I am working on my thesis task about basin modeling 1D and 2D. The problem I face is I do not have BHT data as calibration data (I only have VR). Could my models be validated by the method? I use five wells data, and there are only two wells that have temperature data in the form DST temperature. Or is it possible if I use Rock Eval-Pyrolysis data such as Tmax as temperature calibration to replace BHT? Thank you for the answer.
Dear Colleague,
I think that you can use Rock Eval-Pyrolysis data Tmax if you do not have Vitrinite reflectance. One may however be aware that these data are not only temperature-dependent but also time-dependent (that also control Organic Matter maturation). One other method that can be used if temperatures are expected to overpass ca. 200°C, is the RSCM method developped by Beyssac et al (2002). It is quite easy to use.
Dear Nurfauzi,
Vitrinite reflection data may allow temperature estimating for basins as stated some equations (e.g., Boggs, S., 1987. Principles of Sedimentolojy and Stratigraphy. Macmillan Publ. Co., New York, 784 pp., Barker, C.E., 1988. Geothermics of petroleum systems: Implications . . . ., In: Petroleum Systems of the United States (L. Magoon, Editor), U.S. Geol. Surv. Bull. 1870, pp. 26-29). You should be taken into consideration for time (or duration of thermal effect or event), as stated by R.Augier. Organic matter may be response as increasing maturation by thermal effect for short duration, while the inorganic maturation can not complete under short duration thermal events. You may need additional inorganic data (e.g., crystal chemical data of clay minerals) and correlate each others.
Dear Aditya,
DST temperatures are OK to calibrate your model and to determine the local Heat-flow, be careful, the Heat-flow may vary geographically..
VR and Tmax values normally provide a good calibration. However, you have to verify the accuracy of these values, and to eliminate anomalous values. To do that, you have to make profiles versus depth of both VR and Tmax, together with a cross plot Tmax/VR. If you need more information you may contact me: [email protected]
Regards,
M.L. Bordenave
Dr. Bordenave has already provided good guidance. I would recommend that you estimate present-day heat flow for wells you have BHT data taking into good estimates of thermal conductivity values (these will be computed by the software) based on your specifications of different lithologies. Then apply this heat flow to present day. Geothermal gradients will vary across the basin but the heat flow should remain relatively constant. This of course also depends on what type of basin setting you have.
Good luck.
Sedat Inan
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