Irradiation caused petroleum generation: Evidence from simulation experiments at room temperature

Abstract

Organic-rich shale often receives high doses of radiation from radionuclides, mostly U. Radiogenic heating and particles bombardment can lead to petroleum generation. Artificial irradiation of organic matter with neutrons at room temperature confirms these benefits. Produced bitumen was rich in asphaltene and aromatic compounds. An improved method is used to evaluate the effects of radioactivity on the petroleum generation potential. The maximum oil generation potential increases up to 31% in the artificial irradiation dose range of 280-680 Mrad. Natural irradiation caused by U should be taken into account when evaluating petroleum resources to mitigate the charge risks in both conventional and unconventional hydrocarbons exploration, particularly for Palaeozoic and Proterozoic sediment.