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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database
Journal of Petroleum Geology
Abstract
Journal of Petroleum Geology, vol.
A RE-CONSIDERATION OF THE "OIL WINDOW" FOR HUMIC COAL AND KEROGEN TYPE III SOURCE ROCKS
H. I. Petersen*
*Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), Øster Voldgade 10, DK-1350 Copenhagen K, Denmark; email: [email protected]
Based on natural data-sets and several hydrous-pyrolysis experiments on immature
humic coals, the conventional "oil window" (0.5-0.6%Ro to 1.3-1.35%Ro) for humic coals
is re-considered. A worldwide coal data-set comprising coals of Carboniferous - Tertiary
age and having vitrinite reflectances from 0.32%Ro to 3.6%Ro indicates that initial liquid
hydrocarbon generation commences at a vitrinite reflectance of 0.5%Ro to 0.6%Ro, and
that a significant liquid hydrocarbon build-up occurs from approximately 0.6%Ro to
0.85%Ro. The start of the "oil window" corresponds to a vitrinite reflectance of 0.85%R ;
however, the start of the "oil window" can vary significantly for individual coal series,
o
and it may range up to a vitrinite reflectance of 1.15%Ro. Liquid hydrocarbon generation is negligible at a vitrinite reflectance of approximately 1.8%Ro, and at 2.0%Ro the hydrocarbon generative potential is exhausted. A vitrinite reflectance of 1.8%R corresponds to the end of the "oil window", and for general use a vitrinite reflectance
o
range of 0.85-1.8%Ro is suggested to define the "oil window" for humic coals and kerogen
type III. The end of the "oil window" at 1.8%Ro is supported by published data, indicating
a much higher thermal stability of nC15+ hydrocarbons than is generally accepted, and
therefore limited oil-to-gas cracking at 1.3%Ro. The re-considered "oil window" between
0.85-1.8%Ro has significant implications for evaluating the prospectivity of basins
dominated by terrestrial organic matter, such as coals.
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