Identification of Hydrocarbon Potential of Talhar Shale: Member of Lower Goru Formation Using Well Logs Derived Parameters, Southern Lower Indus Basin, Pakistan

Abstract

Evaluation of shale gas hydrocarbon potential of Talhar Shale member of Lower Goru Formation, by using well logs data only, has been a challenging task in Southern Lower Indus Basin Pakistan. This paper is helpful to evaluate shale gas potential of source rock by using well log data. We have introduced and applied Empirical and Graphical method to resolve this task and have derived geochemical parameters from well logs data. The way mentioned is fastand the cheapest. Talhar Shale has kerogen typeIII and type II which has potential to produce, mainly, oil and gas. Talhar Shale is of Montmorillonite clay type. So, Talhar Shale has better sorption property. Empirical formulas are used to derive parameters, using well logs of Porosity, Density and Uranium. Porosity and Volume of Kerogen, calculated from density log, gives average values of 11.8% and 11.4%. Level of Maturity Index (LMI), derived by log, average value is 0.54 which indicates that it is on early stage of maturity. Vitrinite reflectance is between 0.5-0.55% as calculated by graphical method and empirical formula. Talhar Shale with main products of oil and gasis onset of oil generation,;could be a good potential source in the study area.