Kerogen

Contents

Kerogen Introduction Formation of Kerogen Kerogen Composition Kerogen Types Kerogen Material Origin

Kerogen Introduction

Kerogen is a mixture of organic chemical compounds that make up a portion of the organic matter in sedimentary rocks. It is insoluble in normal organic solvents because of the huge molecular weight (upwards of 1,000 Daltons) of its component compounds. The soluble portion is known as bitumen.

Kerogen Introduction

When heated to the right temperatures in the Earth's crust, (oil window ca. 60160 C, gas window ca. 150200 C, both depending on how quickly the source rock is heated) some types of Kerogen release crude oil or natural gas, collectively known as hydrocarbons (fossil fuels). When such Kerogen are present in high concentration in rocks such as shale they form possible source rocks.

Kerogen Introduction

Shales rich in kerogens that have not been heated to warm temperature to release their hydrocarbons may form oil shale deposits. The name "Kerogen" was introduced by the Scottish organic chemist Alexander Crum Brown in 1912

Formation of Kerogen

At the demise of living matter, such as diatoms, planktons, spores and pollens, the organic matter begins to undergo decomposition or degradation. In this break-down process, (which is basically the reverse of photosynthesis ), large biopolymers from proteins and carbohydrates begin to partially or completely dismantle. These dismantled components can come together to form new polymers referred to as Geopolymers. Geopolymers are the precursors of kerogens.

Formation of Kerogen

At the demise of living matter, such as diatoms, planktons, spores and pollens, the organic matter begins to undergo decomposition or degradation. In this break-down process, (which is basically the reverse of photosynthesis), large biopolymers from proteins and carbohydrates begin to partially or completely dismantle. These dismantled components can come together to form new polymers referred to as Geopolymers. Geopolymers are the precursors of Kerogen.

Kerogen Composition

As Kerogen is a mixture of organic material, rather than a specific chemical; it cannot be given a chemical formula. Indeed its chemical composition can vary distinctively from sample to sample. Kerogen from the Green River Formation oil shale deposit of western North America contains elements in the proportions carbon 215 : hydrogen 330 : oxygen 12 : nitrogen 5 : sulfur 1.

Kerogen Types

Labile kerogen breaks down to form heavy hydrocarbons (i.e. oils), refractory kerogen breaks down to form light hydrocarbons (i.e. gases), and inert kerogen forms graphite. A Van Krevelen diagram is one example of classifying kerogens, where they tend to form groups when the ratios of hydrogen to carbon and oxygen to carbon are compared.

Kerogen Types (Type - 01)

containing alginite, amorphous organic matter, cyanobacteria, freshwater algae, and land plant resins Hydrogen: carbon ratio > 1.25 Oxygen: carbon ratio < 0.15 Shows great tendency to readily produce liquid hydrocarbons.

Kerogen Types (Type - 01)

It derives principally from lacustrine algae and forms only in anoxic lakes and several other unusual marine environments Has few cyclic or aromatic structures Formed mainly from proteins and lipids

Kerogen Types (Type - 02)

Hydrogen:carbon ratio < 1.25 Oxygen:carbon ratio 0.03 to 0.18 Tend to produce a mix of gas and oil. Several types: exinite, , resinite, and

Kerogen Types (Type - 02)

Exinite: formed from the casings of pollen and spores : formed from terrestrial plant cuticle Resinite: formed from terrestrial plant resins and animal decomposition resins : formed from terrestrial plant lipids (hydrophobic molecules that are soluble in organic solvents) and marine algae

Kerogen Types (Type - 02)

They all have great tendencies to produce petroleum and are all formed from lipids deposited under reducing conditions.

Type IIsulfur Similar to Type II but high in sulfur.

Kerogen Types (Type - 03)

Hydrogen:carbon ratio < 1 Oxygen:carbon ratio 0.03 to 0.3 Material is thick, resembling wood or coal. Tends to produce coal and gas (Recent research has shown that type III kerogens can actually produce oil under extreme conditions) Has very low hydrogen because of the extensive ring and aromatic systems.

Kerogen Types (Type - 03)

Kerogen Type III is formed from terrestrial plant matter that is lacking in lipids or waxy matter. It forms from cellulose, the carbohydrate polymer that forms the rigid structure of terrestrial plants, lignin, a noncarbohydrate polymer formed from phenylpropane units that binds the strings of cellulose together, and terpenes and phenolic compounds in the plant.

Kerogen Types (Type - 04) Residue

Type IV kerogen contains mostly decomposed organic matter in the form of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. They have no potential to produce hydrocarbons.

Kerogen Material Origin

The type of material is difficult to determine but several apparent patterns have been noticed. Ocean or lake material often meet kerogen type III or IV classifications. Ocean or lake material deposited under anoxic conditions often form kerogens of type I or II.

Kerogen Material Origin

Most higher land plants produce kerogens of type III or IV. Some coal contains type II Kerogen. Carbonaceous chondrite meteorites contain Kerogen-like components. Such material is believed to have formed the terrestrial planets. Kerogen materials have been detected in interstellar clouds and dust around stars.

KEROGEN

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