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Programmed pyrolysis-gas chromatography of artificially matured Green River kerogen

Journal Article · · Energy Fuel; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ef00007a011· OSTI ID:5140463

Compositional changes in Green River kerogen during laboratory-simulated maturation by hydrous pyrolysis were studied by using programmed pyrolysis-gas chromatography (PP-GC) and Rock-Eval II pyrolysis. Hydrous pyrolysis of Green River marl up to 330/sup 0/C results in the thermal degradation of kerogen to form bitumen that is enriched in asphaltenes and resins. During this main stage of bitumen generation, the hydrogen index of the kerogen decreases slightly, n-alkane precursors are concentrated in the kerogen, and acyclic isoprenoids (especially prist-1-ene) are preferentially lost. At hydrous-pyrolysis temperatures above 330/sup 0/C, the hydrogen index and concentration of n-alkane precursors within the kerogen decrease. Several PP-GC parameters from the kerogens, such as the prist-1-ene(n-heptadecane + n-heptadec-1-ene) ratio, the phytane(n-octadecane + n-octadec-1-ene) ratio, and the odd-even predominance (OEP) of n-alkanes or n-alk-1-enes, show systematic changes with increasing maturity. However, the T/sub max/ of the Green River kerogen does not change significantly during thermal maturation.

Research Organization:
Chevron Oil Field Research Co., La Habra, CA (USA)
OSTI ID:
5140463
Journal Information:
Energy Fuel; (United States), Journal Name: Energy Fuel; (United States) Vol. 2:1; ISSN ENFUE
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English