Organic-matter petroleum potential and hydrocarbon maturity parameters

This research discussed the relationship of organic material characteristics and thermal maturity versus hydrocarbon potential. The purpose is to establish the reliable indices of synthetic assessment of organic matter in the evaluation of petroleum potential. In addition, it is to present new guidelines for improved assessment of the kerogen type, generative potential and thermal maturity using Rock-Eval parameters. The analytic results indicate that petroleum generation potential is completely exhausted at a vitrinite reflectance of 2.00-2.20% or a Tmax of 510-520°C. A decline in BI signifies the start of the oil expulsion window and occurs within the vitrinite reflectance range 0.75- 1.05% or a Tmax of 440-455 oC. The petroleum potential can be divided into four different parts based on the cross-plot of HI vs. %Ro. The area with the highest petroleum potential is located in section B with %Ro=0.60-1.00%, and HI>100. The start of the oil expulsion window occurs within the %Ro range of ~ 0.75–1.05%Ro or the Tmax range ~ 440-455° C and the total oil window extends to %Ro = ~ 1.25- 1.95 or Tmax = ~ 465-525°C.