Magnetic field impact on geochemistry of soluble organic matter when heat-treating oil shales and search for analogies in nature

Here, we report experimental data comparing the geochemical behaviors of soluble organic matter (bitumoid) of the Bazhenov suite rocks heat-treated in a 50-mT constant magnetic field and without a magnetic field under the same conditions. Significant differences in geochemical characteristics such as n-C23/24, n-C25/26, n-C26/27, OEP and CPI were documented. Differences were also detected in the naphthene fraction content of the samples heated in the magnetic field and without, and the difference probability for this geochemical parameter was 87%. In 4 of 5 cases, the naphthene fraction was detected to decline in the samples heat-treated in the magnetic field. By discussing the study results, we made a recommendation for use of magnetic catalysts combined with thermal treatments to enhance oil recovery from high-viscosity oil reservoirs. In addition, we took a brief look at natural magnetic, electromagnetic and electric fields and suggested a hypothesis about the impact of natural geomagnetic fields on the geochemical evolution of petroleum but this hypothesis requires a thorough check.