3D-basin modeling to identify migration pathway of petroleum in Northern part of Pattani basin, Gulf of Thailand

Abstract

Petroleum exploration usually follows the geological data and seismic interpretation. A standard method of study cannot confirm the presence of petroleum in the area. Consequently, basin modeling is considered by integrating the geological data, petroleum geochemistry data and geophysics data to help identify petroleum accumulation area. For this research, the study area is located at the northern part of Pattani Basin, Gulf of Thailand. This research will study 2 types of basin modeling; 1D-basin modeling and 3D-basin modeling. The 1D-basin modeling will provide petroleum data based on 1 well data while the 3D-basin modeling takes consideration of the whole area. For the 1D-basin modeling, the essential data for creating a 1D model are stratigraphy, tectonics, heat data and petroleum geochemistry data. The final results are burial history and petroleum history curve. Moreover, the outputs of 1D-basin modeling will be compared with raw data in calibration step by comparing the temperature and vitrinite reflectance (Ro). In case the results do not fit with the raw data, adjustment would be taken. After the results of 1D model are satisfied, 3D-basin model is created. Seismic surface, represents stratigraphic layer, is used to generate a 3D model together with fault interpretation. The final result is 3D model showing migration pathway of petroleum from the expelled area to the accumulation area. The study result of 1D-basin modeling shows the proportion of oil to gas in source rock generation. The source rock in southeastern zone started to generate heavy hydrocarbon (C6+) and light hydrocarbon (C1-5) at 4 Ma. The 3D model shows the migration of petroleum in the area of south-southeastern to north-northwestern.