Basin modeling

The potential for the discovery of new oil reserves remains significant because, as yet, there has been little or no exploration in certain regions of the world: the Arctic, deep offshore zones, deeply buried onshore zones and ultra-deep zones.

Moreover, in zones already in production, some reservoirs remain unexplored since they are difficult to detect. Finally, the underground environment contains what are termed unconventional gases, such as shale gas, which are still little understood or under-evaluated.

To identify these new reserves, IFP Energies nouvelles is developing software models for the qualitative and quantitative characterization of hydrocarbon and sedimentary deposit formation, as well as the displacement of these hydrocarbons from their formation zones towards traps. Its work focuses on modeling in complex geological contexts, such as foothill zones.

TemisFlow^TM software, for example, a new version of which was released in 2010, makes it possible to understand and model the evolution of petroleum systems in time and space.

Using Dionisos^TM software, IFP Energies nouvelles is also capable of modeling sedimentary filling on a basin scale. Recently, R&D work has focused on deposits of fine sediments, such as clays and carbonaceous muds. Dionisos^TM software is the result of the work of a JIP bringing together IFP Energies nouvelles and nine industrial partners.

This work will also contribute to the understanding and modeling of deep saline aquifers used for geological CO₂ storage. The simulation of sedimentary deposits provides an insight into the distribution of its mineral phases in reservoir rocks. This is an essential component to describe the influence of acidity due to CO₂ injection.

+ Industrial development > Exploration-production