Petroleum geochemistry of potential source rocks from the Canning Basin

Summary

Seventy five Carboniferous, Devonian and Ordovician sediment samples were subjected to total organic carbon analysis and to ROCK-EVAL pyrolysis.

The sediment fractions obtained from the sediment extracts, together with seven petroleum samples, were further analysed by capillary chromatography and by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Information thus obtained demonstrated similarities between the crude oils and sediments in organic matter and depositional environment.

Keywords: Canning Basin, petroleum geochemistry, hydrocarbon potential, Rock-Eval pyrolysis, gas chromatography, GC-MS analysis