Month: July 2009

Two distinct processes produce hydrocarbon gas: biogenic and thermogenic degradation of organic matter. Biogenic gas is formed at shallow depths. In contrast, thermogenic gas is formed at deeper depths by: (1) thermal cracking of sedimentary organic matter into hydrocarbon liquids and gas and (2) thermal cracking of oil at high temperatures into gas. If a gas show is found to be thermogenic in origin, then the possibility exists that the gas derives from a gas cap overlying a down-dip oil leg. That possibility can be further evaluated from specific aspects of the composition of the thermogenic gas

A type of improved recovery in which heat is introduced into a reservoir to lower the viscosity of heavy oils and to facilitate their flow into producing wells. The pay zone may be heated by injecting steam (steam drive) or by injecting air and burning a portion of the oil in place (in situ combustion).

Part of hazard analysis for LNG terminals and shipping. Federal siting standards in the US require the computer modeling of such hazards to help decide upon issues such as remote siting and other LNG site standards.