Pyrolysis Effluent Fractionation for Chemical Composition Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods, such as the ROCK-EVAL device, do not allow for the precise determination of the chemical composition of samples after pyrolysis, as they fail to separate and purify hydrocarbon fractions effectively, leading to incomplete analysis and lack of information on the composition of different fractions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for separating and purifying compounds into liquid and gas phases using a first device for programmed pyrolysis and a second vacuum setup for separating and analyzing these phases, which can be connected to chemical composition analyzers like GC, GC-MS, or GC-IRMS, enabling precise determination of chemical composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pyrolysis is performed using conventional devices like ROCK-EVAL, then hydrocarbon compounds are released and measured, but the chemical composition of different fractions cannot be precisely determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pyrolysis effluent into separate fractions (light hydrocarbons, heavy hydrocarbons, non-hydrocarbon compounds) using sequential temperature-controlled traps. Each trap captures specific fraction ranges, enabling precise chemical composition determination of each fraction separately rather than analyzing the mixed effluent as a whole.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cold traps at different temperature thresholds as intermediary devices between the pyrolysis chamber and the analysis system. These traps act as mediators that selectively condense and separate effluent fractions based on their volatility, allowing subsequent precise analysis of each fraction's chemical composition.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional pyrolysis methods are used, then hydrocarbon amounts are measured, but separation and purification of hydrocarbon fractions is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary separation of hydrocarbon fractions during the pyrolysis process itself by using sequential temperature-controlled traps to capture light hydrocarbons first, then heavy hydrocarbons, and finally non-hydrocarbon compounds. This preliminary fractionation occurs before the effluent reaches the analysis system, enabling subsequent focused analysis of each purified fraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions (condensation at different temperatures) to separate hydrocarbon fractions. By controlling the temperature of traps sequentially, lighter hydrocarbons condense at higher temperatures while heavier hydrocarbons require lower temperatures, achieving automatic fractionation based on phase change behavior.
3Loss of information
If complete pyrolysis analysis is performed, then all hydrocarbon compounds are detected, but detailed composition information of individual fractions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the effluent analysis into distinct fraction analyses by using multiple traps at different temperature thresholds. Each trap captures a specific fraction range, and the system analyzes each fraction separately, preserving detailed composition information for each fraction rather than providing only aggregate data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temperature dimension to the analysis by introducing traps at different temperature thresholds. This creates a temperature-based separation dimension that complements the chemical analysis dimension, allowing the system to preserve and analyze fraction composition information across multiple dimensional parameters.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables non-destructive analysis by separating and purifying hydrocarbon fractions, allowing for additional analyses and providing detailed chemical composition information, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
The ROCK-EVAL device enables pyrolysis in an inert atmosphere (non-oxidizing), according to a predetermined sequence of temperatures, of a sample such as a sedimentary rock sample
Implementation Method 2
The specific detection device comprises, for example, a flame ionization type detector (FID). The detector delivers a signal representative of the amounts of hydrocarbon products that are measured
Implementation Method 3
a second vacuum setup for separating and purifying at least one of the liquid and gas phases contained in this gas stream
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system and to a method for separating into at least one of liquid and gas phase compounds contained in a sample. The system comprises: an oven (D1) for heating in an inert atmosphere according to a sequence of temperatures, a first experimental setup (M1) connected to oven (D1) when it is in operation, comprising circulating the effluent resulting from heating in an inert atmosphere towards collection of (U) this effluent, a second experimental setup (M2) connected to first experimental setup (M1) when the oven is no longer in operation, comprising vacuum circulation (PI, P.G., TP) of the effluent collected by the first setup towards (T1, T2) which separate the collected effluent into at least one of liquid and gas phases.