TORKELSON, BRUCE E., Amoco Production Research, Tulsa, OK; R. K. OLSEN, and M. C. CASSIDY, Amoco Production Company, Houston, TX

ABSTRACT: Evaluation of Coals as Source Rocks for Oil

Over the last several years a significant amount of evidence has accumulated in the literature which suggests that some coals have the capability of generating and expelling economic quantities of oil and gas. There is, however, very little data on the quantities of oil expelled or the kinetics of generation. This project was designed to begin to address this short coming. The objectives are: (1) to determine the amount of oil and gas that can be generated from various coals; (2) to determine the kinetics of generation; and (3) to determine the proportion of oil versus gas generated and expelled at various stages of the hydrocarbon window. Initial data from hydrous pyrolysis experiments suggest that one Eocene coal section from Indonesia (the most prolific section thus far analyzed) h s the capability of generating and expelling up to 700 bbls/acre-foot of oil. In addition it generates and expels approximately 1000 cubic feet of gas (C<1> to C<6>) per barrel. Generation and expulsion occurs at a higher level of thermal stress then "typical" type II kerogens. Ongoing work will allow us to develop criteria for better characterization of the oil generating potential of coals and additional guidelines for recognition of coal sourced oils.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90987©1993 AAPG Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana, April 25-28, 1993.