Abstract
Kerogen separates which consist predominantly of single maceral types at maturity levels lower than 0.7% vitrinite reflectance (R0) were pyrolysed in a single step and stepwise between 50 and 600°C. The total hydrocarbon yield and the yield of hydrocarbon gases (C1−C4) were determined along with the detailed composition of the gaseous fraction (C1−C4 alkanes and alkenes) and the C5+-fraction. The distribution of hydrocarbons, particularly in the C1−C3 range and the alkene/alkane ratio are useful as specific indicators for the various maceral types. The residue was analysed by reflected white light and fluorescence microscopy. The different types of reactive macerals i.e. algae, altered algae, particulate liptinites, amorphous liptinites and amorphous humic matter are transformed into particular types of inertinite. The reconstruction of the original maceral composition from its residue after katagenesis in a natural assemblage seems however difficult, due to the small amount of residue of the reactive macerals and the presence of original inertinite. Qualitative and quantitative data derived from these pyrolysis experiments may be useful on a comparative basis for the prediction of hydrocarbon generation by these maceral groups during katagenesis.
Published Version
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