Abstract: Systems and methods for regulating an in situ pyrolysis process. The methods may include producing a product fluid stream from an active pyrolysis region of a subterranean formation. The methods further may include detecting a concentration of a first component in the product fluid stream and/or detecting a concentration of a second component in the product fluid stream. The concentration of the first component may be indicative of an intensive property of the pyrolyzed fluid production system. The concentration of the second component may be indicative of an extensive property of the pyrolyzed fluid production system. The methods further may include regulating at least one characteristic of the pyrolyzed fluid production system based upon the concentration of the first component and/or based upon the concentration of the second component. The systems may include systems that are configured to perform the methods.

Abstract: A method of separating petroleum samples containing a hydrocarbon-soluble elemental species of interest to facilitate analysis of an elemental and/or isotopic signature. A petroleum sample is mixed with a demulsifier and separated, for example by centrifuging, into one or more intermediate organic fractions. The intermediate organic fraction(s) are mixed with a solvent such as water and a second demulsifier, then separated into one or more prepared organic fractions and one or more solvent-based fractions. Some or all of the resulting fractions are then stored for possible further processing. Optionally, the petroleum sample may be spiked with one or more of an organic standard and an inorganic standard, and the solvent may likewise be spiked with an inorganic internal standard, to facilitate later analysis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for regulating an in situ pyrolysis process. The methods may include producing a product fluid stream from an active pyrolysis region of a subterranean formation. The methods further may include detecting a concentration of a first component in the product fluid stream and/or detecting a concentration of a second component in the product fluid stream. The concentration of the first component may be indicative of an intensive property of the pyrolyzed fluid production system. The concentration of the second component may be indicative of an extensive property of the pyrolyzed fluid production system. The methods further may include regulating at least one characteristic of the pyrolyzed fluid production system based upon the concentration of the first component and/or based upon the concentration of the second component. The systems may include systems that are configured to perform the methods.

Abstract: A method of separating petroleum samples containing a hydrocarbon-soluble elemental species of interest to facilitate analysis of an elemental and/or isotopic signature. A petroleum sample is mixed with a demulsifier and separated, for example by centrifuging, into one or more intermediate organic fractions. The intermediate organic fraction(s) are mixed with a solvent such as water and a second demulsifier, then separated into one or more prepared organic fractions and one or more solvent-based fractions. Some or all of the resulting fractions are then stored for possible further processing. Optionally, the petroleum sample may be spiked with one or more of an organic standard and an inorganic standard, and the solvent may likewise be spiked with an inorganic internal standard, to facilitate later analysis.