Geochemical Insights: Unraveling the Influence on Kerogen and Organic-rich Mudrocks

Abstract

The examination of geochemical factors and their impact on kerogen and organic-rich mudrocks holds significant implications for reservoir characterization, hydrocarbon exploration, and production strategies. The understanding of the geochemical environment empowers reservoir engineers and geoscientists to gain valuable insights into the distribution, quality, and producibility of hydrocarbons trapped within these formations. This knowledge is particularly crucial in the efficient development of unconventional resources, including shale gas and tight oil, as their successful exploitation heavily relies on comprehending the behavior and properties of kerogen and organic-rich mudrocks.Therefore, geochemistry assumes a critical role in unraveling the properties and behavior of kerogen and organic-rich mudrocks, which are fundamental to petroleum geology and hydrocarbon exploration. This comprehensive review delves into the wide-ranging influence of geochemistry on various facets of kerogen and organic-rich mudrocks. Specifically, it investigates the interplay between geochemical factors and their effects on the physical properties of kerogen, wettability characteristics, adsorption properties, wettability of organic-rich mudrocks, and dynamic properties within kerogen pores. By examining the intricate relationship between geochemical processes and these organic-rich materials, this review sheds light on their behavior and potential applications within the energy industry.