Geochemical evaluation of hydrocarbon generating potential and thermal stress experienced by Patala Formation, Salt Range, Upper Indus Basin, Pakistan

Abstract

This study focused on the investigation of hydrocarbon potential, thermal maturity and ranking of the coal from the Salt Range in Pakistan. Four different mines located in different areas of the Salt Range were selected for sample acquisition. The samples were further processed and analyzed in laboratory using proximate analysis, ultimate analysis and Rock-Eval pyrolysis. Proximate analysis illustrate that coal of the Salt Range is of low rank because of low moisture content and high volatile material. The ultimate analysis indicates that the coal is immature with lower carbon contents. The coals have total organic carbon contents in the range of 36.45 to 48.68 wt.% and hydrogen index values between 277 and 445 mg HC/TOC indicate that the organic matter type is dominated by type II. Moreover, Rock-Eval pyrolysis parameters further support it as an excellent source rock having type II kerogen, oil-prone nature with some gas-prone character. These data suggest that the coal samples are in low conversion state and thermally immature.

Keywords:

• Hydrocarbon potential
• depositional environment
• thermal maturity
• proximate analysis
• pyrolysis
• Upper Indus Basin