Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Refinery gases are mixtures of various hydrocarbons, permanent gases, and sulfur compounds. This complex mixture can be difficult to separate accurately and reliably. The requested Gas Chromatograph-Refinery Gas Analyzer (GC-RGA) system uses a combination of packed and capillary columns. The analysis is separated into three channels for the simultaneous detection of hydrocarbons, permanent gases, and hydrogen with one injection. The purchase of a GC-RGA is very urgent and critical to the PIs' and their collaborators' research programs and the training of highly qualified personnel (HQP). The supported projects are divided up into five cases. None of these projects provide funds for the purchase of a GC-RGA system. Currently, in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Alberta (U of A), there is no GC for fast refinery gas analysis which also possesses the capability to analyze H2, H2S, and COS. There is one SRI-RGA on Campus in the lab of the Institute for Oil Sands Innovation; this GC was purchased in the 1980s and needs to replace the motor and columns. Another two GC Systems are in the Chemistry Department and are used mainly for the measurement of fatty acids, lipid classes, and fatty alcohols; neither GC has the capability to analyze hydrogen or sulfur compounds. It is not practical to mail gas samples out for analysis, especially if collected samples contain H2. Thus, the requisition of the proposed GC-RGA system is in urgent need. It will fulfill PI's research programs at U of A, and more importantly, will provide specialized technical capabilities that would help the training of HQP. An acquisition of a GC-RGA will be of great importance primarily as an invaluable instrument in the training of our diverse HQP. It is estimated that at least 15 HQP each year will be trained on or use and analyze data obtained from a GC-RGA. All HQP involved will have equal access to training and mentoring resources on necessary research skills. The outcome of the research programs to be supported by the equipment is indispensable to the climate change mitigation goals and to position Canada as a world leader in energy and mineral resources, environment protection, and economic sustainability. The proposed RGA will be the one and only unit available for training of HQP working with bio-refining, corrosion and materials degradation, bitumen extraction, and mineral processing on campus if not in Western Canada. A plan for the sustainability of the GC-RGA is proposed.