COURSE OVERVIEW:

The meaning of this course lies in the specialized application of gas chromatography to characterize the complex hydrocarbon streams found within the upstream and downstream sectors. As the oil and gas industry moves toward more stringent quality specifications and environmental mandates, the precision of GC analysis becomes the primary tool for determining product value and process efficiency. This program provides the deep technical knowledge required to operate and maintain analyzers that are specifically configured for the harsh and demanding environments of refineries and petrochemical plants.

The scope of the training addresses the unique hardware configurations required for oil and gas applications, including the use of multi-port valves, micro-packed columns, and specialized detectors such as the Flame Ionization Detector (FID) and Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD). It covers the standardized methods established by ASTM and GPA for the analysis of natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and pressurized refinery gases. Participants will explore the engineering of sample conditioning systems, which are critical for ensuring that the analyzer receives a representative and clean sample from the process line.

The coverage includes a detailed investigation into the analysis of sulfur compounds, permanent gases, and the determination of physical properties like heating value and relative density through chromatographic data. The course emphasizes the troubleshooting of specialized valve timings, the management of heavy hydrocarbon carryover, and the calibration protocols necessary for custody transfer measurements. By mastering these industrial GC applications, participants will be able to ensure the reliability of analytical data that directly impacts the financial and operational success of energy facilities.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Identify the specific GC hardware requirements for oil and gas stream analysis.
• Configure multi-port switching valves for complex hydrocarbon separations.
• Implement ASTM and GPA standard methods for natural gas and LPG.
• Calculate gas heating values and relative density from chromatographic results.
• Design and maintain sample conditioning systems for refinery gas analyzers.
• Optimize Flame Ionization Detectors for high-sensitivity hydrocarbon detection.
• Manage Thermal Conductivity Detectors for the analysis of permanent gases.
• Troubleshoot baseline issues and ghost peaks in industrial GC environments.
• Execute precise calibration procedures for custody transfer accountability.
• Perform trace sulfur analysis using specialized detectors and columns.
• Evaluate the impact of moisture and contaminants on analyzer longevity.
• Develop preventative maintenance schedules for process-aligned GC units.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is intended for Instrument Engineers, Refinery Chemists, Process Technicians, and Laboratory Supervisors working in the energy and petrochemical sectors.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximize the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.