Isotopic Composition of Xenon in Petrolum from the Shell Bullwinkle Field

Authors

J. Nuzzo, Texas A & M University - College Station
M. Hyman, Texas A & M University - College Station
M. W. Rowe, Texas A & M University - College StationFollow
M. N. Rao, Sam Houston State University
Russel L. Palma, Minnesota State University - MankatoFollow
J. Westrich, Shell Development Corporation

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2000

Abstract

We have measured the abundance and isotopic composition of xenon in petroleum samples from the Shell Bullwinkle Field off the coast of Louisiana. We used an oxidation and purification procedure designed to insure complete extraction and clean up of xenon from the petroleum. The xenon isotopic composition was found to be similar to the atmospheric value for one petroleum sample. While the results of the second sample suggest possible enrichment of the heavier isotopes, the errors associated with these excesses preclude a definitive statement to that effect. No monoisotopic enrichment in¹²⁹Xe was detected in either sample, the presence of which might have allowed us to deduce the petroleum age. Our results represent only the second xenon measurement from petroleum, and the concentrations are within the range of values published in the earlier report.

Department

Physics and Astronomy

Publication Title

Journal of Earth System Science

Recommended Citation

J. Nuzzo, M. Hyman, M.W. Rowe, M.N. Rao, R.L. Palma and J. Westrich, 2000. Isotopic Composition of Xenon in Petroleum from the Shell Bullwinkle Field. Journal of Earth System Science 109, 89-94.

DOI

10.1007/BF02719152

Link to Publisher Version (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02719152

Publisher's Copyright and Source

Copyright © 2000 Springer. Article published by Springer in Journal of Earth System Science, volume 109, issue number 1, March 2000, pages 89-94. Available online: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02719152