Shale Gas and Oil Potential of Lower Palaeozoic Strata in the Polish Baltic Basin by Hydrous Pyrolysis

摘要

The objective of this study is to evaluate shale gas and oil potential of Upper Cambrian, Ordovician-Tremadocian and Silurian-Llandoverian strata in the Polish Baltic Basin by means of hydrous pyrolysis experiments, Rock-Eval, selected sophisticated organic geochemical methods and uranium content. Hydrocarbon gas and oil yields expelled from rock samples during HP experiments are a measure of shale gas and oil potential. HP experiments at temperature 330 oC and 355 oC for 72 hours and results of organic geochemical and uranium content analyses reveal that Tremadocian sample has best shale gas potential and Llandoverian sample has best shale oil potential. Gas and oil yields are mainly related to initial uranium content in analysed samples. Radiogenic elements decay involves decomposition of organic matter and generated oil to gaseous hydrocarbons. Thus rocks rich in radiogenic elements are most preferred for shale gas exploration.