Origin, properties, and implications of solid bitumen in source-rock reservoirs: A review

We review the implications of the abundance of solid bitumen on reservoir quality, porosity, permeability, and producibility, based on examples of selected sequences. One of the difficulties in predicting the influence of solid-bitumen-bearing horizons on reservoir quality arises from the problems with detecting organic phases using various logging techniques. The use of specialized techniques such as NMR logging that allows two-dimensional T1 and T2 measurements should be expanded, and other potential techniques need to be further researched and tested. Certain aspects of the properties of solid bitumen that are not as well understood, such as its hydrocarbon generation potential or its role in hydrocarbon migration are also discussed with the aim of identifying further research that could lead to a better understanding of the role that solid bitumen plays in unconventional reservoirs.