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Updated: Jan 3, 2026

Reservoir Condition Pore-scale Imaging of Multiple Fluid Phases Using X-ray Microtomography
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Relative sorption coefficient: Key to tracing petroleum migration and other subsurface fluids
L Zhang1,2, Y Wang3,4, M-W Li5
1Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources Research, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029, China. lpzhang@mail.iggcas.ac.cn.
New molecular indices accurately trace petroleum migration by accounting for sorption capacity changes. This approach overcomes limitations of traditional methods, improving exploration success and reducing environmental risks.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Petroleum Geology
- Organic Geochemistry
Background:
- Petroleum accumulation relies on migration from source rocks to reservoirs.
- Molecular indices based on polar molecule sorption are used to trace migration.
- Existing indices are unreliable due to unknown sorption behaviors in natural systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a reliable method for tracing petroleum migration.
- To quantitatively assess polar molecule sorption capacities during natural migration.
- To establish new, effective molecular indices for petroleum exploration.
Main Methods:
- Introduced a novel concept of relative sorption coefficient.
- Investigated "stripping" and "impeding" effects on polar compound sorption.
- Developed and validated new molecular indices using case studies.
Main Results:
- Discovered "stripping" and "impeding" effects altering polar molecule sorption.
- Demonstrated that traditional molecular indices provide incorrect migration information.
- Newly developed indices accurately and effectively trace petroleum migration.
Conclusions:
- The new approach and indices provide reliable petroleum migration tracing.
- Understanding sorption behaviors is crucial for accurate migration assessment.
- This method can reduce exploration risks and environmental impact globally.
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