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Characteristics and Genesis of Heavy Oil in Orinoco Heavy Oil Belt in East Venezuela Basin

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Proceedings of the International Field Exploration and Development Conference 2019 (IFEDC 2019)

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Abstract

This paper focuses on the features and genesis of Orinoco heavy oil in the East Venezuela Basin based on geochemical data and geologic evolution of this heavy oil belt. In accordance with crude oil composition and properties, heavy oil in the north gradually changes into extra-heavy oil in the south. Orinoco heavy oil is the product of secondary hydrocarbon generation, especially bacteria degradation, which was active in the proper temperature conditions caused by sustained, slow, small subsidence since the Cenozoic Era at this slope zone. As a result, crude oil experienced sustained biodegradation in the process of southward long-distance migration and accumulation along the slope. The flushed zones with meteoric water in the northern belt provided abundant inorganic nutrients for microorganisms, which accelerated bacteria metabolism and crude degradation. Thus, low API occurs locally against a background of high API in the north of the heavy oil belt. In addition to microbial degradation, the increase in viscosity was also related to water washing. Multi-phase crude accumulation gave rise to complicated, nonhomogeneous crude oil properties. Our study may provide useful information for heavy oil exploration and development in relevant prospects.

Copyright 2019, IFEDC Organizing Committee.

This paper was prepared for presentation at the 2019 International Field Exploration and Development Conference in **’an, China, 16–18 October, 2019.

This paper was selected for presentation by the IFEDC Committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper, as presented, have not been reviewed by the IFEDC Technical Team and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not necessarily reflect any position of the IFEDC Technical Committee its members. Papers presented at the Conference are subject to publication review by Professional Team of IFEDC Technical Committee. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper for commercial purposes without the written consent of IFEDC Organizing Committee is prohibited. Permission to reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgment of IFEDC. Contact email: paper@ifedc.org.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, PetroChina, Bei**g, China

    Wen-song Huang, Chao-qian Zhang, Zheng Meng & Fang Xu

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  1. Wen-song Huang
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  2. Chao-qian Zhang
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  4. Fang Xu
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Correspondence to Wen-song Huang .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. College of Petroleum Engineering, **’an Shiyou University, **’an, Shaanxi, China

    Jia'en Lin

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Huang, Ws., Zhang, Cq., Meng, Z., Xu, F. (2020). Characteristics and Genesis of Heavy Oil in Orinoco Heavy Oil Belt in East Venezuela Basin. In: Lin, J. (eds) Proceedings of the International Field Exploration and Development Conference 2019. IFEDC 2019. Springer Series in Geomechanics and Geoengineering. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-2485-1_85

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-2485-1_85

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