Standardization of Petrographic Thermal Indices

Objective:

The overall objective of this research is to improve the standardization and reliability of petrographic measurements of thermal maturity, including reflectance and fluorescence of sedimentary organic matter.

Methodology:

One research goal is to develop a standard test method for quantitative spectroscopic measurement of fluorescence in sedimentary organic matter (SOM). This thermal maturity parameter is used on sedimentary organic matter (SOM) in the early- to mid-oil window. Absence of a standardized approach has resulted in poor interlaboratory agreement. Development of a standard test method will improve reporting and understanding of spectral fluorescence in SOM as well as improve the accuracy of the placement of continuous undiscovered oil and gas resource assessment boundaries, which may, in some cases, use the beginning of the oil window for spatial delineation.

Another research goal is to improve understanding of the effects of broad ion beam (BIB) milling on SOM. BIB milling is a common approach for sample preparation in scanning electron microscopy petrography. Poor understanding of BIB milling effects on SOM has prevented its adoption as a standardized preparation technique.

The third research goal is to develop improved classification schemes for environmental applications of organic petrology. The absence of uniform terminology and nomenclature in environmental applications results in multiple identifying terms for the same material, which interferes with scientific communication.