Mathematical models for petroleum-forming processes: n-paraffins and isoprenoid hydrocarbons |
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| Authors: | Douglas W Waples Leonard Tornheim |
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| Institution: | Department of Chemistry and Geochemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, U.S.A.;Chevron Research Company, Richmond, CA 94802, U.S.A. |
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| Abstract: | Mathematical models have been developed which simulate both random and nonrandom thermal cracking of branched and straight-chain hydrocarbons. Application of these models to n-paraffins suggests that thermal cracking alone cannot be the dominant mechanism in formation of the n-paraffin distributions present in crude oils. Application to isoprenoid hydrocarbons indicates that nonrandom cracking could be important in producing the isoprenoid distributions found in oils.Results of the mathematical modeling show that methane formation should, as predicted from energy considerations, be kinetically disfavored. It therefore is likely that substantial quantities of methane are produced from saturated hydrocarbons only under thermal conditions more severe than those under which oil is produced.The mathematical models employed are adaptable for other geochemical applications, such as isotope fractionation. |
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| Keywords: | To whom correspondence should be addressed |
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