Investigating Geochemical Characterization of Asmari and Bangestan Reservoir Oils and the Source of H2S in the Marun Oilfield

Abstract

Geochemical evaluation is one of the most important and applicable methods for optimization of hydrocarbon exploration and production. In this article, the geochemistry of Asmari and Bangestan reservoir oils of Marun oil field was experimentally studied. Marun oil field is one of the giant oil fields in southwest Iran and has two oil reservoirs (Asmari and Bangestan) and one gas reservoir (Khami). The main goal of this study is to investigate the genetic behavior of the above oil reservoirs, focusing mainly on hydrogen sulfide pollutants. Biomarkers of saturated and aromatic fractions were studied on five polluted, three unpolluted Asmari, and two Bangestan reservoir oils. A triangular diagram was used to determine the chemical composition of the studied oil. The results show relatively higher oil maturity for both reservoirs with no biodegradation. The carbon preference index of both reservoir oils was also around 1, which indicates mature oil samples. The pristane-to-phytane ratio, Pri/nC17 versus Phy/nC18, terrigenous/aquatic ratio (TAR), and geochemical data all show that the source rock for both Asmari and Bangestan reservoirs is the same. This source rock was deposited in a reducing environment with algae (kerogen type II) organic matter and without any higher plants. Genetic potential studies of probable source rocks, by means of Rock-Eval VI analysis in Marun oilfield, present Kazhdomi and Garu as main source rocks. Biomarkers of sulfur compounds and structural analysis of Marun oil field revealed that hydrogen sulfide gas pollution in the Asmari reservoir originated from the Bangestan reservoir. In addition, thermal sulfate reduction was a possible main process for hydrogen sulfide formation.