Publications

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hydrocarbon source potential of the Middle Miocene Lower Baong Formation of the Lhokseumawe area and further attempt to establish a correlation of this possible source with the oil produced in the area by the mean of biomarkers analysis. Source rock characterization was realized by integrating several geochemical measurements including TOC, HI and Ro from the DY-1 and TM-1 wells. This has allowed us to define the organic content, maturity and kerogen type of the Lower Baong. Meanwhile, multiple produced oil samples from the area of interest were used to characterize their geochemical signature, based on a combination of isoprenoid, triterpane and sterane biomarkers, in an effort to determine maturity of those oils and the depositional environment of their source. This provides the basis of our attempt to correlate genetically oil and source rock in the Lhokseumawe area. The geochemical characterization of the Lower Baong suggest the formation to be an effective active source rock in the Lhokseumawe area with remaining average TOC of c1.5%, Kerogen Type II-III and maturity levels optimal for oil expulsion. Biomarker analysis of oils suggest an origin from a source facies deposited in open marine environment. Maturity level analysis using pentacyclic triterpane supports the source to be at peak maturity level. The correlation of oil with source rock supports largely that the Lower Baong oils are sourced by Lower Baong source facies of marine origin. However it worth noting that one oil family differs from this genetic correlation, opening speculation around other source facies to be active in the Lower Baong or an additional source interval to be active in the Lhokseumawe area. This could be interesting topic to be discuss in future.