Heteroaromatic moieties in Green River oil shale kerogen

Investigation of the reaction of Green River oil shale kerogen with sodium borohydride in trifluoroacetic acid by infrared spectroscopy has shown the appearance of absorptions representative of lactams. These lactams can be shown to have possible precursors that are heteroaromatic in composition and as such could demonstrate the existence in Green River kerogen of aromatic nitrogen compounds.     

Characterization of Bulgarian oil shale kerogen revealed by oxidative degradation

A 13-step alkaline permanganate degradation of Bulgarian oil shale kerogen concentrate at ambient temperature was carried out. A high yield of oxidation products (90.1%) and a low yield of gaseous products (2.79%) were obtained. IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopic studies have shown that two significantly different types of high molecular products are present in kerogen. Further oxidation of these structures leads to the formation of low molecular aliphatic and aromatic acids, proven by gas chromotography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The data obtained at these mild conditions allow us to acquire detailed information about the aromatic structures and polymethylene chain lengths in kerogen.The 5-step oxidation of the kerogen at 90 °C provides information about stable aromatic structures. Soluble and insoluble polyfunctional acids in acid medium have close molecular masses and spectral characteristics. The amount of benzene and naphthalene carboxylic acids is 11.3% of the organic matter of the oil shale.     

Geology of southwestern margin of Siberian Platform in connection with the lower Cambrian oil and gas prospects

Accumulated data reveal the generally uniform sedimentation trend of the Upper Silurian marine basin of Tuva, which appears to have been shallow throughout its history, although reconstruction of the relief of the trough fringe is difficult. The climate of the region was evidently warm, dry and semi-arid. The observed geologic development trend - transgression followed by regression - was not accompanied by a consistent trend of changes in mineral associations of the terrigenous rocks.--IGR Staff     

First occurrences of Lapworthella in Lower Cambrian of the Siberian Platform

Two new species of Lapworthella are described from abundant silicified specimens from the Lower Cambrian Tyuser Shaya strata along the Lena river in northern Kharaulakh. Based on shape and size of shell, shell structure and composition (calcium phosphate), and character and arrangement of sculptural elements, Stenothecopsis schodackensis Lochman (1956) and several species of Stenothecopsis described by Poulsen (1942) are placed in synonymy with Lapworthella. The family Lapworthellidae Missarzlaevskiy, fain. nov. is proposed to include Lapworthella and Stenothecopsis. The two genera are removed from Crustacea (Cobbold, 1921, 1935) and placed in the unassigned order Hyolithelminthes Fisher, 1962.—M. E. Taylor.     

Environmental conditions of accumulation of Cambrian carbonaceous rocks in the Siberian Platform

Based on results of deep drilling and the CDP-2D seismic profiling, the relations between the Early and Middle Cambrian carbonaceous rocks and the underlying, overlying, and synchronously formed deposits in the Siberian Platform are analyzed, and the lithologo-paleo- geographic, paleotectonic, and tectonic conditions of their formation are considered. It is shown that these carbonaceous rocks are intimately related to the Cambrian organogenic structures, up to their mutual transitions.     

Chemical characterization of the kerogen from Moroccan Timahdit oil shale by analysis of oxidation products

A 33 step alkaline permanganate degradation of the kerogen from Moroccan Timahdit oil shale (M-Zone) was carried out. A very high total yield of oxidation products was obtained (95.4% based on original kerogen). Detailed GC-MS analyses of ether-soluble acids, acids isolated from aqueous solutions and soluble products of further controlled permanganate dedradation of precipitated, ether-insoluble acids, served as a basis for the quantitative estimation of the participation of various types of products and for comparison with other kerogens. The most interesting finding was the observed uniquely high yield of aromatic oxidation products from an intermediate type I–II kerogen. Taking into account the almost equally dominant aliphatic (50.2%) and aromatic (43.2%) nature of the acidic oxidation products, the existence of an aliphatic cross-linked nucleus mixed with cross-linked aromatic units in the Timahdit shale kerogen is postulated. Uniform distribution of oxidation products throughout the degradation suggested a similar reactivity of the various kerogen constituents towards alkaline permanganate.     

Effect of a dolerite intrusion on triterpane stereochemistry and kerogen in Rundle oil shale,Australia

Stereochemical changes of triterpanes present in extracts from an immature oil shale sequence intruded by a 3-m dolerite sill have been studied by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The steric configuration of the hopanes was observed to change from one dominated by the thermally less stable 17β(H), 21β(H) configuration at some distance from the intrusion, to one dominated by the thermally more stable 17α(H), 21β(H) and 17β(H), 21α(H) configurating in the immediate vicinity of the intrusion. In addition, severe alteration of the kerogen appeared to have taken place as a result of the contact metamorphism, and high concentrations of extractable organic matter were observed below the intrusion. Characterization of the kerogens by Curie-point pyrolysis has enabled the effects of the intrusion on the shales to be monitored.     

C and Sr isotope chemostratigraphy of Vendian-Lower Cambrian carbonate sequences in the central Siberian Platform

We propose a detailed δ¹³C curve for the Vendian and Lower Cambrian (Tommotian) strata of the central Siberian Platform. Two positive carbon isotope excursions identified near the base of the Yuryakh Formation (up to 5.5‰) and in the lower Bilir Formation (up to 5‰) are assigned to the lowermost and middle Tommotian, respectively. This correlation is supported by paleontological data, specific ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values (0.70845-0.70856), and similar C isotope record in coeval Early Cambrian basins. The documented minor vertical oscillations (a few meters) of these isotope excursions relative to the formation boundaries in remote boreholes is presumably caused by the spatiotemporal migration of facies. A high-amplitude negative δ¹³C excursion (-8 to -11‰) in the upper Nepa Regional Stage putatively corresponds to the global Shuram-Wonoka negative carbon isotope excursion (Middle Ediacaran). Carbonates of the lower Nepa Regional Stage (Besyuryakh Formation) demonstrate positive δ¹³C values (up to 5‰) and minimum ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.70796-0.70832. The C and Sr isotope record of the Nepa Regional Stage provides its robust correlation with the Dal’nyaya Taiga and Zhuya Groups of the Patom Foredeep. Micropaleontological data herein reported and glacial diamictites documented at the base of the Vendian sedimentary cover both in the central Patom Foredeep and on its periphery suggest a full stratigraphic volume of the Ediacaran System in the most stratigraphically complete sections of the central Siberian Platform.     

Kerogen from the Cambrian deposits of the Kuonamka Formation (northeastern Siberian Platform)

Kerogens from the Lower and Middle Cambrian deposits of the Kuonamka Formation in the northeastern Siberian Platform have been analyzed by modern methods. We have determined the pyrolytic characteristics of insoluble organic matter and the contents of C, H, S, N, O, and the stable C isotope. The type and catagenesis of organic matter have been estimated, as well as the generating potential of oil source rocks. It has been found that the composition of kerogens taken from the Molodo River outcrops was affected by supergene processes and that the degree of their alteration is related to the organic content of rocks and their structure.     

Role of water in hydrocarbon generation from Type-I kerogen in Mahogany oil shale of the Green River Formation

Hydrous and anhydrous closed-system pyrolysis experiments were conducted on a sample of Mahogany oil shale (Eocene Green River Formation) containing Type-I kerogen to determine whether the role of water had the same effect on petroleum generation as reported for Type-II kerogen in the Woodford Shale. The experiments were conducted at 330 and 350 °C for 72 h to determine the effects of water during kerogen decomposition to polar-rich bitumen and subsequent bitumen decomposition to hydrocarbon-rich oil. The results showed that the role of water was more significant in bitumen decomposition to oil at 350 °C than in kerogen decomposition to bitumen at 330 °C. At 350 °C, the hydrous experiment generated 29% more total hydrocarbon product and 33% more C₁₅₊ hydrocarbons than the anhydrous experiment. This is attributed to water dissolved in the bitumen serving as a source of hydrogen to enhance thermal cracking and facilitate the expulsion of immiscible oil. In the absence of water, cross linking is enhanced in the confines of the rock, resulting in formation of pyrobitumen and molecular hydrogen. These differences are also reflected in the color and texture of the recovered rock. Despite confining liquid-water pressure being 7-9 times greater in the hydrous experiments than the confining vapor pressure in the anhydrous experiments, recovered rock from the former had a lighter color and expansion fractures parallel to the bedding fabric of the rock. The absence of these open tensile fractures in the recovered rock from the anhydrous experiments indicates that water promotes net-volume increase reactions like thermal cracking over net-volume decrease reactions like cross linking, which results in pyrobitumen. The results indicate the role of water in hydrocarbon and petroleum formation from Type-I kerogen is significant, as reported for Type-II kerogen.     

New trilobites of the family Conocoryphidae from the Cambrian of the Siberian Platform and Tuva

Three new genera and four species of trilobites are described which include Tchaispis sdzuyi Atopina antiqua, Ivshiniellus nikolaii, and I. patulus. On the basis of their lack of eyes, configuration of cranidium, outline and segmentation of the glabella, very wide fixed cheeks and character of the anterior border they are assigned to the family Conocoryphidae Angelin, 1854. Tchaispis is known from the Middle Cambrian Olenek horizon of the Siberian Platform. Atopina and Ivshiniellus are known from the Lower Cambrian, Aldanian Stage of Tuva. --R. A. Robison.     

松辽盆地古龙页岩油储层干酪根的有机元素组成及其N元素的地球化学意义

对青山口组页岩的317件干酪根样品进行了工业、元素及能谱分析,对样品进行两次校正,引入合理评价干酪根C、H、O、N的指标Ccc、Hcc、Occ、Ncc概念。研究结果显示：古龙凹陷青山口组泥页岩Ⅰ型干酪根具有较高的Hcc、Ncc和很低的Occ,而Ⅲ型干酪根的Occ则较高,Hcc、Ncc较低。Ⅱ干酪根的Hcc和Ncc低于Ⅰ型干酪根,而高于Ⅲ型干酪根;Ⅱ干酪根的Occ高于Ⅰ型和Ⅲ型干酪根。Ncc主要以有机官能团（NH3+）方式存在的于黏土的F F纳缝中,而不是存在于黏土晶胞间的无机N（NH4）。微量元素研究表明,古龙青山口组页岩油储层沉积时经历了十几次干旱咸水环境,因为咸水环境有利于形成黏土的F F凝聚,使发育有NH3+官能团的有机质被吸附在黏土片的F F纳缝之间。随着深度的增加,Ncc的克分子量增加速率是Ccc克分子量增加速率的0. 96~2. 04倍,在青山口组1300~2550 m深度内青一段干酪根的Ncc含量明显比上部的干酪根相对高,主要原因与下部青一段藻类较富集有关,其次与Hcc的快速脱落而使Ncc相对富集有关,间接地揭示了青一段生烃能力较上部强。通过研究Ncc可以间接地知道古环境中的咸度、黏土的孔隙类型及其干酪根的来源。经过论证,Occ和Ncc越大,页岩的封存性也就越好,含油气性也越好。因此,Occ和Ncc值可以作为判别页岩油发育程度的指标。古龙页岩油储层的Ncc和Occ的研究可以提供一些重要的沉积环境、地球化学、黏土结构、干酪根有机质类型和成岩成储及成藏等信息,应该受到重视。     

Investigations into the structure of kerogen—I. Low temperature ozonolysis of Messel shale kerogen

Low-temperature ozonolysis of Messel kerogen is demonstrated to be a rather specific degradation method. The structures of the degradation products identified clearly point to specific structural elements in the kerogen network. These structural elements in turn indicate some classes of contributing species present in the paleo-ecosystem.     

Stereochemical studies of acyclic isoprenoid compounds—V. Oxidation products of Green River Formation oil shale kerogen

Gas chromatographic analysis of the major isoprenoid carboxylic acids and the major ketone (6,10,14-trimethylpentadecan-2-one), derived from successive chromic acid oxidations of the kerogen of Green River Formation oil shale, indicates that their stereochemistry is compatible with the hypothesis that phytol or a derivative with the same carbon skeleton and stereochemistry was incorporated into the kerogen matrix.     

Basement topography of Siberian Platform

Geophysically-geologically indicated topographic features of the platform's crystalline base (map) suggest mobility of the base throughout Paleozoic time. - -A.G.I. Staff.     

A natural oil seep in the floodplain of the Amga River (Siberian Platform)

A natural oil seep has been revealed in the floodplain of the middle stream of the Amga River, in zone of the exposure of Middle Cambrian sediments. A distinctive feature of saturated hydrocarbons of this oil is the absence of 12- and 13-methylalkanes, biomarkers that are present in oils of the Vendian–Cambrian deposits of the Nepa–Botuobiyan petroliferous province. In this feature the studied seep oil is similar to the Middle Cambrian oil from hydrogeologic wells (1-P and 1-T) drilled earlier downstream of the Amga River.     

Late Vendian-Early Cambrian formations of the north-west Siberian Craton

The composition and structure of principal key-sections for the Tira (Late Vendian) and Danilovo (Late Vendian-Early Cambrian) Horizons were characterized on the basis of deep-drilling data and studies of natural outcrops along the peripheries of the Kureika syneclise. The typical sedimentary formations/associations were recognized, their vertical and lateral successions were distinguished, and their deposition environments were interpreted. A distribution pattern scheme of thicknesses and depositional environments of Upper Vendian-Lower Cambrian deposits was compiled at the 1: 1000000 scale. The reservoir characteristics of the formations are discussed and forecasted for poorly studied areas of the northwestern Siberian platform.     

Electron paramagnetic resonance studies of oil shale,shale oil,and spent shale

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) reveals the presence of free radicals in raw shale, shale oil, and spent shale. Thirty-four samples of raw shale, and the spent shale and shale oil produced in the Fischer assay of these raw shale samples were studied. There is a significant correlation between the gallons per ton oil yield as estimated by Fischer assay and the spin density in the raw oil shale. However, the scatter in the data (due to uncertainties in sample preparation, Fischer assay results, and estimation of spins per gram of sample) limits the analytical utility of this finding. Sample preparation techniques affect the EPR signal.