Certain Relationships in the Composition of Crude Oil

Crude Petroleum

“…These studies show that petroleum composition, though most complex, is far simpler than would be expected for a product formed by a random abiogenic process, especially when the astronomical figures for isomers theoretically possible are considered [188]. Furthermore, individual petroleums may be similar in composition but no two are identical, nor do the individual components appear to be in thermodynamic equilibrium [15][16][17].…”

“…BAKER [14] divides the process into three continuous stages: (1) the origin of petroleum constituents; (2) the primary migration of this organic matter, and (3) its final accumulation in the reservoir. Calculations for some of the compounds in petroleum [15][16][17] indicate that most crude oils are not in thermodynamic equilibrium, so that a fourth part may conveniently be added to the above process, viz. (4) post accumulation changes, or the "maturation" of the petroleum within the reservoir.…”