Inhalt
Rock Eval
"Rock-Eval" denotes a standardized pyrolysis technique which enables the chemical composition of a petroleum source rock, and hence its hydrocarbon potential, to be determined. The method was developed at the French Petroleum Institute (IFP) by Espitalié et al. (1977) as a rapid screening method for source rock characterisation and is routinely used in petroleum exploration. It involves two heating steps, the first to volatilize hydrocarbons present in the source rock (S1-peak), the second to pyrolyse the kerogen (sedimentary organic matter) and produce free hydrocarbons (S2-peak). The carbon dioxide (CO2) released from the organic matter at temperatures below 390°C is trapped and recorded as an additional peak (S3), thus providing information on the oxidation state of the organic matter. Maturation and source quality parameters are derived from the yields associated with each step.
Rock-Eval Instrument used at LEK for teaching and research.
Reference
Espitalie, J., Laporte, J. L., Madec, M., Marquis, F., Leplat, P., Paulet, J., and Boutefeu, A., (1977). Méthode rapide de caractérisation des roches mères de leur potentiel pétrolier et de leur degré d'évolution.: Revue de'l Institut Français du Pétrole, v. 32, no. 1, p. 23-42.