DOHA: Total Research Centre Qatar (TRC-Q) has applied for a new patent, in the domain of Geochemistry. This was the second application made by Total in 2013.
For addressing the issue of shrinking an instrument down to the size of a big matchbox without altering its performances, the TRC-Q recently invented the “Mini-Cube Gas Chromatograph”. The process for miniaturizing the equipment uses state-of-the-art advanced technologies for manufacturing the main parts of the new “Mini-Cube” instrument.
TRC-Q has a geochemical laboratory which already works for Qatar Petroleum, Qatargas and Dolphin Energy. This lab can provide different analytical measurements. The most commonly used is the so called “Gas Chromatography” method. Such a technique allows for instance to determine the accurate and detailed analytical composition of complex mixtures such as oils and condensates. The innovation allows the “Gas Chromatography” equipment to be miniaturized, without any performance alteration.
“Mini-Cube Gas Chromatograph” can be used on site, and also in laboratories, for petroleum, medical, environmental and space applications. Initially developed for addressing petroleum issues (exploration, production, well integrity…), this new innovation could be applied to any complex mixture analysed by gas chromatography (fragrances, environmental applications, space measurements).
The inventor, Dr Daniel Dessort, is a project leader in organic geochemistry at TRC-Q. He recently applied for another patent related to an innovative method and software for automating the characterization of complex fossil molecules in petroleum.
Philippe Julien, TRC-Q Director, said: “This was the second TRC-Q application for a new patent in 2013. There will also be others in 2014. We are currently developing very innovative technologies for the Oil and Gas industry. But these new techniques also present an interest for other industries, including the space industry. No doubt that this very high level research contributes to a high visibility of the Qatar Science and Technology Park and to the knowledge based economy which is promoted in the Qatar National Vision 2030.”
The TRC-Q in QSTP works on three main projects: Carbonate Petroleum Reservoirs, Metrology and Petrochemicals. In the Carbonate Reservoirs project, Total works on two main subjects: Acid Stimulation (used to increase the production of oil and gas wells) and geochemistry.
The Peninsula
