Open System Pyrolysis for Hydrocarbon Source Rock Expulsion Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrocarbon exploration techniques face challenges in accurately predicting hydrocarbon expulsion efficiency due to discrepancies between laboratory experiments and natural subsurface conditions, as conventional pyrolysis methods do not adequately replicate the physical barriers and conditions encountered in subsurface hydrocarbon reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
The method involves performing open system pyrolysis on hydrocarbon source rock samples with an equivalent spherical diameter of at least one centimeter, followed by thermo-vaporization, to recover and analyze hydrocarbons, thereby determining hydrocarbon expulsion efficiency and providing more accurate inputs for computer-generated geological models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pyrolysis methods are used on small rock fragments, then the experimental process is simple and quick, but the results do not accurately reflect natural subsurface conditions and hydrocarbon expulsion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The experimental system is segmented into distinct functional components: a pyrolysis chamber for thermal treatment, a crushing mechanism for size reduction, and a collection system for hydrocarbons. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system accuracy without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary carrier gas system is introduced to transport hydrocarbons from the pyrolysis chamber through the crushing mechanism to the collection system. This intermediary enables the complex multi-step process to function as an integrated system while maintaining measurement accuracy
2Measurement precision
If large rock samples (at least one centimeter diameter) are used to simulate natural conditions, then the hydrocarbon expulsion efficiency prediction accuracy improves, but the experimental time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rock sample is crushed to the required size (at least one centimeter diameter) before the pyrolysis experiment begins. This preliminary preparation ensures that the sample geometry accurately represents natural subsurface conditions from the start of the experiment, improving measurement accuracy without extending the actual pyrolysis processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous heating during the entire experimental process, from the initial state through pyrolysis to the final measurement. This continuous thermal action ensures that the rock sample remains in a state that simulates natural subsurface conditions throughout the experiment, improving accuracy without requiring intermittent processing steps
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
This approach enhances the accuracy of hydrocarbon expulsion efficiency predictions, improving the confidence in computer-generated models and aiding in the discovery and prediction of hydrocarbon reservoirs by simulating natural maturation conditions more effectively.
Implementation Method 1
an open system pyrolysis is performed on a hydrocarbon source rock sample
Implementation Method 2
A hydrocarbons transport can be flowed through the pyrolysis chamber while performing the open system pyrolysis. The hydrocarbons transport can be configured to carry the hydrocarbons released by the hydrocarbon source rock sample
Implementation Method 3
the hydrocarbons released by the hydrocarbon source rock sample can be flowed to a cold trap including a fused silica column submerged in liquid nitrogen. The cold trap can be maintained a temperature of substantially -100 °C until an end of the open system pyrolysis. The cold trap can trap at least a portion of the hydrocarbons released by the hydrocarbon source rock sample
Implementation Method 4
After crushing the pyrolyzed hydrocarbon source rock sample a thermo-vaporization is performed on the pyrolyzed hydrocarbon source rock sample
Implementation Method 5
a thermo-vaporization can be performed on the pyrolyzed hydrocarbon source rock sample on which the open system pyrolysis was performed. Hydrocarbons released by the pyrolyzed hydrocarbon source rock sample in response to the thermo-vaporization are recovered
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Some examples of pyrolysis to determine hydrocarbon expulsion efficiency of hydrocarbon source rock can be implemented by performing an open system pyrolysis of a hydrocarbon source rock sample obtained from a natural system. Sample includes hydrocarbon source rocks having an equivalent spherical diameter of substantially at least one centimeter. After the open system pyrolysis, the sample can be crushed and thermally vaporized. A hydrocarbon expulsion efficiency of hydrocarbon source rock in the natural system can be determined based on hydrocarbons recovered in response to the open system pyrolysis and in response to the crushing and thermal vaporization.