Sulfur in organic matter, oils, and gases : distribution, origin, prediction

Abstract EN

Analysis of a worldwide database for S-rich hydrocarbon distribution was carried out.

Sedimentary basins with high sulfur oils and gases form a “geochemical belt” where the ancient arid-shallow basins of Gondwana were located.

Contact between the sulfate deposits and sediments enriched in organic matter is the basis for the birth, maturation, and accumulation of reduced sulfur species.

Closed reef reservoirs are the most favorable locations for creating high concentrations of sour gases and other soluble components in hydrocarbons, where water washing processes are negligible.

Prediction of H2S and sour gas pool occurrence is related to detection of their migration traces in the cross-section of sedimentary rocks.

Oils with anomalous sulfur contents, sulfides, and elemental sulfur refer to these traces.

Such a prediction tool is most reliable in terrigeneous rocks where H2S cannot be generated in situ.