Abstract
The Upper Paleocene Cerrejón Formation is a great source of coal in Colombia. The northeastern part of the Ranchería Sub-Basin sees the most intense mining activity. As a consequence, all geological studies have been concentrated on this region. Consequently, neither the distribution of the Cerrejón Formation, nor the quality and quantity of organic matter in the rest of the sub-basin is clear. In this study, we analyzed new geochemical data from Rock–Eval pyrolysis analyses and vitrinite reflectance using core samples from the ANH-CAÑABOBA-1 and ANH-CARRETALITO-1 wells. Based on this information, it was possible to classify the geochemical characteristics of the Cerrejón Formation as a source rock, particularly in the central area of the sub-basin, which had not been extensively studied before. Additionally, based on the interpretation of seismic reflection data, the numerical burial history models were reconstructed using PetroMod software, in order to understand the evolution of the petroleum system in the sub-basin. The models were calibrated with the data of maximum pyrolysis temperature (Tmax), vitrinite reflectance (%Ro), and bottom hole temperature (BHT). We infer the potential times of the generation and expulsion of hydrocarbon from the source rock.
Highlights
Geochemical studies have been insufficient in relation to the Ranchería Sub-Basin [1]
These data were consistent with the studies carried out by Bermudez [20]: Apatite Fission-Track (AFT) established the orogeny of the Andes de Mérida, which had a rapid cooling in the Miocene–Pliocene, indicating its exhumation
To evaluate the quality of this organic matter, a Rock–Eval pyrolysis analysis was performed in each of the samples with Rock–Eval 6 technology equipment. This technique presented by Barker [30] and Behar [31] uses programmed heating of a small amount of rock (70 mg) or coal (30–50 mg) in an inert atmosphere in order to determine the quantity of free hydrocarbons present in the sample (S1 peak), as well as those that potentially can be released after maturation (S2 peak)
Summary
Geochemical studies have been insufficient in relation to the Ranchería Sub-Basin [1]. This study provides new geochemical data for the central part of the sub-basin. The study of the evolution of the oil system in this sub-basin is under discussion cubic feet (TCF) of coal. The study of the evolution of the oil system in this sub-basin is under due to its high structural complexity [5] and the[5]. Lack ofthe data from paleo geothermometers (%Ro and discussion due to its high structural complexity and lack of data from paleo geothermometers maximum pyrolysis temperature (Tmax)). (ANH), public institution which oversees the economicin activity of is interested in investigating this sub-basin in the short and long term in order to increase knowledge hydrocarbons in Colombia, is interested in investigating this sub-basin in the short and long term in about itstohydrocarbon production potential. The core core samples were acquired from the ANH-CAÑABOBA-1 and ANH-CARRETALITO-1 wells samples were acquired from the ANH-CAÑABOBA-1 and ANH-CARRETALITO-1 wells
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