Evaluation of source rock potential of tertiary coals in Labuan, Malaysia

Abstract

Potential of hydrocarbon generation of coals as an oil-generating source has been discussed by several researches and findings. Laboratory approach of kerogen thermal degradation is commonly performed to simulate the maturation of petroleum source rock compared to the longer geological period. This method requires high temperature to compensate for the shorter time observed in geological process. There is also laboratory simulation of thermal maturation of brown coal in both anhydrous and hydrous pyrolysis and reported that the pyrolysates expelled by hydrous pyrolysis was significantly closer to natural system of petroleum generation. Analysis of source rock potential by source rock analysis (SRA). This study focuses on comparison of source rock maturity before (free hydrocarbon) and after hydrous pyrolysis (trapped hydrocarbon) by biomarker parameter ratio. Tertiary coals from Labuan, Malaysia run in hydrous pyrolysis system using a PARR 4575 High Temperature High Pressure Reactor at temperature of 300oC, 320oC, 340oC and 360oC. Soxhlet extraction and liquid column chromatography separate saturated hydrocarbon fraction and analyze using Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to produce biomarker parameters. Evaluation of source rock maturity using petroleum biomarkers ratios. Tertiary coals of Labuan, Malaysia will be showing as generative source rock potential based on SRA results. Hydrous pyrolysis will be increasing source rock maturity based on biomarker ratio.