The hydrogen / carbon ratio, another proof of the mineral origin of hydrocarbons          In all oil fields and wells it is observed that the hydrogen / carbon ratio increases with depth, showing a loss of hydrogen as the fluid rises and comes close to the surface.For reasons of density, one would imagine that the hydrogen-rich compounds, which are less dense, should be in the upper strata, while poor hydrogen substances, being heavier, should be in          deeper areas. But it's the opposite. Less dense compounds are in the lower levels of the Earth crust while   the denser are in the upper strata, closer to the ground surface. The only      logical process explaining this phenomenon is the upward migration of  hydrocarbons (due   to planetary degassing) and separation (usually by preferential oxidation) of hydrogen to      carbon during flow. T.Gold, 200|, argues that this process is   due to the metabolism of underground bacteria (hyperthermobacteria). According to this approach, methane and other gases would be in the lower layers, while the heavier hydrocarbons (eg gasoline and liquid oils in general) would be located in the  intermediate layers and bitumen coals and coals or on higher. These processes are  explained in more detail in the following chapters.  (To be continued in this blog). From the book "Inexhaustible? Gas and Oil" by D.Anton, Piriguazú Ed.         

The  origin of coal: a different approach

Danilo Anton

While there have been discussions about the possible biotic or abiotic origin of oil from the nineteenth century and still continue, in recent decades there was virtual unanimity that the coal was of biological origin.

In many cases, the fossilized plants have been well preserved.

Occasionally it is possible to appreciate even the smallest details of leaf morphology, stems and many other features that undoubtedly have a vegetable origin.

However, despite these apparent evidence, Thomas Gold (2001) argues, with good arguments, that coal is also of mineral origin.

According to the theory of Gold, carbonaceous ascending fluids, increasingly enriched in carbon impregnated the accumulated plant remains resulting in carbonization of the formations without destroying the plants morphology.

This would be similar to silicification processes, where various fossils (eg fossil wood) are traversed by siliceous fluids replacing atoms and molecules of the original timber producing the petrification.

Silicified wood or xylopals are relatively common. According to Gold, the same phenomenon occurs with coal.

This author argues that many carbonaceous layers are up to 10 meters thick with a mineral content of only 4%. 

Most of the carbon material includes some hydrogen, oxygen and sulfur.

Imagining a marshy origin for these layers with 300 meter accumulations a mineral contents less than 1% would be required.

 Such wetlands not currently exist, and " even if they existed at some point, it is unlikely that plants could grow in such circumstances . "

Abiogenic theory can explain the formation of coal in a more logical way. It would be the result of the rise of carbon enriched fluids through the organic layer. Gold concludes that, in its opinion, the coal deposits would still forming today.

Other arguments raised by the author are:

1) If the coal was produced by the transformation of organic matter, it could not retain the morphological details.

 In many cases it is possible to see perfectly preserved pieces of wood, sometimes without charring, even without signs of starting a process of carbonization, surrounded by nearly pure carbon. 

Gold concludes that these remains were not impregnated by the upward carbonaceous fluid.

2) The coal deposits are often found above the oil fields, which in turn are superimposed on gas fields. This sequence would be related to the enrichment in carbon of rising hydrocarbons.

3) The continuous emission of methane observed in the coal mines, which is one of the main problems of their exploitation, causing fires, explosions and asphyxiation of workers.

From "Unexhaustibles? Petroleum and Natural Gas", Danilo Anton, Piriguazu Ediciones
Blog in Spanish  daniloanton.blogspot.com