A REASSESSMENT OF THE RANGE OF KEROGEN MATURITIES IN WHICH HYDROCARBONS ARE GENERATED

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Abstract
The ranges of vitrinite reflectance values, defining zones in which oil and gas generation occur, are examined from several points of view. Geochemical consideration of coalification reactions, kerogen compositions, iso‐reflectance lines, spore colour and fluorescence, electron‐spin resonance, extract data and reservoir temperatures point to the following approximate ranges: oil generation 1.0–2.0% Ro, wet gas and condensate 1.5‐3.0% Ro, methane 2.0–5.0 % Ro. Biogenic methane can be formed at < 0.6% Ro. and hydrogen generation from kerogen appears to be possible above 5.0% Ro. These results point to hydrocarbon generation under hotter, deeper conditions than those proposed in most previous schemes. As a consequence, reflectance ranges are broadened for traces of vitrinite in possible reservoirs: oil < 0.4‐1.3% Ro, methane < 0.4‐3.0% Ro

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