- Geochemistry Analytical Problems during Appraisal usually include sampling and analysis for gas isotopes and composition which could be mud gas while drilling and or solution gas samples, fluid inclusions stratigragphy and petrography a basic oil quality and fluid quality package would include measurement of the API Gravity of the oil, sulfur, nickel, vanadium, Total Acid Number of the oil, whole oil gas chromatogram and fractionation of the oil through the four main oil fractions, saturate, aromatic, resin and asphaltene, which gives the name of the analysis as SARA. Basic petroleum system package is also very important. And usually includes a biomarker or gas chromatography or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of saturated and aromatic oil fractions, carbon isotope of whole oil and SARA fractions. Examples of fit for purpose additional packages include diamondoid analyses, compound specific isotope analyses, sulfur isotope analyses, cuttings extract analyses, high-temperature GC analyses for high molecular weight wax components, artificial maturation experiments, fluid inclusion crash-GCMS analyses. As you can see, there are a lot of different analyses that could be done. The most important recommendation I would give would be to consult an experienced geochemist to design an analytical program for your specific business issues.