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The generative gas potential of the Mississippian Barnett Shale in the Fort Worth Basin, Texas, was quantitatively evaluated by sealed gold-tube pyrolysis. Kinetic parameters for gas generation and vitrinite reflectance (Ro) changes were calculated from pyrolysis data and the results used to estimate the amount of gas generated from the Barnett Shale at geologic heating rates. Using derived kinetics for Ro evolution and gas generation, quantities of hydrocarbon gas generated at Ro ∼ 1.1% are about 230 L/t (7.4 scf/t) and increase to more that 5800 L/t (186 scf/t) at Ro ∼ 2.0% for a sample with an initial total organic carbon content of 5.5% and Ro = 0.44%. The volume of shale gas generated will depend on the organic richness, thickness, and thermal maturity of the shale and also the amount of petroleum that is retained in the shale during migration. Gas that is reservoired in shales appears to be generated from the cracking of kerogen and petroleum that is retained in shales, and that cracking of the retained petroleum starts by Ro ∼ 1.1%. This result suggests that the cracking of petroleum retained in source rocks occurs at rates that are faster than what is predicted for conventional siliciclastic and carbonate reservoirs, and that contact of retained petroleum with kerogen and shale mineralogy may be a critical factor in shale-gas generation. Shale-gas systems, together with overburden, can be considered complete petroleum systems, although the processes of petroleum migration, accumulation, and trap formation are different from what is defined for conventional petroleum systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shale-gas resource plays can be distinguished by gas type and system characteristics. The Newark East gas field, located in the Fort Worth Basin, Texas, is defined by thermogenic gas production from low-porosity and low-permeability Barnett Shale. The Barnett Shale gas system, a self-contained source-reservoir system, has generated large amounts of gas in the key productive areas because of various characteristics and processes, including (1) excellent original organic richness and generation potential; (2) primary and secondary cracking of kerogen and retained oil, respectively; (3) retention of oil for cracking to gas by adsorption; (4) porosity resulting from organic matter decomposition; and (5) brittle mineralogical composition. The calculated total gas in place (GIP) based on estimated ultimate recovery that is based on production profiles and operator estimates is about 204 bcf/section (5.78 x 109 m³/1.73 x 104 m³). We estimate that the Barnett Shale has a total generation potential of about 609 bbl of oil equivalent/ac-ft or the equivalent of 3657 mcf/ ac-ft (84.0 m³/m³). Assuming a thickness of 350 ft (107 m) and only sufficient hydrogen for partial cracking of retained oil to gas, a total generation potential of 820 bcf/section is estimated. Of this potential, approximately 60% was expelled, and the balance was retained for secondary cracking of oil to gas, if sufficient thermal maturity was reached. Gas storage capacity of the Barnett Shale at typical reservoir pressure, volume, and temperature conditions and 6% porosity shows a maximum storage capacity of 540 mcf/ac-ft or 159 scf/ton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As of Friday, the last two refineries that had not restarted any units yet, Shell Deer Park and Chevron Pasadena, were expecting to begin the process over the next several days. (Bloomberg) -- Texas oil refineries may soon be able to put the crippling freeze of 2021 in the rear view mirror. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports on the development of Middle Distillates and Lower Olefins Selective (MILOS), a chemical process that produces diesel fuel and propylene from fluid catalytic crackers (FCC) by Shell Global Solutions Inc. in Houston, Texas. MILOS produces up to 19.3 wt. percent light cycle oil (LCO), 8.2 wt. percent propylene and 14.7 wt. percent LCO. Licensing manager Pankaj Desai expresses that MILOS has achieved a seven-point cetane improvement in diesel fuel. The process allows FCC to run between the two modes through changing the operating parameters.

Reports on a study being conducted by BASF and Total Petrochemicals on the addition of a furnace at a Port Arthur, Texas cracker complex to address furnace constraints and boost production as of January 2005. Capacity of the liquid cracker; Significance of the additional furnace.

Reports that Huntsman has restarted its ethane-based ethylene plant in Port Neches, Texas. Reasons behind the operational lag of the plant in June 2001; Effects of the increasing demand for ethylene products on cracker operating rates; Plan of Chevron Phillips Chemicals and Equistar Chemicals for their idled cracking plants.

Focuses on the construction of BASF Fina Petrochemicals LP's single-train naphtalene cracker plant in Port Arthur, Texas. Budget allocated to the project; Estimated volume of ethylene and propylene that will be produced from the plant; Other joint ventures between BASF Corp. and Atofina Petrochemicals Inc.