Prediction Method and Application of Hydrocarbon Fluid Migration through Faulted Cap Rocks

Abstract

Hydrocarbon fluid migration through faulted cap rocks was determined by comparing the maximum connected thickness of cap rocks required for hydrocarbon fluid migration and the actual values, since cap rocks are important in the study of hydrocarbon fluid distribution in petroliferous basins based on its migration mechanism(s). The maximum connected thickness required was identified by comparing the cap rocks, fault displacement, and oil/gas distribution. The hydrocarbon fluid at the Putaohua reservoir migrated to the overlying Saertu and Heidimiao reservoirs in the Bayan Chagan Area, northern Songliao Basin. This was predicted to demonstrate the validity of the method. The results show that the adjusted Putaohua oil reservoir was distributed near the Talahai fault and Bayanchagan fault, rather than the Gulong sag in the southwest of the study area, where oil migrated vertically through the Sapu cap rocks to the overlying Saertu reservoir. Thick mudstone cap rocks in the second member of the Nenjiang Formation made it difficult for hydrocarbon fluid to migrate to the Heidimiao reservoir. This agrees well with hydrocarbon fluid distribution at the Putaohua, Saertu, and Heidimiao reservoirs in the Bayan Chagan Area, indicating that this method is feasible for predicting hydrocarbon fluid migration through faulted cap rocks.