Abstract: Suppressed Reflectance Vitrinite: Recognition and Correction

J. C. Quick, D. A. Wavrek

Isorank variation of vitrinite reflectance observed in coals and source rocks is examined using petrographic, thermal pyrolysis, and GC-MS techniques. Data obtained by these methods can be used to identity suppressed reflectance vitrinite. Suppressed reflectance is indicated where the volume % amorphous kerogen is greater than 85%. We use a modified method after H. B. Lo where the Rock Eval hydrogen index is used to screen reflectance data and obtain a corrected reflectance value. These corrected reflectance values are confirmed using maturity parameters from subsequent GC-MS analyses. Examples are shown for samples from New Zealand and the former Soviet Union.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90986©1994 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado, June 12-15, 1994