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Shale Prospectivity Tool

Shale Prospectivity Tool

The Shale Prospectivity Tool evaluates six pyrolysis attributes to predict the occurrence of producible hydrocarbons and map structures. The six pyrolysis attributes are determined through conversion of two Classical Pyrolysis rock measurements and four HAWK-PAM rock measurement’s mg HC/g rock (milligram hydrocarbons per gram rock), values to their respective organic carbon using the assumption that 85% of hydrocarbons content is organic carbon. These values are then normalized to either their respective TOC (Total Organic Carbon) or Extractable Organic Carbon (EOM) measurements (Maende et. al., 2020).

Lab technician reviewing results such as Shale Prospectivity Tool parameters received from HAWK-PAM and Classical Pyrolysis rock evaluation

More detailed information:

Application note icon for Shale Prospectivity tool using HAWK Pyrolysis TOC Instrument results from Classical Pyrolysis and HAWK-PAM analysis

Six Pyrolysis Attributes of the Shale Prospectivity Tool are defined as:

 

  • From Classical Pyrolysis:

    • Pyrolysis Attribute 1:  Classical Pyrolysis’ S1 organic carbon content in hydrocarbons normalized to either EOM or TOC. i.e., S1*C in HCs/EOM or TOC

    • Pyrolysis Attribute 6: Classical Pyrolysis’ S2 kerogen pyrolyzed hydrocarbons normalized to either EOM or TOC. i.e., S2*C in HCs/EOM or TOC

  • From HAWK-PAM measurements:

    • Pyrolysis Attribute 2: Oil4 (C20-C36)*C in HCs /EOM or TOC

    • Pyrolysis Attribute 3: Sum of Oil1, Oil2, & Oil3 (C4-C19)*C in HCs/EOM or TOC

    • Pyrolysis Attribute 4: Sum of Oil1, Oil2, Oil3 & Oil4 (C4-C36)*C in HCs/ EOM or TOC

    • Pyrolysis Attribute 5 is the Mobility Index: Sum(Oil1, Oil2 & Oil3)/Sum(Oil1, Oil2, Oil3 & Oil4) (C4 - C19/C4 - C36)​

Utilizing and Ranking

​The Shale Prospectivity Tool enables ranking of predicted producible hydrocarbons, with the highest to lowest values in each of the attributes, corresponding to highest to lowest producible hydrocarbon contents. Determination of these pyrolysis attributes for a producing interval can provide calibration for predicting similar production.

Shale Prospectivity Tool Attributes graph for reviewing results such as Shale Prospectivity Tool parameters from HAWK-PAM and Classical Pyrolysis rock evaluation on HAWK Pyrolysis TOC Instrument

Figure 5 from Maende et al, 2020

Shale Prospectivity Tool results applied in visualizing map structures in Eagle Ford shale from Albert Maende, using parameters from HAWK-PAM and Classical Pyrolysis rock evaluation
Map Structures

Figure 6 from Maende et al, 2020

Shale Prospectivity Tool results drawn over existing map structures in Upper Bakken from Albert Maende, using parameters from HAWK-PAM and Classical Pyrolysis rock evaluation
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