Rock Sample Pyrolysis Temperature Sequence for Hydrocarbon Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ROCK-EVAL pyrolysis techniques underestimate the amount of free hydrocarbons in hydrocarbon source rock samples, as they were developed for source and reservoir rocks when source rocks were not considered exploitable, leading to inadequate quantification and assessment of hydrocarbons in these unconventional reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
A modified pyrolysis method with a tailored temperature sequence starting from 50° C to 120° C, then increasing to 180° C to 220° C, followed by 330° C to 370° C, and finally to 630° C to 670° C, allowing for more comprehensive quantification of hydrocarbon compounds and assessment of petroleum characteristics such as free hydrocarbon content, quality, and production potential.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the existing ROCK-EVAL pyrolysis techniques are used, then the method is simple and fast, but the amount of free hydrocarbons is underestimated in hydrocarbon source rock samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the temperature sequence parameters of the pyrolysis method. Specifically, it introduces a fourth temperature stage (630-670°C) and adjusts the temperature ranges of existing stages to improve the quantification of free hydrocarbons. This changes the physical-chemical parameters of the heating process to achieve better measurement precision without fundamentally altering the pyrolysis device structure.
2Measurement precision
If the existing ROCK-EVAL pyrolysis techniques are used, then the analysis is rapid and automatic, but the quantification of hydrocarbons is inadequate for unconventional reservoirs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the pyrolysis process into four distinct temperature stages with specific ranges (50-120°C, 180-220°C, 330-370°C, and 630-670°C). Each stage targets different hydrocarbon fractions, allowing comprehensive quantification through segmented analysis. This segmentation enables accurate measurement of various hydrocarbon types while maintaining process efficiency through automated sequential heating.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the existing ROCK-EVAL pyrolysis techniques are used, then the method was developed for traditional source and reservoir rocks, but it fails to accurately assess hydrocarbon source rocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the temperature sequence adaptive and flexible. The method dynamically adjusts through four distinct temperature stages that can be optimized for different rock types. The temperature ranges and staging structure allow the method to adapt to the specific characteristics of hydrocarbon source rocks, improving versatility while maintaining measurement precision through controlled thermal progression.
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 method provides a more accurate and complete quantification of hydrocarbons in hydrocarbon source rocks, enabling better evaluation of their extractable resources and improving the assessment of exploration and exploitation interests in geological formations.
Implementation Method 1
The ROCK-EVAL technique involves the pyrolysis in an inert (non-oxidizing) atmosphere, according to a predetermined temperature sequence, of a rock sample
Implementation Method 2
the pyrolysis oven cooperates with a device for detecting and measuring the amount of hydrocarbon compounds in the pyrolyzed sample
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a method of assessing at least one petroleum characteristic of a rock sample. Starting from a temperature ranging between 50° C. and 120° C., the temperature of a rock sample is raised to a temperature ranging between 180° C. and 220° C. Temperature (T2) is maintained for a predetermined time duration. The temperature of the sample is increased to a temperature (T3) ranging 330° C. and 370° C. Temperature (T3) is maintained for a predetermined time duration. The temperature of the sample is then raised to a temperature (T4) ranging 630° C. and 670° C. Three quantities Sh0, Sh1 and Sh2, representative of the amount of hydrocarbon compounds released during the temperature change stages, are measured and at least one petroleum characteristic of the sample is deduced from these quantities.