NMR Analysis for Kerogen Hydrocarbon Kinetics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining the compositional kinetics of hydrocarbon generation from kerogen are either laborious, inadequate, or prone to errors, particularly in predicting the quality and quantity of petroleum fluids, as they lack accurate mass balance control and are time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

The use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis to monitor the redistribution of hydrogen among different species and model chemical reactions, providing tighter constraints on carbon and hydrogen mass balances, thereby improving the derivation of kinetics parameters for hydrocarbon generation and alteration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If current methods (pyrolysis-GC, bulk kinetics) are used to determine compositional kinetics of hydrocarbon generation, then the process can be completed, but the results are prone to errors and lack accurate mass balance control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemass balance control accuracyVSAvoidprediction accuracy of hydrocarbon quality and quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/chemical analysis methods (pyrolysis-GC, bulk kinetics) with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to monitor hydrogen redistribution. NMR provides direct observation of hydrogen atom positions and environments, enabling precise tracking of mass balance during kerogen maturation without the errors inherent in indirect chemical measurement methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses NMR spectroscopy as an intermediary tool to indirectly observe hydrogen redistribution and chemical reactions during kerogen maturation. By monitoring hydrogen environments through NMR signals, the method provides accurate mass balance control and kinetics parameters without directly interfering with the natural maturation process, thus improving prediction reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If traditional kinetics analysis methods are used, then the analysis can be performed, but the process is laborious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveturnaround time for kinetics analysisVSAvoidtime required for compositional kinetics determination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous monitoring of hydrogen redistribution and chemical reactions during kerogen maturation using NMR spectroscopy. By acquiring NMR spectra at different time points or thermal conditions, the method continuously tracks the maturation process, eliminating the need for discrete, laborious sampling and analysis steps required by traditional methods, thus significantly reducing turnaround time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If NMR analysis is used to monitor hydrogen redistribution and model chemical reactions, then tighter constraints on carbon and hydrogen mass balances are achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemass balance constraint accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of NMR analysis equipment and modeling

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the universal applicability of NMR spectroscopy to simultaneously monitor multiple aspects of kerogen maturation: hydrogen redistribution, chemical reaction progress, and mass balance constraints. A single NMR experiment provides comprehensive data that serves multiple analytical purposes, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and simplifying the overall system despite the sophistication of individual NMR measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

NMR analysis enables more accurate and efficient prediction of hydrocarbon generation, quality, and timing, enhancing the precision of hydrocarbon exploration and production planning by providing improved mass balance control and faster turnaround times compared to existing methods.

Implementation Method 1

nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis to monitor the redistribution of hydrogen among different species

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNuclear magnetic resonance:

Data Source

PatentEP3329263B1NMR in kinetics of hydrocarbon generation

Publication Date: 2023.10.11 CONOCOPHILLIPS CO

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2

AI summary

Disclosed are methods of characterizing kerogen and its hydrocarbon generation potential using NMR as the primary analytical tool, and using such data to derive the kinetics of hydrocarbon generation and alteration, thus predicting the hydrocarbon potential of source rock in geological setting, which can then be used in petroleum exploration and production.