Summary

Abstract

Geochemical profiling-data of unconventional shale reservoirs is a key step in their characterization. However, it can provide misleading and ambiguous interpretation due to a lack of thorough understanding of the data and its limitations. Open-system programmed pyrolysis experiments (such as Rock-Eval) and organic petrological techniques are frequently used for geochemical screening of source rocks. The pyrolysis technique is more widely used because it is quicker, cheaper and easier to generate useful screening data with that technique. Significant insight can be gained by assessing shale reservoirs using the Rock-Eval pyrolysis technique, e.g., organic-matter richness, petroleum generation potential and thermal maturity levels