Characterization of Solid Bitumen from Panandhro Lignite (Western India) Based on FTIR and Pyrolysis GC-MS Study

In this study, FTIR and pyrolysis GC-MS analysis methods are used to characterize the handpicked solid bitumen (viscous residue of hydrocarbon) found as fillings in the lignite of Panandhro field, Gujarat. The FTIR data shows that solid bitumen is marked by intense aliphatic CHx stretching peaks between 3000 and 2800 cm^-1, medium absorption of OH stretching, aromatic C=C, and aliphatic deformation peaks. A factor versus C factor plot indicates that it is mainly composed of type-II kerogen (organic matter). The pyrolysis GC-MS data shows the highly aliphatic nature of the solid bitumen. The overall characteristics indicate that the studied solid bitumen is of pre-oil generation type and formed from increase in thermal maturity of lignites.