About This Item

Share This Item

The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Special Volumes

Abstract


 
Chapter from: M 66:  Hydrocarbon Migration And Its Near-Surface Expression
Edited By 
Dietmar Schumacher and Michael A. Abrams

Authors:
Chris J. Clayton and Paul R. Dando

Geochemistry, Generation, Migration

Published 1996 as part of Memoir 66
Copyright © 1996 The American Association of Petroleum Geologists.   All Rights Reserved.
 

Clayton, C. J., and P. R. Dando, 1996, Comparison of seepage and seal leakage rates, in D. Schumacher and M. A. Abrams, eds., Hydrocarbon migration and its near-surface expression: AAPG Memoir 66, p. 169-171.
 
Chapter 13
Comparison of Seepage and Seal Leakage Rates
Chris J. Clayton

School of Geological Sciences
Kingston University
Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, U.K.
 

Paul R. Dando

School of Ocean Sciences
University of Wales
Bangor, Gwynedd, U.K.

Abstract

Rates of petroleum seepage must ultimately be related to the rate of supply from below. This could be either from a leaking accumulation or directly from the source rock itself. However, many things can happen during migration to the surface, such that the relationship between trap leakage rates and surface seep rates remains obscure. We calculate the potential flux rates of gas leakage across seals and compare these with measurements of fluxes for three seepage sites on the European continental shelf. We conclude that seepage flow rates can be modeled effectively by assuming Poiseuille flow through the matrix of mudstone seals. Flow rates calculated in this way are about 0.4-1.0 m3 gas/m2/year, consistent with field observations.

Pay-Per-View Purchase Options

The article is available through a document delivery service. Explain these Purchase Options.

Watermarked PDF Document: $14
Open PDF Document: $24