--> Abstract: Fluorimetry: New Tools For Petroleum Exploration, by A. P. Radlinski, D. S. Edwards, N. Crawford, G. W. O'Brien, and W. J. A. Witham; #90928 (1999).

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RADLINSKI, A. P.1, D. S. EDWARDS1, N. CRAWFORD1, G. W. O'BRIEN1, and W. J. A. WITHAM2
1Australian Geological Survey Organisation, GPO Box 378, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
2World Geoscience Corporation Ltd, 65 Brockway Road, Floreat, Perth, WA 6014, Australia

Abstract: Fluorimetry: New Tools for Petroleum Exploration

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) naturally occurring in crude oils give out characteristic fluorescence under UV excitation. PAHs dissolve in sea waters at concentrations about 1ppm, which is high enough to detect their presence using fluorescence and, therefore, to demonstrate the existence of PAHs in sea waters, find the sea-bottom seeps and tie their position to the structural features of the underlying sedimentary basin.

The detection can be done using either sea-borne (towed) fluorimetry or airborne laser fluorescence (ALF) a remote-sensing method used in petroleum exploration. The field work is supplemented by laboratory- based UVF techniques used to detect the presence of PAHs in well cores and cuttings, grab samples and sea waters. Experimental methods of emission, excitation, synchronous scanning as well as emission/excitation surface maps are used to fingerprint oils and correlate seeps to their sources.

As part of a wider strategy for demonstrating hydrocarbons in under-explored off-shore areas, AGSO is using the field and laboratory fluorimetry in conjunction with radar satellite oil slick detection, light hydrocarbon sniffer surveys, GC-MS of seawaterextracted oil and a coring program. Results of these activities on the Australian continental shelf will be presented and discussed.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90928©1999 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas