Gas Chromatography and Troubleshooting for Oil and Gas Applications

Introduction:

Gas chromatography is an essential and widely used analytical tool in various industries, particularly within the oil and gas sector, for the past fifty years. This technology facilitates the analysis of processes ranging from crude oil exploration to the refining of petroleum products and the creation of new petrochemicals. This course will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the basic principles of gas chromatography, including its operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Participants will also appreciate the significance of gas chromatography in analyzing non-homogeneous mixtures and addressing current challenges in maintenance and troubleshooting.

This training course in gas chromatography is designed to cover both theoretical and practical problem-solving areas, catering to students of all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners in the oil and gas industry.

Objectives:

At the end of the Gas Chromatography Maintenance and Troubleshooting course, participants will:

• Explain gas chromatography with reference to the theoretical principles upon which it is based.
• Provide relevant information that helps in understanding the scope and limitations of gas chromatography.
• Gain confidence in:
  • GC analysis
  • GC technical doubt resolution
  • Data interpretation

Training Methodology:

• Interactive lectures
• Laboratory practices
• Case studies
• Group discussions
• Demonstration of equipment and skills
• Role-playing
• Individual projects and group work
• Examinations

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Basics of Chromatography

• Comprehensive coverage of optical gas chromatography
• Basic concepts governing GC
• Trends in GC
• Factors affecting retention
• Forces and selective retention in liquid chromatography
• Effects of stationary phase loading on GC
• Terminology used in chromatographic techniques

Unit 2: Injection Ports

• Gaseous materials and storage
• GC inlets acceptance
• Packed columns and their applications
• Direct injection methods
• Split/splitless techniques
• Programmable temperature vaporizer inlets
• Cool on-column injection
• Sample introduction and injection ports in GC operations
• Auto samplers for sample introduction

Unit 3: Gas Chromatography (GC) Columns

• Column selection
• Packed vs. capillary columns
• Effect of column construction on GC performance
• Peak dispersion in column chromatography
• Routine column care and replacement issues
• Oven box of GC
• Isothermal vs. temperature programming

Unit 4: Gas Chromatography (GC) Detectors

• Selection of gas chromatography (GC) detectors
• Operating different types of detectors in GC
• Enhancements provided by various detectors
• Maintenance and troubleshooting of detectors
• Applications of chromatography
• Development of analytical methods
• Organization and workflow with GC
• Preparing for work with GC systems

Unit 5: Acquisition and Processing of Gas Chromatography Data

• Methods of sampling
• Systems for data collection and processing
• Calibration and performance optimization
• General troubleshooting of gas chromatography systems
• Overview of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Basics of ISO 17025 accreditation applications
• Essential skills in laboratory management and troubleshooting