Role of Hydrocarbon Geochemistry and PVT Analysis in Fault and Seal Integrity Assessment

Summary Fluid geochemistry and pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) data play a key role in assessing fault and top seal integrity. Examples from the Middle East will be shared to demonstrate several case studies in different fields where fluid geochemistry was vital in increasing confidence in fault and seal integrity evaluation. Examples include (1) the geochemical detection of partial sealing of oil but not gas, (2) the development of top seal as a result of the formation of solid reservoir bitumen immediately below a regional unconformity, (3) geochemically recognizing fault-controlled reservoir compartmentalization where PVT data are limited, and (4) top and lateral sealing caused by petrophysical heterogeneity, rather than a structural element.