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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 64 (1980)

Issue: 5. (May)

First Page: 726

Last Page: 726

Title: Petroleum Source-Rock Evaluation by Thermal Distillation and Pyrolysis: ABSTRACT

Author(s): John M. Hunt, Previous HitAlainTop Y. Huc

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

Thermal distillation involves releasing the pore-water hydrocarbons and adsorbed hydrocarbons from a rock sample by heating to temperatures around 300°C. Further heating to 800°C (pyrolysis) causes cracking of the kerogen to form additional hydrocarbons. The present petroleum-source capability and evidence for primary migration can be evaluated from these data. Well cuttings from two COST wells in the Gulf Coast and miscellaneous samples from other areas were analyzed for individual hydrocarbons in the C6 to C15 range by these techniques. The depth threshold of intense hydrocarbon generation was identified in one COST well along with some evidence for primary migration. The second COST well showed no evidence of hydrocarbon migration probab y because the organic-carbon content and quantity of hydrocarbons generated were too low to cause migration.

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Copyright 1997 American Association of Petroleum Geologists