| Abstract: | In certain areas, relatively large accumulations of liquid hydrocarbons have been attributed to coals. Evaluating the source rock potential of coal requires definition of both the generative potential (quantity and composition of generated hydrocarbons), and expulsion efficiency. Hydrous pyrolysis experiments were completed using Tertiary lignites (Ro < 0.35%) from North Dakota and the Far East to evaluate the source rock potential of coal. The North Dakota lignite is vitrinite-rich (93%) and liptinite-poor (3%); the Far East lignite is liptinite-rich (32% of total maceral content). These lignites have Hydrogen Index values of 123 and 483 mg HC/g OC, respectively. Differences in oil-pyrolysate yield, composition, and temperature of maximum pyrolysate yield from hydrous pyrolysis experiments for these two lignites are related to the type and amount of liptinite and vitrinite macerals. A maximum of 48 and 158 mg oil-pyrolysate/g OC is generated and expelled from the North Dakota and Far East lignites, respectively. Although these lignites consist predominantly of gas-prone vitrinitic components, their organic-rich nature can compensate for their poor convertibility to liquid hydrocarbons. The composition of these artificially generated oil-pyrolysates are similar to some non-marine oils, suggesting that this type of organic matter can be a significant contributor to many oils. Although the overall composition of the generated products from the two lignites is similar, the distribution of these products is significantly different. Homologous series of methyl ketones and alkyl benzenes have been identified in both oil-pyrolysates. Their presence and characteristic distribution suggest that microbial degradation occurred during the formation of these lignites. Although many coals generate significate amounts of liquid hydrocarbons that are similar to naturally occurring oils, poor explusion efficiency limits their source rock potential. Significant amounts of liquid products are assimilated by the vitrinitic matrix of most coals prior to expulsion, severely limiting the amount of petroleum available for migration and reservoir accumulation. However, adequate expulsion may occur in certain liptinite-rich coals or coals occurring in unique depositional settings. |
