Maturity of bitumen and oils using polars

The problem

Most reservoir geochemical interpretations are based on hydrocarbon compound classes utilizing biomarkers or star diagrams and the like. Problems arise when the petroleum fluids of interest are heavily biodegraded and most geochemical information concerning source facies, maturity, etc. is lost or altered. The asphaltene fraction is known to be less vulnerable to microbial attack, but only the tip of the compositional iceberg has been tapped when it comes to geochemical characteristion of polar NSO-compounds in the resin and asphaltene fractions.

The solution

FT-ICR MS can rapidly offer, with one analytical run, ultra-high resolution analysis of polar compounds occurring in crude oils, tar mats, core extracts, native bitumens, oil shows, or pyrolysates. The NSO-fraction can be used alone or complimentary to standard hydrocarbon analysis for the assessment of kerogen/petroleum type, maturity, extent of biodegradation, etc., as well as for unravelling effects of fractionation caused by petroleum retention, migration, and production on fluid properties.

The deliverables

We provide an interpretation report containing targeted data in tabular form, interpretation diagrams and geochemical indices. The influence of facies, maturity, retention, mixing and biodegradation on the polar compounds composition will be assessed.

Full geochemical screening is offered in order to select key areas and key samples for regional or prospect scale evaluations.