Hydrocarbon charge history of the Gippsland Basin

As part of a larger petroleum system analysis and resource re-evaluation research program in the Gippsland Basin, over 400 samples from 29 selected wells in the Gippsland Basin were investigated using quantitative fluorescence techniques developed by CSIRO Petroleum, including the quantitative grain fluorescence (QGF) and QGF on extracts (QGF-E) and the total scanning fluorescence (TSF) techniques. Preliminary results have provided new insight into the hydrocarbon migration and charge history of the Gippsland Basin. The investigation has revealed: widespread occurrence of palaeo oil columns in some of the major gas fields, indicating that a significant amount of oil was charged into these reservoirs prior to a subsequent gas accumulation; that some of the current oil intervals appear to have received a relatively late oil charge, either through new charge or through palaeo oil re-distribution due to adjustments within the petroleum system; palaeo oil columns appear to be restricted to a certain distance range from the major source kitchens; and, evidence of a sequential oil migration and displacement along structural highs where reservoirs distal to the source kitchens received progressively lighter and more mature palaeo oils. These findings are consistent with the oil generation and migration model proposed by O’Brien et al (2008). Fluid inclusion petrographic investigations and molecular composition of inclusions (MCI) analysis are currently underway that will provide additional information on the hydrocarbon charge history in the Gippsland Basin.