Evidence of early generation of liquid hydrocarbon from suberinite as visible under the microscope

The early generation of liquid hydrocarbons from suberinite can be clearly observed under the microscope. The generation of this oil-like material, mainly in the form of exsudatinite, from the maceral suberinite occurs at a maturity level of about 0.4% vitrinite reflectance. Hydrocarbons appear to be naturally expelled from coal initially through sweating and agglomeration of suberinite which subsequently forms exsudatinite. It is suggested that extensive expulsion of exsudatinite causes cracks to develop in vitrinite whereas limited expulsion of exsudatinite will only impregnate the vitrinite matrix. If cracks are formed, it is possible they could progressively develop to form an exsudatinite-crack network. The formation of such a network is believed to represent an effective way of hydrocarbon expulsion from coal source rocks.     

山西省太原组和山西组煤的煤岩特征分析

在收集和整理大量山西省煤岩资料的基础上,分析了该省太原组和山西组煤的显微煤岩组分,并对各煤田太原组和山西组煤的R0,max的变化规律进行了研究。研究表明：山西省太原组和山西组煤中显微组分一般以镜质组为主,并且有从北向南有不断增加的趋势,惰质组次之,其趋势与镜质组相反,壳质组最少;太原组反射率值在0.6%～3.9%,整体上呈北低南高、西低东高的趋势,煤级从中煤级煤Ⅰ到高煤级煤Ⅱ都有赋存;山西组反射率值在0.6%～4.2%,其反射率变化趋势和煤级赋存特征与山西组类似。研究结果为评价和利用山西省的煤炭资源提供了依据。     

从各向异性壳质组的发现论壳质组在煤化过程中的光性演变

通过对我国几个典型煤田300多块煤光片的详细煤岩研究,发现煤中存在一种高反射具强烈各向异性的有机显微组分,有些保存了完好的壳质组外形和结构.可称之为各向异性壳质组,它广泛分布于长焰煤以上各煤级煤中,它的发现进一步说明了壳质组的煤化历程是复杂的。有些在煤化过程中几乎全部裂解为烃类而消失,绝大多数光性与共生镜质组同化,还有一少部分转变成了各向异性壳质组。     

Coal and coal macerals as source rocks for oil and gas

The role of coals in the generation and migration of hydrocarbons is discussed from the viewpoints of chemistry and petrology. Extract data and considerations of volatile matter and maturity suggests that under geochemical conditions most coals can give rise to oil, as well as gas. A distinction is drawn between release of absorbed oil and formation of hydrocarbons by thermal breakdown of the coal matrix itself. The generation and preservation of oil require not only that suitable lipidic structures be present but that the product oil can escape before being cracked to gas.Exinite, preferably in large discrete particles, is the most oil-prone maceral. Vitrinite can form oil but subsequent migration depends on the availability of cracks and fissures in the coal matrix. The most highly reflecting forms of inertinite (e.g. fusinite) have no inherent capacity to generate oil. Low reflectance inertinite, such as is common in many Australian coals, may have minor source potential.A speculative attempt is made to quantify the oil-generating capacity of coal macerals and mixtures. As a general broad rule, on a weight basis, exinite can produce ten times more oil than vitrinite and a hundred times more than inertinite. Approximate calculations suggest that thermal maturation of coals can account for all the known oil and gas reserves in the Gippsland and Cooper Basins of Australia, even if only 1% of generated hydrocarbons is trapped.     

Characteristics of hydrocarbon generation from organic macerals in Jurassic coal measures, Xinjiang, China

The Jurassic coals of the Junggar and Turpan-Hami basins, Xinjiang, China, are characterized by abundant vitrinite. Microscopic analysis of Junggar coal samples indicates that they contain desmocollinite and hydrogen-rich vitrinite with a low reflectivity. The hydrocarbon-generating potential of various macerais follows the decreasing order of exinite > vitrinite > inertinite. However, desmocollinite is a principal maceral for hydrocarbon generation in this area because the content of vitrinite is higher than that of exinite. Data from simulating experiments and infrared spectra show that the hydrocarbon-generating process occurred primarily at the lower-mature stage in the Middle-Lower Jurassic coal measures. Generally, crude oil from the Qigu oilfield has a close similarity in hopanoid distribution to the vitrinite and exinite from the Jurassic strata with C₂₃-C₃₂ pentacyclic triterpanes and γ-lupane being present. The distribution of steranes is also similar. C₂₉-sitostane is dominant and Q₂₇ ergostane is subordinate. Only a trace amount of cholestane is present. All this suggests that the crude oil from the Qigu oilfield was derived from Jurassic coal measures.     

The petroleum generation potential and effective oil window of humic coals related to coal composition and age

A worldwide data set of more than 500 humic coals from the major coal-forming geological periods has been used to analyse the evolution in the remaining (Hydrogen Index, HI) and total (Quality Index, QI) generation potentials with increasing thermal maturity and the ‘effective oil window’ (‘oil expulsion window’). All samples describe HI and QI bands that are broad at low maturities and that gradually narrow with increasing maturity. The oil generation potential is completely exhausted at a vitrinite reflectance of 2.0–2.2%R_o or T_max of 500–510 °C. The initial large variation in the generation potential is related to the original depositional conditions, particularly the degree of marine influence and the formation of hydrogen-enriched vitrinite, as suggested by increased sulphur and hydrogen contents. During initial thermal maturation the HI increases to a maximum value, HI_max. Similarly, QI increases to a maximum value, QI_max. This increase in HI and QI is related to the formation of an additional generation potential in the coal structure. The decline in QI with further maturation is indicating onset of initial oil expulsion, which precedes efficient expulsion. Liquid petroleum generation from humic coals is thus a complex, three-phase process: (i) onset of petroleum generation, (ii) petroleum build-up in the coal, and (iii) initial oil expulsion followed by efficient oil expulsion (corresponding to the effective oil window). Efficient oil expulsion is indicated by a decline in the Bitumen Index (BI) when plotted against vitrinite reflectance or T_max. This means that in humic coals the vitrinite reflectance or T_max values at which onset of petroleum generation occurs cannot be used to establish the start of the effective oil window. The start of the effective oil window occurs within the vitrinite reflectance range 0.85–1.05%R_o or T_max range 440–455 °C and the oil window extends to 1.5–2.0%R_o or 470–510 °C. For general use, an effective oil window is proposed to occur from 0.85 to 1.7%R_o or from 440 to 490 °C. Specific ranges for HI_max and the effective oil window can be defined for Cenozoic, Jurassic, Permian, and Carboniferous coals. Cenozoic coals reach the highest HI_max values (220–370 mg HC/g TOC), and for the most oil-prone Cenozoic coals the effective oil window may possibly range from 0.65 to 2.0%R_o or 430 to 510 °C. In contrast, the most oil-prone Jurassic, Permian and Carboniferous coals reach the expulsion threshold at a vitrinite reflectance of 0.85–0.9%R_o or T_max of 440–445 °C.     

鄂尔多斯盆地延安组煤有机岩石学研究

鄂尔多斯盆地侏罗纪延安组煤系地层可否成为该盆地另一套油源岩的问题,历来存有争议。系统的煤岩和有机岩石学分析表明:煤中倾油性的壳质组分含量低,基质镜质体的类型也不利于生油,因此,延安组煤系有机质不大可能形成具有工业价值的煤成油藏     

库车坳陷北部山前带中生界烃源岩有机岩石学

应用全岩有机岩石学分析方法,对库车坳陷北部山前带中生界三叠系和侏罗系烃源岩的显微组分、主要富氢组分、有机质类型及热演化程度进行了研究。结果表明：库车坳陷北部山前带侏罗系克孜勒努尔组烃源岩显微组分总含量最高,恰克马克组烃源岩最低。中生界烃源岩显微组分组成具有镜质组含量高、壳质组和惰性组相对发育、腐泥组贫乏的特征。不同层位具有一定差异性,克孜勒努尔组和塔里奇克组中镜质组含量较高,恰克马克组壳质组相对发育。孢子体、壳屑体、角质体和藻类体是其主要的富氢组分,恰克马克组富氢组分相对含量最高。烃源岩有机质类型以Ⅲ型和Ⅱ2型为主,有利于生气,镜质组反射率Ro为056%~187%,热演化程度处于成熟-高成熟阶段。克拉苏—依奇克里克构造带冲断前缘烃源岩显微组分总含量与热演化程度均相对较高,为烃源岩的最大成熟生烃中心。烃源岩高生烃潜力与高的壳质组含量和低的陆源有机质含量有关。     

The role of coal petrographic characteristics in evaluating the non-coking nature of the coals of ramagundam and Kothagudem coalfields,Godavari Valley Basin,Andhra Pradesh,India

The maceral and microlithotype compositions of coals representative of the different coal seams of the Ramagundam and Kothagudem coalfields, Godavari Valley Basin, are compared with those of the Ib River, Talcher, South Karanpura, Hura, and Brahmani coalfields. The vitrite + clarite—“Intermidiates”—durite + fusite + shale (<20%) triangular diagram places these coals in the area of non-coking coals, clearly distinct from the coking and semi-coking coals. The vitrinite reflectance is low (R_ormoil^aver: 0.38–0.71%), far below the coking-coal range. Thus, based on petrographic composition and rank, these coals are of non-coking nature. A triangular diagram is proposed delineating the coking, semi-coking and non-coking coal areas for the Gondwana coals of India.     

The properties of macerals in Czechoslovak coals rich in inertinite

Czechoslovak bituminous coals rich in inertinite contain a considerable amount of inertinite with a reflectance range displaced towards and partly overlapping that of the vitrinite reflectance. Together with the existence of the transitional maceral group of semivitrinite, this causes difficulties in maceral analysis as well as in the technological evaluation of these coals. The relationship between the volatile matter of vitrinite and its reflectance is very close for both vitrinite- and inertinite-rich coals. The analogous relationship between the vitrinite reflectance and the volatile matter of inertinite displays a considerable scatter due to the effects of some higher values of the volatile matter of inertinite — related to the presence of inertinite with relatively low reflectance. The results of investigations into the coking properties of coals rich in inertinite, however, do not supply any proof of a higher fusibility of these coals.     

Study of petrological characteristics of coal deposits from Marki-Jhari-Jamni area,Wardha valley coalfield,Maharashtra

A detailed study of maceral composition and vitrinite reflectance of the coal deposits from Marki-Jhari-Jamni area, situated in the northwestern extremity of Wardha valley coalfield, Yeotmal district, Maharashtra has been carried out with special reference to their depositional set up. These coals have two distinct types of maceral organization, one having significantly high distribution of the vitrinite group of macerals (35–41%) and the other containing the dominance of inertinite (26–49%). Liptinite maceral group is recorded between 14 and 24%, barring a few coal bands having liptinite maceral group as high as 33–37%. The vitrinite reflectivity ranges from 0.38–0.43%. Thus, they have attained sub-bituminous C rank. Mineral matter in these coals varies between 15 and 22%. The present study suggests that the basin primarily experienced cold climate having intermittent brackish water influx with alternating dry oxidizing spells.     

The geology, petrology, palynology and geochemistry of Permian coal basins in Tanzania: 2. Songwe-Kiwira Coalfield

This study provides coal quality, petrological, palynological and geochemical (Rock Eval) data on Permian coal seams and associated shales and mudstones of the Karoo Supergroup of the Songwe-Kiwira Coalfield, Tanzania. The coal seams, which have a cumulative thickness of 6.80 m, occur in the shale–coal–sandstone facies of the Mchuchuma Formation of Artinskian to Kungurian(?) age.Coal quality data (calorific values, volatile matter contents) and vitrinite reflectances indicate high volatile C bituminous to high volatile A bituminous coals, having relatively high ash yields (22–49 wt.%) and highly variable sulphur contents (0.17–9.2 wt.%). They could be used to fuel small-scale power generation units thereby providing electricity to nearby towns and villages. Also, the coals could be used as a substitute for wood, which is becoming increasingly scarce. In rural Tanzania, charcoal is still the main energy source for cooking, and wood is used extensively in brick kilns and for making roofing tiles.Petrological analysis indicated that the coals are dominated by dull to banded dull lithotypes, with seams at the base of the Mchuchuma Formation enriched in inertinite macerals (up to 83 vol.%), whereas up-section vitrinite contents increase. Palynological analyses indicated that the assemblage in the lower Mchuchuma Formation (Scheuringipollenites assemblage) is dominated by trilete spores, whereas in the remainder of the section, non-taeniate disaccates dominate (Scheuringipollenites–Protohaploxypinus assemblage). Facies critical macerals suggest for most seams a marsh/wet forest swamp depositional setting, which is consistent with the palynological data.Rock Eval analyses indicate type II/III kerogen, with Tmax (°C) values ranging from 426 to 440, corresponding to the early stage of hydrocarbon generation. Thermal Alteration Indices (2 to 2+) and vitrinite reflectance levels (0.60–0.83 Ro (%) support the Rock Eval maturity assessment, and despite the predominance of terrestrial-derived organic matter, there is evidence of oil generation and expulsion in the form of cavity and fracture filling exsudatinite.     

Organic Geochemical and Petrographic Characteristics of the Coal Measure Source Rocks of Pinghu Formation in the Xihu Sag of the East China Sea Shelf Basin: Implications for Coal Measure Gas Potential

Coal measure source rocks, located in the Xihu Sag of the East China Sea Shelf Basin, were analyzed to define the hydrocarbon generation potential, organic geochemistry/petrology characteristics, and coal preservation conditions. The Pinghu source rocks in the Xihu Sag are mainly gas-prone accompany with condensate oil generation. The coals and shales of the Pinghu Formation are classified from "fair" to "excellent" source rocks with total organic carbon(TOC) contents ranging from 25.2% to 77.2% and 1.29% to 20.9%, respectively. The coals are richer in TOC and S1+S2 than the shales, indicating that the coals have more generation potential per unit mass. Moreover, the kerogen type of the organic matter consists of types Ⅱ-Ⅲ and Ⅲ, which the maturity Ro ranges from 0.59% to 0.83%. Petrographically, the coals and shales are dominated by vitrinite macerals(69.1%–96.8%) with minor proportions of liptinite(2.5%–17.55%) and inertinite(0.2%–6.2%). The correlation between maceral composition and S1+S2 indicates that the main contributor to the generation potential is vitrinite. Therefore, the coals and shales of the Pinghu Formation has good hydrocarbon generation potential, which provided a good foundation for coal measure gas accumulation. Furthermore, coal facies models indicates that the Pinghu coal was deposited in limno-telmatic environment under high water levels, with low tree density(mainly herbaceous) and with low-moderate nutrient supply. Fluctuating water levels and intermittent flooding during the deposition of peat resulted in the inter-layering of coal, shale and sandstone, which potentially providing favorable preservation conditions for coal measure gas.     

The occurrence of anthracites in an area characterized by lower rank coals in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin of Poland

The results of petrographical-geological and chemical examinations on anthracites, semianthracites and medium-low volatile bituminous coals from Jastrzebie in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin of Poland are presented. The coking coals mined in this region exhibit volatile matter V^daf = 18–26%, free swelling index FSI = 3–8 and reflectance R_m = 1.10–1.35% and are inertiniterich coals (I = 25–63%).Coal Seam 504 of the Anticlinal beds (Namurian B) has been affected by thermal metamorphism and contains both coking coals and coals of higher rank. According to the criterion of Polish Standards this coal seam varies from anthracite (V^daf <10%) to semianthracite (V^daf = 10–14%) in rank. The carbon content is slightly lower and the hydrogen content a little higher than those of typical anthracites and semianthracites. The reflectance values (R_m = 1.56–2.62%) are generally lower than the R_m values proposed by the International Committee for Coal Petrology as boundary values for anthracites and bituminous coal. The magnitude of anisotropy and microhardness were also examined. Examinations of optical properties prove that the metamorphism exhibited by the coals is the result of elevated temperature and variable pressure. The analyses of the maceral composition indicate that there is a decrease in the inertinite content in anthracites. Vitrinite exhibits the features of thermally altered coal. The micrinite content shows a little variation. In coking coals, a strongly fluorescing bituminous substance with the optical features of exsudatinite was found. The constructed geological section of Coal Seam 504 shows distinct regular changes in chemical and physical properties as well as the petrographic composition which may be caused by the heat flux of a magma intrusion, not localized so far.     

Organic petrology and source rock potential of sediments in the Eromanga Basin, South Australia

Cuttings and cores from the Poolowanna 1 well, Eromanga Basin, South Australia (in which oil was discovered in Lower Jurassic reservoirs) and the Macumba 1 well (no oil) have been analyzed petrographically to assess the nature of the coals and dispersed organic matter present. The Jurassic and Cretaceous coals have medium to high vitrinite contents, low to relatively high exinite, and medium to low inertinite contents. The dispersed organic matter has comparatively less vitrinite, more exinite and/or more inertinite than the associated coals. The microlithotype compositions of the coals indicate that the original vegetation was largely woody in character and was buried before much oxidation had occurred.The Jurassic sediments contain up to 2% dispersed organic matter by volume, 0–75% of which is exinite, including alginite. Vitrinite reflectances range from 0.5 to 0.7%. Where sufficiently mature, the Jurassic sediments are good potential source rocks for hydrocarbons.Statistical testing of the analytical results for the Jurassic Poolowanna Formation using Kendall's τ as a measure of dependence shows that there is a significant association between the macerals in coal and dispersed organic matter. The ratio of exinite to inertinite in dispersed organic matter is reasonably well predicted by the corresponding ratio in the associated coal.     

Evaluating the gas content of coals and isolated maceral concentrates from the Paleocene Guasare Coalfield,Venezuela

This work presents the results from evaluating the gases sorbed by coal samples extracted from the Paleocene Guasare Coalfield (Marcelina Formation, northwestern Venezuela), as well as by their distinct maceral concentrates. The aim of this work has been to obtain an initial experimental main value of the gas content per unit weight of high volatile bituminous A coal samples from the open-pit Paso Diablo mine. An additional goal was to study differences in the CH₄ storage ability of the distinct maceral groups forming part of the coal matrix. Both the coal samples and the maceral concentrates were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in order to determine the temperature to be used in subsequent experiments. On-line analyses of hydrocarbons (C₁, C₂, C₃) and CO₂ yielded gas concentrations, plus δ¹³C values. Thermogenic gas is prevalent in the Guasare coals with vitrinite reflectance (%R_o) values from 0.65% to 0.88%. The amount of gas retained in the coals and maceral concentrates was measured with a special device that allows determination of the volume of gas sorbed by a solid sample subjected to controlled thermal treatment. The average coalbed gas concentration obtained was 0.51 cm³/g. The following list of maceral concentrates shows the relative capacity for the volume of sorbed gas per unit weight: inertinite > low-density vitrinite > liptinite ≈ high-density vitrinite. It is concluded that the gas volumes retained in the distinct maceral concentrates are not controlled by porosity but rather by their microscopic morphology.     

The Late Triassic Callide Coal Measures, Queensland, Australia: Coal petrology and depositional environment

The Late Triassic (Carnian-Rhaetian) Callide Coal Measures are preserved in a partly fault-bounded basin remnant in east-central Queensland, Australia. The sequence comprises up to 150 m of interbedded clastic sedimentary rocks and at least four major coal seams, including one coal body up to 23 m thick. The sequence was deposited initially in high-gradient alluvial fan systems which gave way through time to sandy, low-sinuosity rivers. The restricted, intermontane and entirely alluvial nature of sediment accumulation is here considered to have influence the petrographic characteristics of Callide coals, and their external geometry.The main coal seam from the Callide Measures shows variation in the predominance of some macerals, indicating successions of environmental changes. The application of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to the study of the Callide coal has enabled a better understanding of the nature and origin of some of the less understood macerals such as micrinite and vitrinite B. Two forms of vitrinite have been observed, each with a distinct reflectance range. The wood-sourced vitrinite A displays an average reflectance of 0.56%, implying a higher rank than the 0.49% Ro total vitrinite reflectance recorded in previous publications. Vitrinite B and A together represent the most commonly occurring macerals in the Callide coal samples of the present study. The lower-reflecting vitrinite B which forms bands, often several hundred μm in thickness, in TEM shows sub-micron electron transparent laminae of lipid-rich material alternating with a more conventional vitrinite material. The vitrinite B is interpreted to represent accumulations of leaves.The Callide coal has entered the oil window, and oil has been generated from some exinite, cutinite, and resinite, as evident from change in fluorescence and the presence of exsudatinite in cell cavities and cleats. Vitrinite B is seen under the microscope to also be generating oil. Micrinite, the origin of which has been much debated, occurs in selected horizons only, as lenticular bodies suggesting cell filling or filling of spaces between laminations in vitrinite B. TEM shows micrinite to consist predominantly of sub-micron pyrite and possibly other mineral particles adsorbed on humic acids.     

Liquid hydrocarbon generation potential from Tertiary Nyalau Formation coals in the onshore Sarawak, Eastern Malaysia

Tertiary coals exposed in the north-central part of onshore Sarawak are evaluated, and their depositional environments are interpreted. Total organic carbon contents (TOC) of the coals range from 58.1 to 80.9 wt. % and yield hydrogen index values ranging from 282 to 510 mg HC/g TOC with low oxygen index values, consistent with Type II and mixed Type II–III kerogens. The coal samples have vitrinite reflectance values in the range of 0.47–0.67 Ro %, indicating immature to early mature (initial oil window). T _max values range from 428 to 436 °C, which are good in agreement with vitrinite reflectance data. The Tertiary coals are humic and generally dominated by vitrinite, with significant amounts of liptinite and low amounts of inertinite macerals. Good liquid hydrocarbons generation potential can be expected from the coals with rich liptinitic content (>35 %). This is supported by their high hydrogen index of up to 300 mg HC/g TOC and Py-GC (S ₂) pyrograms with n-alkane/alkene doublets extending beyond C₃₀. The Tertiary coals are characterised by dominant odd carbon numbered n-alkanes (n-C₂₃ to n-C₃₃), high Pr/Ph ratio (6–8), high T _m /T _s ratio (8–16), and predominant regular sterane C₂₉. All biomarkers parameters clearly indicate that the organic matter was derived from terrestrial inputs and the deposited under oxic condition.     

Study of petrological characteristics of coal deposits from Marki-Jhari-Jamni area, Wardha valley coalfield, Maharashtra

A detailed study of maceral composition and vitrinite reflectance of the coal deposits from Marki-Jhari-Jamni area, situated in the northwestern extremity of Wardha valley coalfield, Yeotmal district, Maharashtra has been carried out with special reference to their depositional set up. These coals have two distinct types of maceral organization, one having significantly high distribution of the vitrinite group of macerals (35–41%) and the other containing the dominance of inertinite (26–49%). Liptinite maceral group is recorded between 14 and 24%, barring a few coal bands having liptinite maceral group as high as 33–37%. The vitrinite reflectivity ranges from 0.38–0.43%. Thus, they have attained sub-bituminous C rank. Mineral matter in these coals varies between 15 and 22%. The present study suggests that the basin primarily experienced cold climate having intermittent brackish water influx with alternating dry oxidizing spells.     

Catagenesis of organic matter of oil source rocks in Upper Paleozoic coal formation of the Bohai Gulf basin (eastern China)

The Bohai Gulf basin is the largest petroliferous basin in China. Its Carboniferous-Permian deposits are thick (on the average, ca. 600 m) and occur as deeply as 5000 m. Coal and carbonaceous shale of the Carboniferous Taiyuan Formation formed in inshore plain swamps. Their main hydrocarbon-generating macerals are fluorescent vitrinite, exinite, alginite, etc. Coal and carbonaceous shale of the Permian Shanxi Formation were deposited in delta-alluvial plain. Their main hydrocarbon-generating macerals are vitrinite, exinite, etc. The carbonaceous rocks of these formations are characterized by a high thermal maturity, with the vitrinite reflectance R⁰ > 2.0%. The Bohai Gulf basin has been poorly explored so far, but it is highly promising for natural gas.