Average Oil Yield Research Articles

Chemical Composition of the Leaf and Flower Essential Oils of Tunisian Lavandula dentata L. (Lamiaceae)

AbstractEssential oils of Lavandula dentata, a Tunisian native plant, were isolated from leaves and flowers by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger‐type apparatus and characterized by GC‐FID and GC/MS analyses. The average essential oil yields, means of five replicates, were higher for the flowers (8.60 mg/g) than for the leaves (6.56 mg/g). A total of 72 compounds were identified, accounting for 98.1 and 97.7% of the total oil composition of the leaves and flowers, respectively. The main essential oil constituents were 1,8‐cineole, camphor, and L‐fenchone, accounting for 33.54, 18.89, and 8.36% in the leaf oils and for 19.85, 23.33, and 7.13% in the flower oils, respectively. Besides this quantitative variation, the results also showed considerable qualitative variation between the essential oils of the two plant parts analyzed. These differences might be adaptative responses to ecological exigencies.

Productivity of NS sunflower hybrids in small-plot trials in Serbia in 2010

The objective of this study was the evaluation of NS sunflower hybrids on the basis of the results of seed yield, seed oil content and oil yield obtained in a network of small-plot trials in Vojvodina and central Serbia in 2010, as well as recommendations for the sowing season 2011. Seed yield, seed oil content and oil yield were significantly different in small-plot trials in the investigated regions. In Vojvodina, the highest average seed yield was produced by Duško (3.08 t ha-1), Sremac (2.98 t ha-1), Orfej (2.97 t ha-1) Velja (2.93 t ha-1) and NS-H-111 (2.92 t ha-1). In the region of central Serbia, the highest seed yield was achieved by the hybrids NS-H-111 (2.97 t ha-1) and Duško (2.87 t ha-1). Hybrid Baća showed the highest average seed oil content both in the region of Vojvodina (48.54%) and central Serbia (48.80%). The highest average oil yield (over 1.30 t ha-1) was produced by Duško, Bačvanin and NS-H-111 in the Vojvodina region, and in central Serbia oil yield (over 1.30 t ha-1) by NS-H-111, Oskar and Novosađanin. In the three-year trials in Vojvodina four hybrids (Duško, Sremac, Velja and NS-H-111) showed seed yield over general mean. The highest seed yield was reached by hybrid Duško (3.54 t ha-1).

Optimization of operating conditions of Tunisian myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) essential oil extraction by a hydrodistillation process using a 24 complete factorial design

AbstractA 24 complete factorial design has been used to study the technological parameters that are responsible for the hydrodistillation process. After an appropriate choice of four critical variables, 16 experiments led to a mathematical model as a first degree polynomial presenting the response function (yield) in relation to the operating parameters. From the retained model, we were able to calculate the average response, the different effects and their interactions. The results showed that processing time, condensation flow and mass ratio plant material:water had significant effects (in absolute values) on myrtle essential oil yield (0.0350, −0.0421 and −0.0416, respectively), whereas granulometry presented a negligible effect (about −0.0084). The average essential oil yield extracted from 100 g myrtle leaves is 0.635%. Our study proved that experimental design methodology could efficiently be applied to characterize the analytical parameters affecting the hydrodistillation process and that it is an economical way of obtaining the maximum amount of information in a short period of time and with the smallest number of experiments. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Comparison of Volatile Organic Compounds of Thymus Vulgaris Using Hydrodistillation and Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry

AbstractEssential oil of aerial parts of Tymus vulgaris L. from Babaaman montains of Iran were isolated by hydrodistillation with an average oil yield 1.9 w/w%. The components of the oil were identified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. On a separate experiments the compositions of volatile emission of the plant were studied by headspace solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The tempratures used during the sample preparation were 25°C and 50°C. In order to determine the effect of solvent (water) on the separation, the experiments were done in the presence and absence of distilled water in the extraction vial at the tempratures mentioned above. Ten majour components were obtained in four different experimental headspace solid phase microextraction conditions and the hydrodistillation methods from the plant. Thymol was found to be the most abundant costituent (27.2–73.09%), follwoed by p‐cymene (6.86–31.76%), γ‐terpinene (1.02–9.26%), myrcene (0.05–8.84%), α‐pinene (0.25–6.63%), caryophyllene (3.09–5.56%), thymol methyl ether (0.99–2.97%), thymolacetate (0.11–2.05%), carvacrol (0.49–1.70%) and α‐cadinol (0.38–1.10%).

Low cost production of ester from non edible oil of Argemone mexicana

This paper contains details extracting esters from oil of Argemone mexicana using transesterification technique. However, weed crops as A. mexicana seed oil and its seed oil methyl ester have not been tested for their production potential, comparative fuel qualities with diesel and economic feasibility. The average oil yield has been found 35%. To the author's best knowledge, this is the first study on A. mexicana seed oil and methyl ester production as a fuel. In this study, A. mexicana crop pattern and potential of seed production in field conditions, oil extraction process from the seeds and the transesterification process for ester production were examined. Seeds were collected from the crop, which was grown over a selected land area. A. mexicana seed oil was extracted and its physical and chemical characteristics determined. The produced A. mexicana seed oil methyl ester was characterized by exposing its major properties. Methyl ester yield, fuel properties and economic assessment of the oil and its methyl ester were determined and compared to that of commercial diesel fuel. The analysis of the properties in comparison to commercial diesel fuel showed that transe-methylation improve the fuel properties of the oil.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTl0N RESULTING FROM OLIVE OIL PRODUCTION IN PALESTINE

The level of the environmental impact of olive oil production in Palestine was evaluated by measuring the parameters: pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), the concentration of fat; oil, and grease (FOG), phenols, electric conductivity (EC) total phosphorus (T-P), and total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN, and compared with the Jordanian standard values. The results show that the value of these parameters are too high. A local survey has also been conducted by designing a questionnaire that covers oil production yield, water consumptions in olive washing and in oil recovery, wastewater generation relative to olive processed and oil generated, and solid waste product: The data were collected from 92 local olive oil mills, which were analyzed and organized according to the investigated parameters, and categorized according to local selected areas in the West Bank such as Hebron (South), Nablus (Center) and Jenine (North). The results revealed local variations in oil yield and solid waste product due to variations in the type of olive produced. The olives from the South were found to contain larger solid content than those from the North, .resulting in lower oil yield. The overall results indicated that the average oil yield was 23.7%, the solid waste product was 40.0% while the remaining balance was. the water. content (36.7%) in the olive fruit. A representative value at 1.7 m3/ton for wastewater generation was found to be high compared to similar values in other places of the world. This requires a criterious review of the technology and operation of olive mills in Palestine. The characteristics of OMW were found to violate the standards for OMW and this requires the attention of authorities.

Experimental modification of reciprocal recurrent selection in oil palm breeding in Cameroon

Reciprocal recurrent selection (RRS) exploits the genetic complementarity of dura populations of palms with a small number of large bunches and tenera/pisifera group of palms with large number of small bunches. An extra phase was introduced to RRS just after the second cycle of selection where outstanding dura derived from (DA3D × DA5D) combinations of the second cycle were self-pollinated for seed production. Best palms based on the phenotype were selected and crossed with pisifera of second cycle offspring of LM2T. [(DA3D × DA5D) self-pollinated × LM2T self-pollinated] progenies were field tested at La Dibamba (Cameroun) from 1987 to 1997. They were precocious with regard to the three-first years’ bunch yields (13.16–15.77 t/ha). Homogeneity for all bunch yield components and homogeneity for vertical growth were illustrated by low values of the variation coefficient (5.75–7.75%). The oil yield was 107% of the control against 115% from [(DA3D × DA5D) × LM2T self-pollinated] progenies of the second cycle of RRS, mostly due to poor mesocarp to fruit and poor oil to mesocarp ratios which led to a low oil extraction rate. The extra selection phase led mainly to homogenisation of progenies but also reduced the fruit quality. However, three progenies whose average oil yield represented 115% of the control (4.87 t/ha) in addition to their precocity can be released to oil palm growers. The extension of RRS did not fully meet expectations and poses the problem of its reliability.

Model of Steam and Water Extraction of Essential Oil of Eucalyptus Citriodora Using a Complete 2n Factorial Plan

The steam and water distillation of leaves of Eucalyptus citriodora was modeled using a complete 2n factorial plan. Eight experiments were carried out, with three easily interpretable variables, for steam distillation and for a first degree polynomial model. The average essential oil yield was 2.3%. Positive effects decreased in the order: duration of the extraction, heating power and state of division of the plant. Interactions were negligible. Extraction conditions had no practical impact on citronellal content, which yielded an average content of 83.26% with a range of 80.2-85.4%. Weak negative effects were observed on duration of heating and state of division of plant material. Sixteen experiments were conducted on four variables for water distillation. The extracted essential oil yield was increased by 28%. Effects on citronellal content were the same as with steam extraction. Hence, water distillation is better suited for small-scale extraction given the simplicity of the equipment required and the significant gain in extraction yield.

Profiling peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) accessions and cultivars for oleic acid and yield in Botswana

The ratio of monounsaturated oleic fatty acid to polyunsaturated linoleic fatty acid (O/L) and the associated agronomic traits were profiled for local peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars and accessions in Botswana. The research was tested on 16 entries planted in four localities across the country. The average total oil yield of the genotypes studied was about 42.1% and there was no significant difference in total oil yield (P < 0.05) across the four research sites and among all entries (accessions). The average mean O/L ratio for all entries was about 1.47. The highest was that of the locally improved variety, Peolwane (2.58), which was significantly different (P < 0.05) from all other accessions, and the lowest is that of the local accession GO 63 (1.23). This study also profiled the agronomic yield traits to identify genotypes that have both high oil quality and high yielding potential. No correlation was detected between pod yield and O/L ratio among the tested genotypes. The station with little rainfall but adequate repartition showed a very high O/L ratio for some genotypes, and future work is recommended to test this interesting observation on the correlation between moisture stress and oil quality.

Development of a Rapid Method for the Sequential Extraction and Subsequent Quantification of Fatty Acids and Sugars from Avocado Mesocarp Tissue

Methods devised for oil extraction from avocado (Persea americana Mill.) mesocarp (e.g., Soxhlet) are usually lengthy and require operation at high temperature. Moreover, methods for extracting sugars from avocado tissue (e.g., 80% ethanol, v/v) do not allow for lipids to be easily measured from the same sample. This study describes a new simple method that enabled sequential extraction and subsequent quantification of both fatty acids and sugars from the same avocado mesocarp tissue sample. Freeze-dried mesocarp samples of avocado cv. Hass fruit of different ripening stages were extracted by homogenization with hexane and the oil extracts quantified for fatty acid composition by GC. The resulting filter residues were readily usable for sugar extraction with methanol (62.5%, v/v). For comparison, oil was also extracted using the standard Soxhlet technique and the resulting thimble residue extracted for sugars as before. An additional experiment was carried out whereby filter residues were also extracted using ethanol. Average oil yield using the Soxhlet technique was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that obtained by homogenization with hexane, although the difference remained very slight, and fatty acid profiles of the oil extracts following both methods were very similar. Oil recovery improved with increasing ripeness of the fruit with minor differences observed in the fatty acid composition during postharvest ripening. After lipid removal, methanolic extraction was superior in recovering sucrose and perseitol as compared to 80% ethanol (v/v), whereas mannoheptulose recovery was not affected by solvent used. The method presented has the benefits of shorter extraction time, lower extraction temperature, and reduced amount of solvent and can be used for sequential extraction of fatty acids and sugars from the same sample.

Vegetative and Reproductive Response of Olive Cultivars to Moderate Saline Water Irrigation

Selected superior olive cultivars cultivated on a large scale in various countries in the Mediterranean region were tested in a special saline irrigation experimental plot established in 1997 in the center of the semiarid Israeli Negev area. The plot comprised two subplots containing the same 12 olive cultivars in a mirror image design. One subplot was drip-irrigated with tap water (1.2 dS·m−1) and the second with moderate saline water (4.2 dS·m−1). All cultivation practices applied to the two subplots were similar in terms of fertilization, irrigation, soil leaching, and so on. The present study summarizes the vegetative and reproductive response of the tested olive cultivar trees during the 5 years after they reached maturation and full yield. Evaluation of trunk growth, olive yield, oil percentage, olive oil yield, and fatty acid composition of the oil, sodium and chloride leaf levels, and soil fractions up to 90 cm enabled characterization and comparison of the horticultural performance of the various olive cultivars intensively cultivated with the two tested irrigation treatments. The data clearly showed a significant difference between the tested cultivars in terms of growth, yield, and oil parameters. Grouping the tested cultivars in terms of olive oil production yielded the following three groups: Group A—‘Barnea’, ‘Maalot’, and ‘Picholin’—their average oil yield ranged from 8 to 10 kg/tree; Group B—‘Souri’, ‘Frantoio’, ‘Leccino’, ‘Arbequina’, ‘Picual’, ‘Kalamata’, ‘Koroneiki’, and ‘Picholin di Morroco’—their average oil yield ranged from 5 to 8 kg/tree; and Group C—‘Picudo’—ranged from 3 to 4 kg/tree. Saline irrigation treatment at 4.2 dS·m−1 demonstrated only a low rate of retardation effect on growth or yield of olive trees compared with water at 1.2 dS·m−1 of the same cultivar in each subplot. The data obtained from the present study suggest that efficient productive cultivation of mature olive cultivars in Israeli Negev semiarid conditions, irrigated with moderate saline water, is closely related to proper soil leaching methodology and maintaining the soil electrical conductivity level in the root zone in a range lower than 6 dS·m−1.

Monitoring exogenous and indigenous bacteria by PCR-DGGE technology during the process of microbial enhanced oil recovery

A field experiment was performed to monitor changes in exogenous bacteria and to investigate the diversity of indigenous bacteria during a field trial of microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR). Two wells (26-195 and 27-221) were injected with three exogenous strains and then closed to allow for microbial growth and metabolism. After a waiting period, the pumps were restarted and the samples were collected. The bacterial populations of these samples were analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) with PCR-amplified 16S rRNA fragments. DGGE profiles indicated that the exogenous strains were retrieved in the production water samples and indigenous strains could also be detected. After the pumps were restarted, average oil yield increased to 1.58 and 4.52 tons per day in wells 26-195 and 27-221, respectively, compared with almost no oil output before the injection of exogenous bacteria. Exogenous bacteria and indigenous bacteria contributed together to the increased oil output. Sequence analysis of the DGGE bands revealed that Proteobacteria were a major component of the predominant bacteria in both wells. Changes in the bacteria population in the reservoirs during MEOR process were monitored by molecular analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence. DGGE analysis was a successful approach to investigate the changes in microorganisms used for enhancing oil recovery. The feasibility of MEOR technology in the petroleum industry was also demonstrated.

Effect of fruit ripeness and method of fruit drying on the extractability of avocado oil with hexane and supercritical carbon dioxide

AbstractBACKGROUND: Oil yield from avocado fruit may be influenced by fruit pre‐treatment and extraction method. Unripe and ripe avocado fruit pieces were deep‐frozen at − 20 °C and either freeze‐dried or oven‐dried (80 °C). Oil yield from these samples was determined after extraction with hexane and supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2). The fruit samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy before and after oil extraction.RESULTS: Average oil yield from ripe fruit (freeze‐dried and oven‐dried combined) was 72 g kg−1 higher than from unripe fruit for SC‐CO2 extracts and 61 g kg−1 higher for hexane extracts. This may be due to enzymatic degradation of parenchyma cell walls during ripening, thus making the oil more available for extraction. Freeze‐dried samples had a mean oil yield 55 g kg−1 greater than oven‐dried samples for SC‐CO2 extracts and 31 g kg−1 higher for hexane extracts. However, oil yields from ripe fruit (freeze‐dried and oven‐dried) subjected to hexane extraction were not significantly different. All hexane extracts combined had a mean oil yield 93 g kg−1 higher than SC‐CO2 extracts.CONCLUSION: SC‐CO2 may be more selective and may create paths of least resistance through the plant material. Hexane, on the other hand, is less selective and permeates the whole plant material, leading to more complete extraction and higher oil yields under the experimental conditions. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry

Produção de biomassa e óleo essencial de elixir-paregórico em função do corte das inflorescências e épocas de colheita

Avaliou-se a produção de biomassa e óleo essencial de plantas de elixir-paregórico (Ocimum selloi), em função do corte das inflorescências e épocas de colheita. O experimento foi realizado em campo, em blocos ao acaso, com os tratamentos dispostos em fatorial 2 x 8, sendo dois sistemas de manejo (com e sem corte de inflorescências) e oito épocas de colheita (45; 60; 75; 90; 105; 120; 135 e 150 dias após o transplante das mudas), com quatro repetições. Avaliaram-se as características altura de planta, massa seca de caule (MSC), folhas (MSF) e inflorescências (MSI) e teor e rendimento de óleo essencial destilado de folhas. O corte das inflorescências não afetou a altura das plantas. Plantas intactas apresentaram uma média de altura de 51,8 cm, enquanto aquelas que tiveram suas inflorescências cortadas atingiram em média 53,2 cm de altura. O crescimento das plantas apresentou resposta quadrática em relação às épocas de colheita, com a altura máxima estimada de 65,9 cm, 139 dias após o transplante (DAT). As plantas cujas inflorescências foram cortadas produziram maior MSC (51,8 g planta-1) e MSF (27,9 g planta-1), em relação às plantas sem corte (MSC = 42,4; MSF = 21,3 g planta-1) e, assim como MSI, apresentaram ajuste quadrático para os dois sistemas de manejo, ao longo das épocas de colheita. O teor de óleo essencial das folhas não foi afetado pelo sistema de manejo, mas apresentou resposta quadrática às épocas de colheita. Entretanto, o rendimento médio de óleo essencial das folhas das plantas cuja inflorescência foi cortada foi significativamente maior (1,60 g planta-1) do que nas plantas que não sofreram o corte (1,18 g planta-1). Para as plantas que tiveram as suas inflorescências cortadas, o rendimento de óleo máximo estimado foi de 2,36 g planta-1, obtido 135 DAT, enquanto nas plantas que não foram cortadas o rendimento de óleo máximo estimado foi de 1,65 g planta-1, obtido 114 DAP.

Seasonal Variation of Essential Oil Yield and Composition of Thymus vulgaris L. (Lamiaceae) from South Brazil

Essential oils from the leaves of Thymus vulgaris L. collected from Caxias do Sul (Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil) were isolated by hydrodistillation with an average oil yield of 0.25%. Twenty-two components were identified by GC and GC/MS analysis. Thymol was found to be the most abundant constituent (31.5–52.4%), followed by p-cymene (17.1–34.4%). Thyme possessed a higher oil yield and the oil was richer in oxygenated compounds when harvested in the spring.

Variation in first-harvest oil production in Eucalyptus radiata

Summary This study was undertaken to provide information on variation in first-harvest oil yields within and between provenances of Eucalyptus radiata subsp. radiata (1,8-cineole variant), as a guide to those wishing to evaluate the economic viability of using this species for commercial oil production. Yield of oil per ha was estimated from an assessment of oil and growth traits at 23 months in 32 open-pollinated families of E. radiata subsp. radiata in a provenance/progeny trial in southern New South Wales. Analysis of the growth data showed survival and number of stems to vary significantly between provenances while families-within-provenance varied significantly in survival, basal area per tree and leaf biomass per tree. The data on oil traits was not amenable to statistical analysis but substantial variation was evident both within and between families in oil concentration. Variation in 1,8-cineole percentage was present but deemed of less importance than oil concentration in determining the economic worth of a plantation. or as a trait for selection in a tree improvement program. Families from Big Bulimbla Creek with the highest survival rates and oil concentrations gave the greatest average oil yields of 156 kg/ha compared to the trial average of 131 kg/ha.

First discovery of oil shale in the Benue Trough, Nigeria

An oil shale deposit, possibly of high economic value and corresponding to the Turonian Ezeaku shale (lower Nkalagu formation) of the Lower Benue Trough, was found in a 1.5 × 1.0 km belt in Lokpanta near Okigwe, in Imo State, Nigeria. The characteristically dark-grey, laminated and fissile marlstone contains total organic carbon (TOC) > 7% in some locations and total extractable organic matter generally in excess of 10 000 ppm. The kerogen is type I–II (oil-prone) and at the updip rim it has attained intermediate thermal maturity status. An initial appraisal of the economic potential of the fossil fuel deposit by pyrolysis (modified Fischer assay) indicates an average oil-yield of more than 42 tonne −1, which is the lower acceptable threshold for economic exploitation. A total thickness of > 25 m was established by drilling/coring for one location. Apart from being the first recorded occurrence of oil shale in the Benue Trough, the Lokpanta discovery is important because it provides an authentic model for the deposition of anoxic sediments in the mid-Cretaceous Benue Trough. The most appropriate depositional setting for this highly carbonaceous shale seems to be sedimentation in a restricted euxinic platform (sub-basin) of the epeiric Benue sea.

Conversion of sewage sludge to heavy oil by direct thermochemical liquefaction.

To investigate optimum starting materials and catalyst loading for conversion of sewage sludge to heavy oil, various kinds of sewage sludges were liquefied at a temperature of 300°C, a pressure of 12 MPa, and a catalyst (sodium carbonate) loading of 0-20 wt %. The optimum kind of sewage sludge was found to be either raw primary sludge or raw mixed sludge because average oil yields of these sludges reached 43 %-higher than those of other kinds of sludges. For most sewage sludges, oil production proceeded satisfactorily without the addition of any catalyst.

Microwave Heating of New Brunswick Oil Shale

Microwave energy is used to heat New Brunswick oil shale to pyrolysis temperatures. Chromatographic analysis of the liberated gases revealed the presence of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, ethane, ethylene, and acetylene. Average oil yield was 90.6% of the Fischer assay. Net energy ratio (energy out/energy in) of 3 is predicted for a moderate grade shale of 22 U.S. gal/ton.

Hydrocarbon Assessment of the Chattanooga (Devonian) Shale in North Alabama, Northwest Georgia, and South Tennessee: ABSTRACT

Devonian oil-bearing shale (Chattanooga Shale) occurs over a wide area of north-central Alabama and south-central Tennessee. Four counties, Limestone and Madison Counties, Alabama, and Giles and Lincoln Counties, Tennessee, appear to have the best potential for future development in the region. In this area, the shale ranges from 0 to 15 ft (4.5 m) thick and has less than 100 ft (30 m) of overburden. The shale is typically dark gray to black with pyrite laminae and nodules. Very small lenses and interbeds of sandstone and siltstone, calcite streaks, phosphate nodules, and cherty layers occur locally. The unit is correlative with the Gassaway Member of the Chattanooga Shale as recognized in Tennessee. Shale samples of high oil content are typically very dark gray to black, slightly pyritic, and some have a petroliferous odor. Sandy and silty shale samples show a sharp decrease in oil yield values. In this region, the shale appears to have accumulated in a shallow (less than 100 ft, 30 m) marine reducing environment with a highly irregular shoreline and some scattered islands. If this depositional hypothesis is correct, it may account for the sporadic occurrence, variable thicknesses of the formation, and vertical variations of chemical data for the shale unit. Reconnaissance sampling throughout the four-county area, augmented by widely spaced core holes in Alabama, indicate that the shale has an average oil yield potential of 13 gal/ton by modified Fischer Assay. Maximum oil yield obtained was 23 gal/ton from a sample in Lincoln County, Tennessee. For samples having more than 7 gal/ton oil, whole rock and trace metals (Co, Cr, Mo, Ni, V, Ti, Zn, and U) analyses were made. Uranium values range from 0.0 to 70 parts per million (ppm) (av. 20 ppm). Values for other trace metals are as follows: Co 4 to 300 ppm (av. 91 ppm); Cr 5 to 200 ppm (av. 81 ppm); Mo 0 to 845 ppm (av. 230 ppm); Ni 10 to 600 ppm (av. 234 ppm); V 12 to 540 ppm (av. 257 ppm); Ti 3,000 to 11,500 ppm (av. 7,439 ppm); Zn 30 to 910 ppm (av. 228 ppm). Fixed carbon ranges from 0.60 to 12.97%, with an average of 9.58%. Total organic carbon averages 16.93 wt. % with a hydrocarbon index of 305 mg/g. The predominant clay mineral is illite, but mixed layered clays are common. The kerogen and organic content appears to coat and be interstitial to the quartz grains and clay particles. Coaly fragments were noted in some samples, but amorphous material suggestive of algal origin was noted in many samples. The components of the kerogen fraction are 29% aromatics, 65% resin and asphaltenes, and 6% saturates. Analyses of the extracted oil indicate 11% paraffins-naphthenes, 45.7% aromatics, 4.2% sulfur, 25.9% eluted NSOs, 1.5% non-eluted NSOs, and 11.7% precipated asphaltine. Solidstate 13C NMR spectra suggest a poor conversion of organic carbon to oil. End_of_Article - Last_Page 539------------