Bulk Compositions, Genetic Origin, Classifications, and Maturation of Crude Oils in the Gulf of Suez, Egypt

Abstract

API gravity, sulfur content, gas chromatography, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses were carried out for eight oil samples collected from different wells in the Gulf of Suez. The results showed that two types of oils could be recognized: (a) heavy oils, which are oils from Zafarana, Rahmi, West Bakr, and Ras Gharib wells, are of low maturation and originated mainly from terrestrial organic sources; and (b) light oils, which are oils from Um El Yuser, Ras El Ush, Gemsa-SE, and Hurghada wells, have a high level of maturation and orginate mainly from marine organic sources.

Keywords:

• API gravity
• Egypt
• GC and GC-MS
• Gulf of Suez
• oilfields
• sulfur content

Notes

^aDiasteranes index = (C27 diasteranes S + R)/[(C27 diasteranes + R) + C29 steranes S + R)].

^bGammacerane index = gammacerane/(gammacerane + C30 hopane).

^cHomohopane index = (C35 homohopane S + R)/(C31 + C32 + C33 + C34 + C35 homohopanes S + R).

^dTs/Tm = trisnorhopanes/trisnorneohopanes ratios.