Application of Organic Petrology and Raman Spectroscopy in Thermal Maturity Determination of the Karoo Basin (RSA) Shale Samples

An assessment performed using raman spectroscopy has found space in the black shales of Cisuralian-age rocks Karoo Basin South Africa, particularly those from Guadalupian Ripon, Cisuralian Whitehill and Prince Albert Formations. It is used conjunction with geochemical screening techniques such as organic petrology programmed pyrolysis. In turn, combination these for thermal maturity sedimentary matter perspective hydrocarbon generation, retention, expulsion. To provide further understanding this study focuses on characterization samples KWV−01 borehole drilled southeastern Basin. addition, USA Devonian/Carboniferous Berea Sandstone project were included comparison, a quality assurance measure. Organic was utilized to assess shales. The results obtained showed that are overmature, containing an abundance solid bitumen, often characterizes shale reservoir moveable hydrocarbons (shale gas). pyrolysis analysis conducted yielded artifact results, they determined very low poorly defined S2 peak. This indicated be overmature categorized them poor generation potential. Raman gain insights about molecular structure if technique could complimentary tool determine samples. parameters G–D1 Band separation, G D1 band full width at half maximum (Gfwhm D1fwhm) position successfully correlated vitrinite reflectance (RoV), demonstrating good potential predict Overall, provides valuable information knowledge concerning sample (particularly structural characterization) Basin, Africa.