A fluorescence alteration of multiple macerals (FAMM) study of Netherlands coals with “normal” and “deviating” vitrinite reflectance

Suites of well-characterised Westphalian coals from The Netherlands with “normal” and “deviating” vitrinite reflectance have been examined by the FAMM (fluorescence alteration of multiple macerals) technique. The fluorescence alteration characteristics of the “normal” Netherlands coals change with rank in a similar manner to “normal” Australian Permian coals, except that the telovitrinites of the Netherlands coals appear to be relatively more perhydrous. This difference is also apparent in a comparison of Rock-Eval hydrogen index values. A fluorescence alteration diagram has been calibrated for the Netherlands Carboniferous from which accurate equivalent vitrinite reflectance values can be obtained, as well as suppression corrections for measured vitrinite reflectances. However, the errors in using the equivalent Australian Permian diagram for the determination of the suppression correction are small (≤0.05% absolute). The well Hengevelde-1 is used as an example to illustrate how corrections may be made to perhydrous samples with “deviating” vitrinite reflectance for maturation assessment in petroleum exploration.