Characterization of pyrolysates from maceral components of Tarim coals in closed system experiments and implications to natural gas generation

Hydrocarbon potential of coal closely depends on the maceral composition. Exinite shows the highest hydrocarbon generation potential followed by vitrinite, while inertinite has only a poor hydrocarbon potential. With increasing thermal stress, n-alkane parameters such as OEP and CPI decrease while the ∑C21-/∑C22+ ratio increases and the bimodal pattern of the n-alkane distribution changes to a unimodal pattern. The Pr/Ph ratio varies irregularly through catagenesis.