Kinetic studies of asphaltene pyrolyses and their geochemical applications

Pyrolysis kinetics are determined for a series of asphaltene samples associated with different types of kerogens. The activation energy distributions obtained for asphaltenes related to type I kerogens cover a wide range, with significant hydrocarbon generation with activation energies above 350 kJ/mol. The ranges of activation energy distributions are relatively narrow for asphaltenes associated with type II and III kerogens, with little hydrocarbons generated with activation energies above 350 kJ/mol. If the type of associated kerogen can be reasonably constrained, the pyrolysis kinetics of the asphaltenes is potentially a very useful tool for assessing the maturity levels of reservoired oils. The results of pyrolysis kinetics indicate that there is still significant potential for asphaltenes to regenerate hydrocarbons. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.