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  | isbn    = 0-89181-602-X

  | isbn    = 0-89181-602-X

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Although it is tantalizing to be able to measure the capillary properties of a seal and then assess hydrocarbon volumes, some practical problems exist:

Although it is tantalizing to be able to measure the [[Capillary pressure|capillary properties]] of a [[Seal capacity of different rock types|seal]] and then assess hydrocarbon volumes, some practical problems exist:

* It is not easy to characterize the displacement pressure of a top seal from a few, or many, measurements.

* It is not easy to characterize the [[Top seal displacement pressure|displacement pressure]] of a top seal from a few, or many, measurements.

* Few empirical field studies compare the predicted and observed hydrocarbon column heights. This is worrisome because idealized laboratory experiments have significant errors in the predicted hydrocarbon column heights.

* Few empirical field studies compare the predicted and observed [[hydrocarbon column]] heights. This is worrisome because idealized laboratory experiments have significant errors in the predicted hydrocarbon column heights.

* Hydrocarbon saturations required for flow through top seals—and, consequently, displacement pressures—may be much higher than commonly assumed.

* [[Saturations required for hydrocarbon flow|Hydrocarbon saturations required for flow]] through top seals—and, consequently, displacement pressures—may be much higher than commonly assumed.

* Hydrocarbon columns beneath breached seals and hydrocarbon-wet seals may not be related to the capillary properties of the seal in any easily understood way.

* Hydrocarbon columns beneath breached seals and hydrocarbon-wet seals may not be related to the capillary properties of the seal in any easily understood way.

* Diffusion can cause loss of large volumes of gas but not oil through a top seal.

* |Diffusion can cause loss of large volumes of gas but not oil through a top seal.

* Hydrodynamic flow can alter top seal capacity.

* Hydrodynamic flow can alter top seal capacity.

* [[Seal capacity of breached and hydrocarbon-wet seals]]

* [[Seal capacity of breached and hydrocarbon-wet seals]]

* [[Hydrodynamic flow and pressure transients]]

* [[Hydrodynamic flow and pressure transients]]

==External links==

==External links==