Visual Kerogen Typing: A Case Study of the Northern Song Hong Basin (Vietnam)

Microscopic observations were conducted on cutting samples of well A, in the northern Song Hong basin. This is to estimate the hydrocarbon source potential by classifying different types of kerogen based on composition. In the section of 1646–2350 m, the organic matters comprise vitrinite particles of more than 50% mixed with secondary assemblages of algae, amorphous, resin and liptodetrinite. This is classified as mainly type III with minor type II/I kerogens, indicating that it is mainly associated to gas-prone and minor oil-prone source rock. In the section of 2445–2850 m, the organic matters contain more amorphous matters than the former section (35–50%), while vitrinite particles range between 35 and 40%. This represents major type I and III kerogen mixed with minor type II kerogen, indicative of both oil- and gas-prone source rocks.