Northeastern Section - 42nd Annual Meeting (12–14 March 2007)

Paper No. 11
Presentation Time: 1:00 PM-4:45 PM

MIGRATION OF HYDROCARBONS THROUGH HYDROUS PYROLYSIS


BALLARD, Christopher and SCHLAGETER, Vincent, Department of Geology, State University of New York at Potsdam, Potsdam, NY 13676, Ballar09@potsdam.edu

The purpose of this project was to experimentally observe the formation and migration of hydrocarbons through micro-fractures in different source rocks. This has been done through the process of hydrous pyrolysis and scanning electron microscopy. Using a sealed cylinder, the samples were heated in distilled water. Hydrous pyrolysis was conducted over intervals of one to five days at temperatures ranging from 300-350 degrees Celsius. The presence of micro-fractures facilitated the migration of hydrocarbons. Coalescing oil globules in the rock produced sausage shaped hydrocarbons, which migrated through the micro-fractures. The Monterey and Green River oil shales were used in this experiment.