EVIDENCE FOR SULFUR INCORPORATION AND OXIDATION INTERMEDIATED IN CRUDE OILS SUBJECTED TO THERMOCHEMICAL SULFATE REDUCTION

摘要

Thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) involves a complex series of free radical and redox reactions that occurs in hot (>120°C) carbonate reservoirs whereby petroleum is oxidized by sulfate forming primarily H2S, CO, and an insoluble, highly sulfur-enriched and largely polynuclear aromatic organic solid. The process negatively impacts the quality and quantity of the petroleum reserves. While the molecular and isotopic compositions of TSR-altered oils have been extensively studied for the volatile hydrocarbons, little work has been done characterizing high molecular weight species and polar compounds.