The Educational and Scientific Laboratory of Gas Geochemical Research at Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas is a specialized analytical unit where gas geochemical research is conducted during oil and gas exploration works and comprehensive assessment of area gas contamination is provided. The laboratory is equipped with chromatographic equipment of various classes — from stationary analytical to field logging — which allows covering the full cycle of gas geochemical research: from sampling in the well to precise quantitative analysis of the composition of hydrocarbon gases in laboratory conditions.
Laboratory Equipment
Gas Chromatograph NeoCHROM — a stationary laboratory device for analyzing complex multicomponent mixtures of organic and inorganic compounds. The operating principle is based on gas adsorption and gas-liquid chromatography methods in isothermal mode and temperature programming mode of analytical columns. The device is equipped with several types of detectors depending on the analysis task:
- Flame Ionization Detector (FID) — the most common in gas chromatography, reacts to any molecule with a hydrocarbon bond, and is a primary tool for analyzing hydrocarbon gases of oil and gas origin.
- Thermionic detector — applied for the determination of nitrogen- and phosphorus-containing compounds in complex gaseous matrices.
- Electron Capture Detector — provides for the determination of trace amounts of halogen-containing and nitro-containing compounds.
- Thermal Conductivity Detector — universal detector for permanent gases and inorganic compounds.
The scope of application of the chromatograph includes monitoring the composition of hydrocarbon gases in the petrochemical and gas industries, environmental monitoring of air, water, and soils, assessment of gas pollution and sanitary-hygienic control of industrial facilities, as well as scientific research in the field of gas-geochemical profiling.
Chromatograph “Chromoplast” – specialized field instrument for conducting gas logging during the drilling of oil and gas wells. Operates under the control of the “ChromIO” program and enables real-time continuous determination of the component composition of hydrocarbon gases in the drilling fluid emerging from the well. The instrument identifies and quantitatively determines: hydrogen, methane, ethane, propane, isobutane, butane, isopentane, and pentane, with the possibility of extending the range to hexane. The sampling of the analyzed gas occurs automatically according to a specified cycle.
The “ChromIO” software performs a full cycle of analytical operations: analysis of the gas mixture, instrument setup and calibration, real-time chromatogram display, data transmission to the information collection system, and report generation based on calibration results. Gas logging data is the basis for assessing the oil and gas potential of penetrated formations and making operational decisions during drilling.
Chromatograph “Chrom-5” applied to determine the component composition of gas-air mixtures. The device is used for both educational laboratory work and for the operational analysis of the gas composition of samples from various research objects.
Educational Process and Scientific Activity
Practical classes are conducted in the laboratory for disciplines related to the geochemistry of oil and gas, methods of exploration and prospecting of hydrocarbon deposits, and gas logging. Students acquire skills in chromatographic analysis of gas mixtures, interpretation of chromatograms, and evaluation of gas-geochemical indicators of oil and gas potential.
The laboratory scientifically provides analytical support for gas geochemical research in exploration and development operations, evaluates the gas contamination of industrial facilities and adjacent areas, and conducts research projects commissioned by oil and gas enterprises.