Petroleum Systems Modeling Training Course

Petroleum Systems Modeling Training Course

Introduction

Petroleum Systems Modeling Training Course is designed to equip oil and gas professionals with advanced technical knowledge and practical skills in petroleum systems analysis, basin modeling, hydrocarbon generation, migration, accumulation, and source rock evaluation. The course explores the fundamental geological and geochemical processes that control the formation and distribution of petroleum resources, enabling participants to understand how hydrocarbons are generated, expelled, transported, and trapped within sedimentary basins. Participants will gain practical insights into 1D, 2D, and 3D petroleum systems modeling, burial history reconstruction, thermal maturity analysis, subsidence modeling, heat flow estimation, and hydrocarbon charge assessment. Through integrated geological interpretation and digital modeling workflows, the training demonstrates how petroleum systems models support exploration risk assessment, prospect evaluation, and improved subsurface decision-making in conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon projects.

In an increasingly data-driven energy industry, accurate petroleum systems modeling is essential for reducing exploration uncertainty, improving drilling success rates, and maximizing the value of exploration portfolios. This course emphasizes the integration of seismic interpretation, well data, geochemical analysis, stratigraphic frameworks, structural geology, and reservoir characterization to develop reliable predictive models of petroleum generation and accumulation. Participants will explore sensitivity analysis, uncertainty quantification, probabilistic resource assessment, basin simulation, and digital subsurface workflows to evaluate petroleum charge, timing of trap formation, seal integrity, and hydrocarbon preservation. Practical exercises and industry-based case studies will demonstrate how petroleum systems modeling can identify high-potential exploration areas, optimize prospect ranking, and support economically informed exploration strategies. By the end of the program, participants will be better equipped to apply modern petroleum systems analysis techniques to complex geological settings and contribute to data-driven exploration, subsurface risk reduction, and sustainable hydrocarbon resource development.

Course Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the fundamental principles of petroleum systems analysis and their application in hydrocarbon exploration.
2. Develop 1D, 2D, and 3D basin models to evaluate petroleum generation and migration.
3. Interpret source rock geochemistry, total organic carbon (TOC), kerogen types, and hydrocarbon generation potential.
4. Evaluate burial history, thermal maturity, and subsurface temperature evolution using integrated geological data.
5. Assess hydrocarbon generation, expulsion, migration pathways, and accumulation mechanisms.
6. Integrate seismic, well-log, stratigraphic, and geochemical datasets into digital petroleum systems workflows.
7. Analyze heat flow, geothermal gradients, and thermal evolution to improve basin simulation accuracy.
8. Evaluate the timing of source rock maturation relative to trap formation and reservoir development.
9. Apply exploration risk assessment and petroleum charge modeling to identify prospective hydrocarbon systems.
10. Perform sensitivity analysis and uncertainty quantification to assess alternative geological scenarios.
11. Interpret petroleum systems model outputs to improve prospect ranking and exploration portfolio decisions.
12. Apply basin modeling software and data visualization techniques to communicate subsurface insights effectively.
13. Develop integrated petroleum systems models that support resource estimation, exploration optimization, and evidence-based investment decisions.

Target Audience

1. Petroleum geologists and exploration geoscientists.
2. Basin analysts and petroleum systems modeling specialists.
3. Geochemists and source rock evaluation professionals.
4. Reservoir engineers and subsurface development specialists.
5. Seismic interpreters and structural geologists.
6. Exploration managers and petroleum asset team leaders.
7. Hydrocarbon resource assessment and reserves evaluation professionals.
8. Energy consultants, geological researchers, and oil and gas technical advisors.

Course Modules

Module 1: Fundamentals of Petroleum Systems Modeling

• Definition, scope, and applications of petroleum systems modeling.
• Elements of a petroleum system.
• Geological processes controlling hydrocarbon generation and accumulation.
• Petroleum system events charts and critical moment analysis.
• Case Study: Evaluating the essential elements of a successful petroleum system in a mature sedimentary basin.

Module 2: Basin Analysis and Geological Framework Development

• Principles of sedimentary basin formation and tectonic evolution.
• Stratigraphic correlation and depositional environment interpretation.
• Structural framework development using seismic and well data.
• Subsidence history, erosion estimates, and burial reconstruction.
• Case Study: Reconstructing the geological evolution of a rift basin to identify exploration opportunities.

Module 3: Source Rock Characterization and Geochemical Analysis

• Source rock identification and organic richness assessment using TOC.
• Rock-Eval pyrolysis, kerogen classification, and hydrocarbon potential.
• Organic matter preservation and depositional environment interpretation.
• Source rock distribution, thickness mapping, and maturity evaluation.
• Case Study: Integrating geochemical data to assess the hydrocarbon generation potential of a marine shale formation.

Module 4: Thermal History and Hydrocarbon Generation Modeling

• Burial history reconstruction and subsurface temperature modeling.
• Heat flow estimation and geothermal gradient interpretation.
• Thermal maturity indicators, including vitrinite reflectance.
• Kinetic models of kerogen transformation and hydrocarbon generation.
• Case Study: Modeling source rock maturation in a deep sedimentary basin with variable heat flow and burial histories.

Module 5: Hydrocarbon Expulsion, Migration, and Accumulation

• Primary migration and hydrocarbon expulsion mechanisms.
• Secondary migration pathways and carrier bed analysis.
• Fault-controlled migration and structural connectivity assessment.
• Hydrocarbon charge timing, trap filling, and preservation.
• Case Study: Evaluating migration pathways and charge risks in a faulted offshore petroleum province.

Module 6: 1D, 2D, and 3D Petroleum Systems Simulation

• Building and calibrating one-dimensional burial and maturity models.
• Developing two-dimensional basin cross-section simulations.
• Constructing three-dimensional geological and petroleum systems models.
• Integrating seismic interpretation, well data, and stratigraphic surfaces.
• Case Study: Comparing 2D and 3D basin simulations to investigate hydrocarbon charge across a complex structural setting.

Module 7: Model Calibration, Sensitivity Analysis, and Uncertainty Quantification

• Calibration using well temperatures, vitrinite reflectance, and maturity data.
• Evaluating uncertainties in erosion, heat flow, and stratigraphic thickness.
• Sensitivity testing of source rock properties and kinetic parameters.
• Probabilistic scenario analysis and exploration risk quantification.
• Case Study: Assessing how alternative thermal histories affect predicted source rock maturity and prospect charge probability.

Module 8: Petroleum Systems Applications and Exploration Decision-Making

• Integrating petroleum systems models into prospect evaluation.
• Identifying sweet spots and underexplored hydrocarbon fairways.
• Applying petroleum systems analysis to unconventional resource exploration.
• Using model outputs for resource assessment and exploration portfolio ranking.
• Case Study: Ranking competing exploration prospects using charge timing, source maturity, migration access, and geological uncertainty.

Training Methodology

• Interactive lectures and presentations.
• Group discussions and brainstorming sessions.
• Hands-on exercises using real-world datasets.
• Role-playing and scenario-based simulations.
• Analysis of case studies to bridge theory and practice.
• Peer-to-peer learning and networking.
• Expert-led Q&A sessions.
• Continuous feedback and personalized guidance.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.