--> Abstract: Simulation of Hydrocarbon Source Rock Maturation by Hydrous Pyrolysis, by P. Yin, S. W. Boese, R. C. Surdam, and F. P. Miknis; #91004 (1991)

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Simulation of Hydrocarbon Source Rock Maturation by Hydrous Pyrolysis

YIN, PEIGUI, STEVEN W. BOESE, and RONALD C. SURDAM, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, and FRANCIS P. MIKNIS, Western Research Institute, Laramie, WY

Hydrous pyrolysis experiments were performed on samples of immature brown coal from the Gippsland basin (southeastern Australia) for 72 hours at temperatures ranging from 270 to 350 degrees C. The produced liquid pyrolysate ("oil"), gases, and aqueous organic acid anions were quantified, and the geochemical properties of the "oil" were determined. The solid residue from experiments was studied, using conventional pyrolysis, and was analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The genetic potential of the source rocks, as determined by hydrous pyrolysis, was substantially higher than that determined by conventional pyrolysis. The "oil" derived from hydrous pyrolysis is compositionally similar to the natural oil produced from the Gippsland basin. The maturation stage of the solid resid e determined by production index (PI), the temperature corresponding to the peak of kerogen pyrolysis [T(max)], and NMR patterns can be correlated with depth trends observed in a series of natural brown coal samples from the Gippsland basin (from near surface to a depth of 9000 ft). The major acid anions (e.g., acetate and propionate) generated during hydrous pyrolysis also are present within the produced waters in the Gippsland basin. The experimental results demonstrate that hydrous pyrolysis experiments simulate well the natural maturation of these hydrocarbon source rocks.

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91004 © 1991 AAPG Annual Convention Dallas, Texas, April 7-10, 1991 (2009)