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Geological Society, London, Special Publications; 2007; v. 289; p. 227-239;
DOI: 10.1144/SP289.13
© 2007 Geological Society of London

Articles

Proximity to a critical point: evidence from, and implications for, hydrocarbon reservoirs

K. J. Heffer

Institute of Petroleum Engineering, Heriot–Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK (e-mail: kes.heffer{at}pet.hw.ac.uk)
Present address: Kayness, Nightingale Avenue, West Horsley, Leatherhead, KT24 6PB, UK

Current models of lithospheric deformation that involve the concept of proximity to a critical point in its statistical mechanical sense are reviewed in the context of implications for fluid flow in hydrocarbon reservoirs. The data from hydrocarbon fields that support the applicability of this concept are listed. In particular, spatial and temporal correlations of fluctuations in oilfield production and injection rates are assessed. The long-range spatial characteristics of these correlations provide strong support for the reservoirs being close to a point of criticality, at least during their development lifetimes. The implications for reservoir simulation modelling, data acquisition and future research to further elucidate this area are outlined.