Oil and gas are composed of “hydrocarbon” molecules made of hydrogen and carbon atoms. In this module, we will painlessly explain hydrocarbon types including hydrocarbon gases, condensate, natural gas liquids (LGL’s), light oil, medium oil and heavy oil. We’ll discuss how these molecules are formed from organic content in source rock as it becomes buried deeply underground. This basic knowledge of hydrocarbon characteristics will be useful during other parts of the course but is also key to understanding other industry topics such as crude oil quality and gas processing.

Duration: Approximately 20 minutes, depending on user pace.

Learning Objectives: Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• Describe how kerogen is formed and serves as the first stage of conversion from organic debris to oil and gas
• Explain how deep burial exposes kerogen to heat and pressure over time and can cause kerogen to break into oil and gas molecules
• Summarize the chemistry and behavior of hydrocarbons and the differences between dry gas, rich gas, light oil, medium oil and heavy oil
• Explain how fossils can be used to estimate the age of rock layers and the conditions in which the layers were deposited
• Convey how burial depth impacts the creation of oil and gas as well as the type of molecules that are formed

Prerequisites: Module 1-4

Advance Preparation: None

Program Level: Non-technical

Format: Prerecorded narrator with supporting visuals. User controls course pace.