Correlation of crude oils and source rocks in the German Molasse basin : Applicability of chromatographic techniques

Abstract

Chromatographic techniques can be applied successfully in organic geochemical research. Taking the oil—oil and oil—source rock correlations in the German Molasse basin as examples, it is demonstrated how classical column chromatography can help in oil—oil correlation work. Secondary alteration of oils can be detected by analysing the fraction of saturated hydrocarbons by means of capillary column gas chromatography. Aromatic hydrocarbons are less affected by biodegradation. The high-performance liquid chromatographic separation of this group of compounds is also demonstrated. Final conclusions in oil—oil correlations can be drawn from gas chromatographic—mass spectrometric (GC—MS) analyses of biomarker components (steranes, triterpanes). Preliminary results of oil—source rock correlations were obtained by using thermochromatographic methods (pyrolysis—GC) for pre-selecting potential source rocks and GC—MS investigations of steranes.