The generation of hydrocarbons by kerogen thermal simulation

The characteristics of hydrocarbon generation are studied on the basis of abundant information derived from temperature-programmed thermal simulation experiments on three kerogen samples of three representative types. The hydrocarbon yields at different simulation temperature intervals indicate good agreement of keorgen thermal simulation with natural thermal evolution processes. It is pointed out that more than two-thirds, or even four-fifths, of the total hydrocarbons are generated during and after the peak hydrocarbon generation stage. Therefore, it is suggested that when source rock evaluations are to be conducted, more attention should be paid to the study of peak generation stage development, in addition to the determination of hydrocarbon maturation thresholds. The variation in the composition of different hydrocarbons at different temperature intervals is also studied, and a series of very significant regularities are found in the process of hydrocarbon generation from kerogen.