Kerogen types: comparison of maturity measures
Parameter differences
The table below shows examples of the relationships between hydrocarbon generation zones, maturity, and transformation ratio for standard types II and III kerogens, based on a specific burial and thermal history model. The most significant difference is in the depth to the onset of oil generation, where depth::1000 m separates the top of the oil windows of these two kerogen types.
Hydrocarbon generation zone | Vitrinite refl., % Ro, Type II | Vitrinite refl., % Ro, Type III | Transformation ratio, %, Type II | Transformation ratio, %, Type III | Present-day depth, m, Type II | Present-day depth, m, Type III |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Onset oil | 0.55 | 0.85 | 5 | 12 | 2200 | 3200 |
Onset peak rate generation | 0.65 | 1.00 | 17 | 31 | 2600 | 3500 |
Onset gas/cracking liquids | 0.95 | 1.35 | 88 | 64 | 3400 | 4050 |