COURSE OVERVIEW:

Petroleum Systems and Exploration Geochemistry is a specialized course that focuses on the chemical "DNA" of hydrocarbons and their parent source rocks. This course bridges the gap between static geological models and the dynamic processes of fluid generation, expulsion, and migration. Participants will explore how geochemical data is used to reduce exploration risk by confirming the presence of an active petroleum system and predicting the quality and type of hydrocarbons expected in a prospect.

The coverage includes the characterization of organic matter through Rock-Eval pyrolysis, vitrinite reflectance, and visual kerogen analysis. Attendees will learn to interpret biomarkers and isotopic signatures to perform oil-to-source and oil-to-oil correlations, which are essential for mapping migration pathways and identifying multiple charging events. The scope also addresses the kinetic modeling of hydrocarbon generation, allowing geoscientists to determine the timing of the "critical moment" when traps must be in place to receive a charge.

Furthermore, the course addresses the application of surface geochemistry and seepage studies in frontier exploration. Participants will study the impact of secondary processes such as biodegradation, thermal cracking, and evaporative fractionation on oil quality. By the end of the course, participants will be able to integrate geochemical parameters into basin models and utilize chemical data to solve complex problems related to reservoir compartmentalization and production allocation.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

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

• Define the core elements and processes of a functional Petroleum System.
• Evaluate source rock quality using Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and Pyrolysis data.
• Distinguish between Kerogen types and their specific hydrocarbon products.
• Utilize Vitrinite Reflectance (Ro) and Thermal Alteration Index (TAI) for maturity mapping.
• Perform oil-to-source correlations using biomarkers and carbon isotopes.
• Analyze hydrocarbon migration efficiency and drainage area (fetch) dimensions.
• Model the kinetics of hydrocarbon generation to determine charging timing.
• Identify the geochemical signatures of biodegradation and water washing.
• Utilize gas geochemistry to differentiate between biogenic and thermogenic sources.
• Apply surface geochemical survey techniques to de-risk frontier basins.
• Interpret gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) results.
• Evaluate the impact of thermal maturity on GOR and fluid properties.
• Integrate geochemical data into 1D, 2D, and 3D basin modeling workflows.
• Utilize geochemistry for reservoir continuity and production allocation studies.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Exploration Geologists, Geochemists, Basin Modelers, and Petroleum Engineers involved in prospect maturation and asset evaluation.

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.