Buoyancy-induced hydrocarbon

Under hydrostatic conditions, the hydrocarbons will become trapped in the reservoir rock when buoyancy-induced lateral upward hydrocarbon migration in the carrier-reservoir rock is stopped by a capillary pressure boimdary. Hydrostatic trapping positions include structural traps, stratigraphic traps and combination traps. The maximum height of a hydrocarbon column that can be contained in a hydrostatic trap is determined by the sealing capacity and geometry of the rocks, or rocks and faults, that form the trap. 

High-expansion foam can be used as an effective vapor suppressant on LNG spills. It adds heat from the water in the foam to the vapors as they pass through the blanket. This procedure induces buoyancy which can reduce downwind concentrations at ground level. Expansion ratios of 750 1 to 1000 1 have been found to be particularly effective (NFPA 11 A, 1988). At the same time, a low-expansion foam in the 20 1 range would be effective for a hydrocarbon spill. As this shows, selection of the actual foam to be used must be based on the intended application and on the foam supplier s test data and recommendations. 

After an initial upward migration of the hydrocarbons as induced by other hydrocarbon migration mechanisms prevailing at greater depths (e.g. buoyancy relict or actual conditions of burial-induced flow) or after initial lateral migration from e.g. a subsiding part of the basin ... 

Secondary hydrocarbon migration is induced by hydrocarbon potential gradients, which in turn result from buoyancy forces, capillary forces and net... 

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