Analysis Title: Kerogen Microscopy Analysis
Instrumentation:
TurnAround Time to sample count
1-25
26-50
51-75
Theory of Operation:
• Acid digestion of the matrix in order to concentrate the kerogen/organic matter of the samples.
• Preparation of kerogen/TAI slide for kerogen typing and spore coloration.
• Preparation of vitrinite plugs (or vitrinite slides) for Vitrinite Reflectivity (Ro) measurement.
• Axio-Scope Transmitted light microscopy is used for kerogen typing and TAI determination, and Reflected light Axio-Scope microscopy is used for reflectivity measurements.
• Histograms displaying the populations/distribution of the measured Ro values.
Analytical Procedure:
Sample washing and cleaning for the removal of lost circulation material (LCM) and other contaminants.
Solvent cleaning is needed in case of hydrocarbon based mud additives.
Grind the sample (Cuttings, Core, and SWC), and let the ground sample pass through a 40 mesh sieve.
Take about 5-20 grams from the sample, depending on TOC and S2 values, and put in a suitable cup for acid digestion. Concentrated HCL and HF are used in this process.
After acid digestion, the separated organic matter is rinsed, sieved and floated on a heavy liquid.
A small portion of the floating separated organic matter/kerogen is used for preparing the kerogen/TAI slide for kerogen typing, spore coloration and TAI determination.
The remaining floating organic matter/kerogen is used for vitrinite plugs (or vitrinite slides) preparation.
The vitrinite plugs (or vitrinite slides) are ground and polished for Vitrinite Reflectivity (Ro) measurement.