molecular level, geoscientists can determine the thermal maturity of a basin and predict the quality of the fluids expected in unexplored prospects.

The scope of this training includes the characterization of kerogen types, the kinetics of hydrocarbon expulsion, and the identification of oil families through biomarker correlation. Participants will learn how to interpret laboratory data such as Pyrolysis, Gas Chromatography, and Mass Spectrometry to build robust petroleum system models. This systematic approach allows for the mapping of "sweet spots" in both conventional and unconventional plays by understanding where hydrocarbons were generated and how they moved through the subsurface.

Furthermore, the course addresses the practical application of geochemistry in reservoir management, including production allocation and the detection of reservoir compartmentalization. By monitoring the chemical composition of produced fluids over time, engineers and geologists can identify communication between different fault blocks or layers. This integrated perspective ensures that geochemical data is not viewed in isolation but as a vital component of the overall exploration and development strategy.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Evaluate the richness and quality of source rocks using Total Organic Carbon and Pyrolysis data.
• Determine the thermal maturity of organic matter using Vitrinite Reflectance and molecular indicators.
• Classify kerogen types and predict the resulting hydrocarbon products (oil vs gas).
• Perform oil to source rock correlations to identify the origin of discovered hydrocarbons.
• Utilize biomarkers to interpret the depositional environment and age of source rocks.
• Map migration pathways by analyzing spatial variations in oil composition and non-hydrocarbon markers.
• Characterize natural gas origins using stable isotope analysis and dryness ratios.
• Assess the impact of secondary processes such as biodegradation and water washing on oil quality.
• Apply geochemical data to calibrate basin models and timing of hydrocarbon expulsion.
• Identify reservoir compartmentalization through detailed fluid fingerprinting techniques.
• Integrate geochemical signatures into the evaluation of unconventional shale plays.
• Interpret Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) fragments for specific aromatic compounds.
• Design efficient geochemical sampling programs for both exploration wells and surface seeps.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Geologists, Geochemists, Basin Modelers, and Exploration Managers who need to integrate fluid data into subsurface models.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.