Organic geochemistry in hydrocarbon research

obligatory courses

The main aim of the course is to present the introduction to the subject of organic geochemistry and biomarkers and their application in the field of exploration and mining industry of energy resources - hydrocarbons.

Implementation of the course covers the following topics:

1. At the beginning students are introduce to current theories on the formation of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons and specificity changes of organic compounds during diagenesis and postdiagenetic changes.

2. Presentation of apparatus for the chemical analysis of the qualitative and quantitative content of organic compounds in sedimentary rocks and crude oil.

3. To acquaint students with the types of kerogen and their origin

4. Extraction of the organic matter dispersed in sedimentary rocks using organic solvents in a soxleth apparatus and liquid-liquid extraction.

5. Presentation of various forms of chromatography in the separation of organic compounds (column chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, gas chromatography <GC>) and analytical attachments used in analytical practice: mass spectrometer (MS), flame ionizer (FID), mass absorption time spectrometry (TOFMS) ); double mass spectrometry (MS / MS), stable isotope mass spectrometry (IRMS), high pressure liquid chromatography with mass spectrometer (HPLC-MS).

6. Identification of the qualitative composition of hydrocarbons in rock extracts and / or crude oil with using a gas chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS).

7. Identification of organic compounds within biomarkers, based on chromatograms (GC-MS) using Perkin-Elmer Clarus 500

8. Interpretation of environmental conditions, type of organic matter and palaeotemperatures using biomarker and organic compounds analysis

9. Correlation source rock – crude oil with a known organic compounds within biomarkers.

After completing the course the student:

- knows how to use laboratory equipment and basic measuring equipment;

- can prepare geological samples for detailed analytical analysis

- simple chromatograms and identify individual organic compounds can be interpret from the group of aliphatic and aromatic compounds

- can use numerous diagrams to identify the deposition environment of organic matter and determine the rock's potential to generate hydrocarbons;

- is able to put into practice the ratios calculated based on relative contents of organic compounds;

- can assess the maturity of organic matter and thus determine the rock's ability to release hydrocarbons;

- can use the obtained geochemical data to interpret the kerogen type;

- can, based on the literature of the subject, make a critical assessment of his own research;

- can model the influence of secondary factors on the obtained test results;

- is able to prepare and submit your own observations in the form of a multimedia presentation.

Continuous assessment of student activity during laboratory work. Student has to prepare an oral presentation and pass a written or an oral test on the end of this course.

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