| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
|---|---|
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| CEG8621 | Molecular Marker Compounds |
| CEG8622 | Sedimentary Organic Matter |
| CEG8623 | Maturation and the Generation of Oil and Gas |
-
-
The aims of this unit are -
To provide an insight into current understanding of the mechanisms of petroleum expulsion from source rocks, and of petroleum transport through carrier beds to reservoirs
To introduce the key properties of the rocks through which petroleum migrates,
To introduce the physical, chemical & biogeochemical processes occuring in reservoirs, and to describe the techniques by which geochemists study these processes.
Introduction: overview and importance
Movement of fluids in the subsurface: fluid potential, pressure, density, buoyancy, capillary pressure, wettability
Key rock properties: porosity, permeability, capillary entry pressure
Kinetic models of petroleum formation
Petroleum primary migration: Petroleum Generation Index, Petroleum Expulsion Efficiency, mass balance models
Petroleum secondary migration: mechanisms and efficiency
Petroleum biodegradation
Reservoir Geochemistry: principles and applications to exploration, production and appraisal.
On completion of this module, students will understand the phase behaviour of petroleum in the sub-surface and will be familiar with the mechanisms of petroleum expulsion from source rocks & petroleum migration in carrier beds. They will know that porosity, permeability and capillary entry are key rock properties and will understand how these change with increasing compaction and cementation. Students will also have learned about the processes that mix petroleum in oilfields and how their inefficiency provides the geochemist with powerful tools to study reservoirs; they will understand how biodegradation affects oil in reservoirs. Finally they will be familiar with recent research developments in the application of functionalised petroleum compounds such as phenols & carbazoles to tracing migration routes in the subsurface.
Students should be able to perform a simple Geochemical Prospect Evaluation. They will be familiar with software used to calculate the volume and phase of petroleum expelled from source rocks and migrating to reservoirs. They should be able to integrate a variety of geochemical data to make interpretations about the physical structure of petroleum reservoirs.
| Graduate Skills Framework Applicable: | Yes |
|---|---|
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 38 | 0:30 | 19:00 | Revision for exam |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 15:00 | 15:00 | Coursework |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:30 | 1:30 | Exam |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 19 | 1:00 | 19:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 2 | 3:00 | 6:00 | Data-based practical |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 19 | 1:00 | 19:00 | Lecture write-up. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 20:30 | 20:30 | Includes background reading and reading lecture notes for a full understanding of material. |
| Total | 100:00 |
Specialist knowledge and understanding are primarily imparted via lecture classes, supported by computer-hosted reference materials and workshops. Subject specific skills are taught through the two data-based exercises.
Students are encouraged and expected to learn through reflection and independent reading. They are supported in this by the provision of an extensive, but prioritised, reading list.
Subject specific skills are learnt through participation in, and reflection on, data-based practical classes.
Key skills are practised through participation in data-based practical classes.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 90 | 2 | A | 60 | Unseen written examination. |
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 2 | M | 40 | Written work; 1000 word limit. |
The specialist knowledge and understanding imparted during this module are assessed by means of unseen written examination and a single written coursework item. The examination paper employs a range of approaches in order to accurately assess student abilities. These may include essay, calculation, data interpretation, and multi-part questions.
N/A
Note: The Module Catalogue now reflects module information relating to academic year 13/14. Please contact your School Office if you require module information for a previous academic year.
Disclaimer: The University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver modules in accordance with the descriptions set out in this catalogue. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, however, the University reserves the right to introduce changes to the information given including the addition, withdrawal or restructuring of modules if it considers such action to be necessary.