Simulation Study of Hydrocarbon Generation Characteristics in Siliceous Rock

Abstract

Late Triassic-early Jurassic silica rocks are widely developed in Northeast China. To evaluate the silica rock hydrocarbon generating capacity, we have simulated the hydrocarbon evolution process by thermal simulation experiments and analyzed the hydrocarbon generation characteristics. The experiments were carried out at six temperature points 250, 270, 290, 310, 330, and 350°C, and the content of the gaseous and liquid products was measured. The experiments results showed that the organic-rich siliceous rocks are characterized by a relatively high hydrocarbon-generating capacity. The gaseous products are generated at different temperatures, while natural gas is mainly generated when the peak period of oil generation is completed. Natural gas includes hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon gases. Hydrocarbon gases include methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, and other heavy hydrocarbon gases. Non-hydrocarbon gases include hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is the main component of the gas products, followed by hydrogen, methane, nitrogen, and other gases, but the total content of other gases is extremely low. Carbon dioxide generated during all stages of the oil generation process accounts for the vast majority, but in geological conditions, it will eventually be consumed by hydration. Nitrogen is mainly produced in the early stage. The content of hydrogen and hydrocarbon gases increases with increase in temperature, but hydrogen is usually depleted in the actual reservoir due to its strong chemical activity.