Abstract: Experimental pyrolysis simulation on hydrocarbon generation from organic-rich sources is an important approach
to the evaluation of hydrocarbon generation potential and resource assessment，and it can be used to simulate the physical and
chemical evolution of organic matters under geological conditions. The results of pyrolysis experiment provides the tools and
data for the appraisal of the hydrocarbon generation potential and the study of the hydrocarbon formation processes，genetic
mechanism and chemical kinetics. The samples used in pyrolysis experiments are usually from immature to low mature，
depending on the purpose of the study and also the type of organic matter and the thermal evolution of sedimentary basins. Open
system and close system are two different types of experimental apparatuses designed to probe special objectives. The open
system is used to simulate primary kerogen cracking，and the closed one is used to investigate the oil and gas secondary cracking
at high thermal maturation level. The effect of temperature，pressure，water and minerals on hydrocarbon generation from
organic matter can be quantified through experimental simulation. As a result，the relationship between oil and gas generation
history and the evolution of a sedimentary basin is revealed with the combination of the thermal history and the sedimentary
history of the basin，which provides the important parameters for basin modeling. With the demand of the rapid increase in the
exploration and development of shale gas and tight oil unconventional resources，in order to semi-quantitatively or quantitatively
extrapolate the results of laboratory simulation to geological conditions，we outlined the following new research topics related to
pyrolysis simulation from this review，including：to develop the experimental technique，especially well-constrained confining
pressure for rock cylinders at high temperature and pressure condition；to further investigate hydrocarbon formation mechanism
and petroleum expulsion efficiency；to enhance and strengthen high temperature and pressure simulation of organic matters，its
interaction with strata water and minerals，as well as organic-inorganic interaction and their role in pore development，which
will be important to the assessment of potential resources of unconventional resources，like shale gas and tight oil etc.

Key words: samples, pyrolysis apparatus, condition of temperature, pressure and agency, pyrolysis simulation, hydrocarbongeneration