Means of measuring the rate and character of hydrocarbon generation from source rocks using hydrous pyrolysis

An apparatus for performing hydrous pyrolysis on a sample of hydrocarbon source material for studying the kinetic parameters of hydrocarbon generating from said source material comprising:

• a reactor vessel having a chamber closed by sealing means;
• a sample holder constructed so as to confine kerogen or oil shale sample within said chamber of said reactor vessel;
• means for controlling the temperature in said chamber,
• means for purging said chamber of oxygen;
• means for injecting measured amounts of water into said chamber;
• means for draining fluids from said chamber;
• transfer vessel means constructed so as to be in flow communication with said chamber drain means so as to drain fluids form said chamber into said transfer vessel means;
• cryogenic means for controlling the temperature of said transfer vessel means;
• and
• dryer means adapted to receive fluids from said transfer vessel means and remove water therefrom.