Correlation of natural gas by use of carbon isotopic distribution between hydrocarbon components
The natural distribution of carbon isotopes between hydrocarbon gas components is used for (1) determining a gas's maturity, (2) correlating a reservoired gas to its source, (3) correlating one reservoired gas with another, and (4) recognizing gas mixtures. Calculated separations of carbon isotopes between the normal alkane components of a natural gas have been related to source rock maturity by use of a single, continuous diagram, independent of source type. Actual data from a wide variety of geologic settings and geologic ages confirm this relationship and demonstrate its applicability to the source rock Levels of Organic Metamorphism ranging form 8 to 13, covering the entire range of oil and wet-gas generation. At greater maturities, the wet-gas components are found to undergo thermal degradation, losing their usefulness for correlation. Three examples showing indigenous gas (west Texas), non-indigenous gas (Gippsland basin, Australia), and gas mixtures from multiple sources (southeastern Alberta) illustrate exploration applications.
- Research Organization:
- Exxon Production Research Co., Houston, TX
- OSTI ID:
- 5728442
- Journal Information:
- Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States), Vol. 67:7
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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