Kerogen type and maturity
Each kerogen type has its own relationship to maturity parameters. Maturity measurements are made on materials other than kerogen; therefore, they are not a direct measure of the hydrocarbon generation stage of the source intervals. A relationship must be established between maturity of the geologic section and hydrocarbon generation for each kerogen type in a basin. This relationship can be derived using 1-D basin modeling techniques.
Hydrocarbon generation and maturity
The hydrocarbon generation-depth curve shown below indicates where various phases of hydrocarbons would be generated today in the geologic section if a uniform kerogen existed throughout. We would use the following steps to compare the relationships.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Define the hydrocarbon generation stage for a calibrated well based on the depth vs. hydrocarbon yield plot (left figure). For example, the onset of oil generation occurs at approximately length::2.1 km. Then transfer to the depth versus maturity plot (in this case vitrinite reflectance, right figure) and follow across at length::2.1 km until you reach the maturity profile. This vitrinite reflectance value (0.55 %Ro ) would indicate the onset of hydrocarbon generation in this well. |
| 2 | Apply this relationship to predict the generation zones for this specific kerogen in wells with similar thermal and burial histories in the basin for which maturity data are available. |
See also
External links
| find literature about Kerogen type and maturity |
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