Abstract

Hydrous pyrolysis experiments were conducted on Kauri (New Zealand) and Sumatran resinites to evaluate the quantity and composition of generated products, and the maturity level of liquid hydrocarbon generation. Results from hydrous pyrolysis experiments indicate that a large percent of resinite can be converted into hydrocarbons. Oil-pyrolysates are light, nonparaffinic products, consisting predominantly of cyclic isoprenoids and their aromatic derivatives. Liquid hydrocarbon generation from resinite occurs at thermal maturity levels comparable to other types of oil-prone kerogen (R_o > 0.60%). Geochemical and microscopic characterization of the heated resinites also indicate that low temperature generation does not occur. The composition of generated products differs depending upon the resinite precursor.

The composition of these oil-pyrolysates are very distinct and much different than naturally occuring oils. The lack of resemblance of these pyrolysates to naturally occuring oils suggests that resinite may not be an important source of liquid hydrocarbons.