Changes

These are generally referred to as '''kinetic parameters'''. They can be measured using various pyrolysis techniques and are different for each distinct kerogen analyzed.

These are generally referred to as '''kinetic parameters'''. They can be measured using various pyrolysis techniques and are different for each distinct kerogen analyzed.

==Hydrocarbon generation—depth and yield==

==Hydrocarbon generation—depth and yield==

The depth of hydrocarbon generation and the yield of individual hydrocarbon phases are primarily a function of the kinetics of the kerogen-hydrocarbon conversion. Burial history and catalytic effects, due to source rock matrix chemistry, affect the rate of generation, although these effects are secondary to the kinetic effects.

The depth of hydrocarbon generation and the yield of individual hydrocarbon phases are primarily a function of the kinetics of the kerogen-hydrocarbon conversion. Burial history and catalytic effects, due to source rock matrix chemistry, affect the rate of generation, although these effects are secondary to the kinetic effects.

The following hydrocarbon generation vs. depth plots for types I (left) and III (right) kerogens are based on identical burial and thermal conditions. Thus, they depict the difference in the depth of hydrocarbon generation, based on kerogen type alone. Type I kerogen generally has a shallower liquid hydrocarbon zone and generates significantly larger amounts of hydrocarbons. The onset of generation is indicated by the change in the slope of the curves.

The following hydrocarbon generation vs. depth plots ([[file:evaluating-source-rocks_fig6-15.png|Figure 1]] for types I (left) and III (right) kerogens are based on identical burial and thermal conditions. Thus, they depict the difference in the depth of hydrocarbon generation, based on kerogen type alone. Type I kerogen generally has a shallower liquid hydrocarbon zone and generates significantly larger amounts of hydrocarbons. The onset of generation is indicated by the change in the slope of the curves.

[[file:evaluating-source-rocks_fig6-15.png|thumb|{{figure number|6-15}}. Copyright: results of Genex 1-D basin [[modeling]] software, courtesy Institute Français du Petrole.]]

[[file:evaluating-source-rocks_fig6-16.png|thumb|{{figure number|2}}See text for explanation.]]

==Timing hydrocarbon generation==

==Timing hydrocarbon generation==

Variations in the kinetic parameters affect predictions of the present-day distribution of hydrocarbon generation zones and also influence when, in geologic time, a potential source interval generates. The figures below compare the timing of hydrocarbon generation from type I kerogen (left) to type III (right). The onset of hydrocarbon generation is indicated by the dramatic change in slope of the curves: 110-100 Ma for type I and 90-80 Ma for type III. The difference in timing shown in this example is based only on the different kinetic parameters of the kerogen types.

Variations in the kinetic parameters affect predictions of the present-day distribution of hydrocarbon generation zones and also influence when, in geologic time, a potential source interval generates. [[:file:evaluating-source-rocks_fig6-16.png|Figure 2]] compares the timing of hydrocarbon generation from type I kerogen (left) to type III (right). The onset of hydrocarbon generation is indicated by the dramatic change in slope of the curves: 110-100 Ma for type I and 90-80 Ma for type III. The difference in timing shown in this example is based only on the different kinetic parameters of the kerogen types.

 

==Recommendations==

==Recommendations==