Petroleum in the Environment: About the Course

short courses in geochemistry

Petroleum in the Environment

course requirements

Delegates should have prior knowledge of the following.

Chemical Analysis of Organic Matter

Aims

The aim of this module is to give an overview of the basic analytical organic geochemical techniques employed in petroleum and organic geochemistry.

Summary of Syllabus

Sampling design and sample preparation (clean and crush)
Extraction of rocks
Introduction to fractionation of bitumen -Liquid column chromatography -Thin layer chromatography
Principles, nomenclature and types of Chromatography
Frontal analysis, displacement method, elution development
Theory and practise of liquid chromatography
- Classical
- HPLC
Theory and practice of thin layer chromatography
Theory and practice of gas chromatography
Mass Spectrometry
- Principles
- Instrumentation
- Applications
Theory and practice of pyrolysis - gas chromatography and pyrolysis - GC-MS

Intended Outcomes

Knowledge
- On completion of this module, students will be familiar with the fundamental theory of the chromatographic separation of complex mixtures. They will also have a strong grasp of the principles of mass spectrometry, an awareness of the main types of instruments used in petroleum geochemistry, their modes of application and the types of data that they produce. Lastly, they will be aware of some of the techniques involving pyrolysis which are used in petroleum geochemistry
Skills
- Students will be able to extract and fractionate complex mixtures of organic molecules from crude oils and other geological materials.

Over a period of seven weeks, specialist knowledge and understanding are primarily imparted via lecture classes, supported by computer-hosted reference materials. Subject specific skills are taught through hands-on laboratory practical classes. Students are encouraged and expected to learn through reflection and independent reading. They are supported in this by the provision of an extensive, but prioritised, reading list. Observations and discussions during laboratory classes aid development of understanding whilst a short test at the end of the module enables students to monitor the progress of their learning.

Subject specific skills are learnt through participation in, and reflection on, a lengthy series of laboratory practical classes. Key skills are practised through participation in laboratory practical classes.

Molecular Marker Compounds

Also available to CPD delegates.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to describe the geochemistry and application of molecular marker compounds (biomarkers) in sediments and crude oils. The objectives are to measure maturity and assess palaeoenvironment of deposition.

Summary of Syllabus

Introduction to biomarkers, biomarker classes, isoprenoids, steroids, hopanoids, aromatic hydrocarbons, nonhydrocarbon biomarkers. Biomarkers in sediments. Application of biomarkers in petroleum geochemistry: biological sources, maturity. The application of light hydrocarbon gases in petroleum geochemistry.
Syllabus Outline
- Introduction to biomarkers.
- Biomarker classes.
- Applications of biomarkers to determination of maturity.
- Biomarkers in sediments.
- Markers for biological inputs.
- Hopanoids.
- Aromatic hydrocarbons.
- Non-hydrocarbon biomarkers.
- Light hydrocarbon gases.

Intended Outcomes

Knowledge
- On completion of this module students will have learned the structures and origins of the important classes of biomarkers (including non-hydrocarbons) in petroleum geochemistry. They will understand how molecular markers can be used as indicators of maturity and of organic matter origin. Students will appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of the biomarker approach, and will understand their routine applications in petroleum exploration.
Skills
- On completion of the module, students will know how to identify the different biomarkers from their mass spectra and mass chromatogram fingerprints. They will be able to put this ability into practice in the interpretation of the biomarker distributions of samples.

Over a period of two weeks, specialist knowledge and understanding are primarily imparted via lecture classes, supported by computer-hosted reference materials. Subject specific skills are taught through data-interpretation exercises. Students are encouraged and expected to learn through reflection and independent reading. They are supported in this by the provision of an extensive, but prioritised, reading list. Observations and discussions during data interpretation workshops aid development of understanding whilst a short test at the end of the module enables students to monitor the progress of their learning. Subject specific skills are learnt through participation in, and reflection on, data-based exercises.

fees

Course dates and fees are not yet confirmed. Please submit an Expression of Interest to be notified of confirmation of fees and course dates.