Since 1993

Instrumentation

Use

Details

High Temperature/High Pressure Viscometer (HTHP)

Simulate downhole conditions to determine the effects on the drilling mud systems. Many products and systems can be formulated and tested to determine the best combination to achieve the downhole conditions required.

Samples are introduced into a sample cup where a bob is used for viscosity measurements. The parameters of the test are entered into the software so that a maximum pressure of 1000psi and a maximum temperature of 500F (260C) can be used. The sample is then monitored to determine the effects of the conditions set to ensure that the product and/or system is functioning as designed.

Ion Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES)

Analysis of metals from a digested or extracted form. Used primarily for clean-up of contaminated sites and waste to be taken to a Class II landfill.

Heats elements that are introduced in a spray to approximately 10000K and analyses the wavelengths of light that are produced as a result. The wavelengths are specific for each element and allow quantitation.

Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AA)

Analysis of major cations. These include Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Sodium (Na) and Potassium (K). The values of Calcium, Magnesium and Sodium are used to provide the Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) which is used regularly to determine endpoints for soil quality.

Similar to an ICP in that the elements are introduced to the equipment in the form of a spray where it is subsequently heated to high temperatures. The difference is that a beam of light representing the element is directed through the flame where the elements are heated. The amount of light that is absorbed indicates the quantity of the element present.

High Pressure Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC)

Analysis of major anions. These include Chloride (Cl), Nitrite (NO2), Nitrate (NO3) and Sulfate (SO4). These are often associated with the term salt, especially chloride. Therefore, the levels of Chloride in samples directly affect the disposal rates that can be applied.

The ions are introduced into a stream of liquid which is carried through a column, separating the ions by their size and charge. For example, a chloride ion is small with a charge of -1, whereas a sulfate ion is large with a charge of -2. The solution then passes through a detector which measures the conductivity. If the conductivity increases, an ion is present and then able to be quantitated.

Gas Chromatograph with Purge and Trap Autosampler (GC)

Analysis of volatile hydrocarbons. These include the F1 fraction of CCME Hydrocarbons (C6-C10) and Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylenes (BTEX). The BTEX values are used for the Industry Recommended Practices for Non-Water Based Drilling Fluids (IRP-14), landfill criteria and reclamation of soils.

Volatile hydrocarbons are subjected to gas which is bubbled through a solution. This gas carries the volatile components to a column which separates the hydrocarbons.
For quantitating BTEX, the gas exiting the column is presented to a Photo Ionization Detector (PID). This detector identifies any component which has a cyclic ring.
For quantitating F1 hydrocarbons, the gas exiting the column is presented to a Flame Ionization Detector (FID). This detector essentially burns the hydrocarbon which emits a signal that can be quantified.

Gas Chromatograph with Autosampler (GC)

Analysis of extractable hydrocarbons. Primarily used for the analysis of F2, F3, and F4 fractions of CCME hydrocarbons. The fractions are defined as F2: C10 to C16, F3: C16 to C34, F4: C34 to C50.

The hydrocarbons are extracted into a suitable solvent which is then injected into the gas chromatograph. The solution presented is quickly heated into a vapour form which is carried by a gas onto a column. The column separates the hydrocarbons by their size. The gas exiting the column is presented to a Flame Ionization Detector (FID). This detector essentially burns the hydrocarbon which emits a signal that can be quantified.

Microtox Analyzer (MTX)

To determine the toxicity of a sample. This is used in the Drilling Waste Management criteria.

A light producing bacteria is used to determine if a sample has any toxic components. Initial light levels are recorded then a series of dilutions from a sample are introduced. If the bacteria stops producing light, the sample is considered to be toxic. The degree of the toxicity is given as the Effective concentration (EC). For drilling waste samples, this concentration is determined after 15 minutes of the bacteria's exposure to the sample where the sample will cause 50% of the bacteria from emitting light. This is expressed as the EC50(15).

Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Flashpoint Tester

To determine if a sample is flammable. The flammability of a sample will determine how it should be handled and/or disposed. For ClassII landfill criteria, a sample must be determined to have a flashpoint >61C in order for it to be disposed. Otherwise, treatment of the waste must be considered or other diposal options.
For inverts and/or base oils used in drilling, a flashpoint >61C allows for different placarding on the hauling equipment. Also, base oils with flashpoints above 61C are safer to work with in the drilling process.

A sample is placed into a brass cup. This cup is placed into the flashpoint tester. As the sample is gently heated, a flame is introduced. If a flash is observed, the temperature is recorded and is noted as the flashpoint. If the flame goes out, there is considered no flashpoint and the temperature at which the flame goes out is indicated with a greater than (>) sign to indicate the flashpoint would be higher than the temperature reported.

TCLP Rotary Extractor

Turns samples end-over-end for a desired period of time. Landfill samples are secured in containers with the proper extraction fluid to extract volatiles or metals for analysis.

The extraction process is used to represent the effect of waste being disposed of in a landfill and the leachate that will be produced as a result.

Soxhlet Extraction Apparatus

To extract samples using a heated solvent. This is primarily used for the extraction of hydrocarbons from soils/solids/total wastes for various analyses. It can be used for the gravimetric determination of hydrocarbons as expressed as a percent dry weight of sample (Dean and Stark). The other application, using a different solvent, is the extraction of hydrocarbons for analysis on a GC for the determination of CCME extractable hydrocarbons (F2, F3 and F4).

Solvent is placed in the receiving vessel and attached to a soxhlet. The sample is dried, either with heat or with a drying agent such as magnesium sulfate, to remove the water. The sample is then placed in an extraction thimble which in turn is placed inside the soxhlet. A condenser is then attached to seal the system. The solvent is heated to evaporation which travels through the system to the condenser. The condenser returns the solvent to liquid form which then drips onto the sample. The solvent then extracts the hydrocarbons from the sample and then drains back into the receiver. This process keeps cycling (or refluxing) in this manner for a designated period of time to ensure all the hydrocarbons are recovered in the receivng vessel. The hydrocarbon laden solvent is then processed for the appropriate analysis.

Laser Particle Sizer

To determine the size of particles in solution. Drilling fluid products that are purchased are routinely measured for particle size to ensure that the products have been properly prepared. This has been mostly used for barite.
Invert samples are determined for particle size distribution after each hole to determine if the system should be re-used.

A sample is placed in a small quartz cuvette and a concentrated beam of light (or laser) is shone through. The scattering of the light determines the size of the particles that are present. The larger the scattering from the direct line of light, the larger the particles.

50mL Rhetort

A quick estimate for the percentage of oil, water and sediment can be determined. Primarily used for invert systems to ensure the proper ratio of oil:water is being achieved. This ensures that the invert system will behave properly in a downhole environment. If the sediment content becomes to large the invert may have to be centrifuged to remove the solids or discarded to ensure that the wellbore is not adversely affected.
The rhetort is also used to ensure that the base oil received is not contaminated with water.

A sample of oil or solids is placed within the sample cup. The sample cup is then placed within the rhetort and heated to 950F to vaporize the liquid components. The liquid components are then condensed and collected within a graduated cylinder where the volumes of each component can be determined. Water vaporizes earlier than oil and is heavier. This component will be at the bottom of the graduated cylinder. The remaining fluid will be classified as oil and any difference between the overall volume collected and 50mL will be considered solids.