FORMATION OF RADICALS IN THERMAL-DEGRADATION OF KEROGEN - A KINETIC-STUDY

Two source rocks containing type II kerogen, both from Italy, were stu died to evaluate the formation of radicals during thermal treatment; C rushed and extracted rocks were pyrolysed in sealed tubes at different times and temperatures in the range 350-500 degrees C. The pyrolysed samples were spectroscopically analyzed by ESR and the formed radicals were quantitatively determined. The experimental data were kineticall y interpreted. The kinetic coefficients and the parameters obtained we re compared with those of the reaction generating hydrocarbons. The ma ximum amount of radicals formed in the laboratory experiments was in a good agreement with the maximum concentration of radicals observed in kerogens of different natural maturation. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B .V.