USGS Open-File Report 2008–1230: Petrographic and Vitrinite Reflectance Analyses of a Suite of High Volatile Bituminous Coal Samples from the United States and Venezuela

Petrographic and Vitrinite Reflectance Analyses of a Suite of High Volatile Bituminous Coal Samples from the United States and Venezuela

By Paul C. Hackley and Jonathan J. Kolak

blue light photomicrograph of high volatile bituminous coal and link to report PDF (17,008 KB)

Abstract

This report presents vitrinite reflectance and detailed organic composition data for nine high volatile bituminous coal samples. These samples were selected to provide a single, internally consistent set of reflectance and composition analyses to facilitate the study of linkages among coal composition, bitumen generation during thermal maturation, and geochemical characteristics of generated hydrocarbons. Understanding these linkages is important for addressing several issues, including: the role of coal as a source rock within a petroleum system, the potential for conversion of coal resources to liquid hydrocarbon fuels, and the interactions between coal and carbon dioxide during enhanced coalbed methane recovery and(or) carbon dioxide sequestration in coal beds.

First posted January 2009

Report PDF (17,008 KB)

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Suggested citation:
Hackley, P.C., and Kolak, J.J., 2008, Petrographic and vitrinite reflectance analyses of a suite of high volatile bituminous coal samples from the United States and Venezuela: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2008–1230, 36 p., available online at https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2008/1230.