Kerogen Maturity Determinations: New Techniques and Technologies

This course discusses how the artificial kerogen maturity of organic-rich Green River shale affects the petrophysical, micro-structural, geochemical and elastic properties. The shale sample with total organic carbon (TOC) of ~28% is used in the examination. It is then subjected to anhydrous pyrolysis for artificial maturation by cooking the sample at 350°C for three days. You will see evidence of horizontal cracks on the sample which are induced by hydrocarbon generation and expulsion.

We discuss how we measured ultrasonic velocities on the shale plug before and after maturation. A significant change in the P-wave anisotropy (ε) is observed after maturation. We will discuss about the TOC measurements and Rock-eval pyrolysis and how the geochemical properties are affected by kerogen maturation.

This course also shows how to characterize the changes in the internal structure of the source rock through kerogen maturation by using micro-structural techniques such as SEM imaging and micro-CT scanning.