Numerical simulation of primary petroleum migration

Abstract

A numerical simulation is presented for the generation and movement of petroleum in a single layer of source rock, a process also know as primary migration. The equations governing the system are derived from principles of mass and volume conservation and are then non-dimensionalized. The result of this formulation of the problem is an equation similar in form to a diffusion equation that describes the volume and flow of oil in the system. The linear form of this equation is solved using a Crank-Nicholson finite differencing scheme, and the form of the numerical solution is compared to a steady-state solution. The effects of two non-dimensional parameters are investigated. Based on these investigations, the compressibility of the fluid and the rate at which oil is generated appear to have significant roles in this model of primary migration.