Gas Chromatography and Troubleshooting in the Oil & Gas Industry: Core Principles of a Modern Analytical Tool | 7th – 11th April 2025

Course Overview

This 5-day course is designed to provide oil and gas professionals with a thorough understanding of the fundamental theory and practical applications of gas chromatography (GC). Focused on both the theoretical principles and troubleshooting aspects, this course addresses the role of GC in analytical chemistry, offering insights into its application within the oil and gas industry. Participants will learn about the principles of gas chromatography, its components, common troubleshooting techniques, and how to optimise GC performance for accurate and reliable results in various operations.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the fundamental principles of gas chromatography and its application in the oil and gas industry.
2. Identify key components of a gas chromatograph, including injectors, columns, and detectors, and their roles in the system.
3. Perform proper column selection and maintenance for optimal GC performance.
4. Troubleshoot common issues in GC operations, including injection ports, detectors, and columns.
5. Understand gas chromatography data acquisition systems, calibration, and data processing techniques.
6. Apply best practices for gas chromatography method development, setup, and troubleshooting in laboratory environments.
7. Comprehend ISO 17025 accreditation standards and laboratory management best practices.

Target Audience

• Laboratory analysts, engineers, and technicians working with gas chromatographs in the oil and gas industry.
• Quality control and quality assurance professionals responsible for GC-based analysis.
• Research and development personnel involved in method development and troubleshooting of gas chromatography systems.
• Professionals involved in ensuring the reliability and performance of analytical equipment within the oil and gas industry.
• Managers and supervisors overseeing laboratory operations and GC processes.

Daily Agenda

Day One: Introduction to Chromatography

• Overview of Gas Chromatography: Introduction to the role and importance of gas chromatography in analytical chemistry.
• Gas Chromatography Theory: Basic principles behind chromatographic separation, including factors influencing retention times.
• The Development Process: Evolution of GC technology and its application in the oil and gas industry.
• Factors Controlling Retention: Key elements that determine how compounds interact with stationary and mobile phases.
• Molecular Forces and Chromatographic Selectivity: Understanding the molecular forces at play in separation processes.
• Stationary Phase Loading and GC Performance: How the stationary phase affects separation efficiency and GC performance.
• Chromatography Nomenclature: Key terms and concepts used in chromatography to ensure clarity and accuracy.

Day Two: Injection Ports

• Gas Supply and Handling: Understanding the gas supply system for GC, including the handling of carrier gases.
• GC Inlets Selection Variation: Different types of GC inlets and their appropriate selection based on application needs.
• Capillary vs Packed Columns: The differences between packed and capillary columns, their applications, and performance characteristics.
• Direct Capillary: Use of direct capillary columns for enhanced resolution in complex mixtures.
• Split/Split-less: The function of split and split-less injectors in sample introduction.
• Programmed Temperature Vaporizer (PTV) Inlets: Overview of PTV inlets for high sensitivity and resolution.
• Cool on Column: Introduction to cool-on-column injectors and their role in maintaining volatile analytes.
• The Role of Sample Introduction and Injection Ports in GC Operations: How proper sample introduction affects GC analysis accuracy.
• Sample Introduction – Auto-samplers: Benefits of using auto-samplers for consistency and efficiency in sample analysis.

Day Three: Gas Chromatography (GC) Columns

• Column Selection: Factors to consider when selecting the appropriate GC column for specific applications.
• Packed Columns: Detailed discussion on the use of packed columns for certain types of analyses.
• Capillary Columns: Advantages of capillary columns in separating complex samples with high resolution.
• GC Column Impact on Performance: How column choice affects peak resolution and separation efficiency.
• Peak Dispersion in a Chromatographic Column: How peak dispersion impacts the quality of chromatographic separations.
• Column Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Best practices for maintaining columns and common troubleshooting techniques.
• GC Oven: The role of the GC oven in controlling temperature and its impact on separation efficiency.
• Isothermal vs Temperature Programming: The difference between isothermal operation and temperature-programmed conditions in GC.

Day Four: Gas Chromatography (GC) Detectors

• GC Detector Selection: Overview of various GC detectors (e.g., FID, TCD, ECD) and their selection criteria based on the analyte.
• Detector Role in GC Operations: The function of detectors in GC and how they contribute to the analysis process.
• How Detectors Can Impact GC Performance: Understanding the potential effects of detector selection on chromatographic results.
• Detector Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Common issues with GC detectors and how to resolve them to maintain optimal performance.
• Chromatography Applications: A look at the diverse applications of chromatography in the oil and gas industry.
• Method Development: Steps involved in developing methods for gas chromatography, including the selection of columns, detectors, and conditions.
• Setup and GC Operation: Best practices for setting up and operating a gas chromatograph.
• Preparation for Operation: Preparing a GC system for analysis, including system calibration and sample preparation.

Day Five: Gas Chromatography (GC) Data Acquisition and Processing

• Sampling Techniques: Overview of sampling techniques used in GC analysis, ensuring representative and accurate results.
• Data Acquisition and Processing Systems: Introduction to data acquisition systems and their role in collecting chromatographic data.
• Calibration and GC Performance: Methods for calibrating GC systems and ensuring consistent, reliable performance.
• Gas Chromatography Troubleshooting: Common issues encountered in GC operations and how to troubleshoot them effectively.
• Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS): The role of LIMS in managing chromatographic data and enhancing laboratory efficiency.
• ISO17025 Accreditation Basics: Understanding the basics of ISO 17025 accreditation and its importance in maintaining laboratory standards.
• Laboratory Management & Troubleshooting: Best practices in managing laboratory operations, including common troubleshooting steps for GC systems.

Why Choose this Course?

This course is essential for professionals who need to optimise gas chromatography systems and troubleshooting processes in the oil and gas industry. With a balance of theory and practical knowledge, participants will gain in-depth expertise in gas chromatography, from basic principles to advanced troubleshooting. The course’s focus on real-world applications, method development, and compliance with international standards ensures that participants are well-prepared to apply their knowledge in the field.

Learning Outcome

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Gain a comprehensive understanding of gas chromatography and its role in the oil and gas industry.
2. Be able to troubleshoot common issues in GC systems, improving operational efficiency.
3. Understand the principles behind selecting and maintaining GC columns and detectors.
4. Be proficient in method development and data processing, ensuring accurate results.
5. Be knowledgeable about laboratory management, LIMS, and ISO 17025 accreditation processes.