ASTM D7708-14
Standard Test Method for Microscopical Determination of the Reflectance of Vitrinite Dispersed in Sedimentary Rocks

Standard No.

ASTM D7708-14

Release Date

2014

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM D7708-23

Latest

ASTM D7708-23a

Scope

5.1 The mean reflectance of the vitrinite maceral in sedimentary rocks as determined by this test method is used as an indicator of thermal maturity, that is, the progressive geochemical alteration of dispersed organic material experienced during diagenesis, catagenesis, and metagenesis. In the case of hydrocarbon source rocks, three major categories of thermal maturity are defined by vitrinite reflectance: immature (R_oran ≤0.5%), mature (R_oran ≈ 0.5-1.35%), and overmature (R_oran ≥ 1.35%) with respect to the generation of liquid hydrocarbons. Thermal maturity as determined by the reflectance of vitrinite dispersed in sedimentary rocks is similar to the rank classification of coals as presented in Classification D388 and measured similarly to the reflectance of vitrinite in coal as presented in Test Method D2798. The mean reflectance of the vitrinite maceral in sedimentary rocks correlates with geochemically determined parameters of thermal maturity and can be used to characterize thermal maturation history, to calibrate burial history models, and to better understand the processes of hydrocarbon generation, migration, and accumulation in conventional and unconventional petroleum systems.

1.1 This test method covers the microscopical determination of the reflectance measured in oil of polished surfaces of vitrinite dispersed in sedimentary rocks. This test method can also be used to determine the reflectance of macerals other than vitrinite dispersed in sedimentary rocks.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

ASTM D7708-14 Referenced Document

• ASTM D121 Standard Terminology of Coal and Coke
• ASTM D2797 Standard Practice for Preparing Coal Samples for Microscopical Analysis by Reflected Light
• ASTM D2798 Standard Test Method for Microscopical Determination of the Reflectance of Vitrinite in a Polished Specimen of Coal
• ASTM D388 Standard Classification of Coals by Rank
• ASTM E177 Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• ASTM E691 Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

ASTM D7708-14 history

• 2023 ASTM D7708-23a Standard Test Method for Microscopical Determination of the Reflectance of Vitrinite Dispersed in Sedimentary Rocks
• 2023 ASTM D7708-23 Standard Test Method for Microscopical Determination of the Reflectance of Vitrinite Dispersed in Sedimentary Rocks
• 2014 ASTM D7708-14 Standard Test Method for Microscopical Determination of the Reflectance of Vitrinite Dispersed in Sedimentary Rocks
• 2011 ASTM D7708-11 Standard Test Method for Microscopical Determination of the Reflectance of Vitrinite Dispersed in Sedimentary Rocks