Application of Petroleum System Theory in Oil and Gas Exploration

Abstract

The theory and methodology of petroleum system has obtained a broad application in oil and gas exploration, and has played an important role in reducing the exploration risk and increasing exploration efficiency. The paper introduces the basic concept of petroleum system first and then discusses its characterization and modeling. On the basis of a new genetic classification of petroleum system, the author proposes eight kinds of basic relationships in space and time between the complex petroleum system (only two petroleum systems dare iscussed). As case study is an important tool for the analysis of the petroleum system, the paper discusses in detail the Badaowan formation-Sanjianfang formation (!) petroleum system in Turpan-Hami basin as a good example.