RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RANDOM AND MAXIMUM VITRINITE REFLECTANCE

Published equations for the calculation of maximum reflectance from random reflectance data are, as shown by comparison with the authors' data, applicable only up to 1.8% R(max). At higher coalification they result in too low values because of the non-linear increase in R(max). Based on 210 measurements, linear regression equations are presented for the calculation of R(max) from R(r) and vice versa which are applicable between 1% and 4% R(r), together with non-linear functions which cover the total coalification range up to graphite.