Abstract For more than forty years, the Rock-Eval pyrolysis technique has been widely used to rapidly assess the petroleum generating characteristics of organic matter in petroleum source rocks. Tmax, which is the temperature at which the rate of hydrocarbon generation is at its maximum during pyrolysis (25 °C/min), is used mainly as a thermal maturity parameter. This paper presents a systematic review of the numerous other factors that control Tmax. Besides including the classical literature on this topic, the review discusses revelations from recent case studies with emphasis on new developments in unconventional hydrocarbon exploration and organic-inorganic interactions. Experimental issues related to the model of Rock-Eval instrument, sample loading and the resolution and form of the pyrolysate (S2) peak(s), define the quality and reliability of Tmax data. Kerogen type sensu lato, controls the kinetics of bulk petroleum generation and thence Tmax. Thus, conversions between Tmax and the main maturity reference parameter, vitrinite reflectance, for marine (Type II) kerogen vary from shale to shale. Tmax anomalies induced by the mineral matrix effect, heavy bitumen carryover, weathering, and uranium irradiation are also discussed. On a practical note, checking the original pyrogram, comparing with adjacent samples with different organofacies, and cross-checking with other maturity proxies are helpful in identifying possible anomalies.

中文翻译：

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对揭示沉积岩中有机质热成熟度的 Tmax 不确定性的批判性审查

摘要 四十多年来，Rock-Eval 热解技术被广泛应用于快速评估石油烃源岩有机质的生油特性。Tmax 是热解过程中碳氢化合物生成速率达到最大值时的温度 (25 °C/min)，主要用作热成熟度参数。本文对控制 Tmax 的众多其他因素进行了系统回顾。除了包括有关该主题的经典文献外，该评论还讨论了最近案例研究的启示，重点是非常规油气勘探和有机-无机相互作用的新发展。与 Rock-Eval 仪器模型、样品加载和热解物 (S2) 峰的分辨率和形式相关的实验问题，定义 Tmax 数据的质量和可靠性。Kerogen type sensu lato，控制大量石油生成的动力学，从而控制 Tmax。因此，海洋（II 型）干酪根的 Tmax 和主要成熟度参考参数镜质体反射率之间的转换因页岩而异。还讨论了由矿物基质效应、重沥青携带、风化和铀辐射引起的 Tmax 异常。实际上，检查原始热图、与具有不同器官相的相邻样本进行比较以及与其他成熟度代理进行交叉检查有助于识别可能的异常。海相（II 型）干酪根因页岩而异。还讨论了由矿物基质效应、重沥青携带、风化和铀辐射引起的 Tmax 异常。实际上，检查原始热图、与具有不同器官相的相邻样本进行比较以及与其他成熟度代理进行交叉检查有助于识别可能的异常。海相（II 型）干酪根因页岩而异。还讨论了由矿物基质效应、重沥青携带、风化和铀辐射引起的 Tmax 异常。实际上，检查原始热图、与具有不同器官相的相邻样本进行比较以及与其他成熟度代理进行交叉检查有助于识别可能的异常。