🎯 Course Description:
This 5-day intensive course offers in-depth training on the theory, instrumentation, methods, and applications of Gas Chromatography (GC) for professionals in the petroleum and natural gas sectors. Designed for experienced laboratory personnel, this course provides advanced instruction in GC/FID, GC/TCD, GC/MS, and GC with auto-sampling systems, with a strong focus on practical applications in crude oil, natural gas, NGLs, LPGs, and refined product analysis.
Participants will gain hands-on knowledge in method development, calibration, troubleshooting, and data interpretation, using industry standards such as ASTM D1945, GPA 2261, and ISO 6974. Real-world case studies and lab-based simulations ensure attendees are fully equipped to enhance GC performance and data quality in demanding operational environments.
👥 Who Should Attend:
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Laboratory chemists and technicians using GC in oil & gas
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Process and production engineers requiring GC interpretation
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QA/QC personnel in hydrocarbon testing labs
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Gas plant and terminal operators handling compositional analysis
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Environmental analysts monitoring emissions and trace gases
🗓️ Day 1: Fundamentals of Gas Chromatography
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 08:30 – 09:00 | Welcome, Course Objectives & Introductions |
| 09:00 – 10:30 | Principles of Gas Chromatography – Separation theory, detectors |
| 10:30 – 10:45 | ☕ Coffee Break |
| 10:45 – 12:15 | GC Components & Flow Paths – Injectors, columns, detectors, carrier gases |
| 12:15 – 01:15 | 🍽 Lunch Break |
| 01:15 – 02:45 | GC Detectors Overview – FID, TCD, MS, PID – strengths and limitations |
| 02:45 – 03:00 | ☕ Coffee Break |
| 03:00 – 04:30 | Safety in GC Operation – Gas handling, leaks, pressure controls |
🗓️ Day 2: GC Methodology in Petroleum Applications
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 08:30 – 10:00 | GC for Natural Gas Analysis (GPA 2261 / ASTM D1945) |
| 10:00 – 10:15 | ☕ Coffee Break |
| 10:15 – 12:15 | C6+ Analysis and Extended Gas Compositions |
| 12:15 – 01:15 | 🍽 Lunch Break |
| 01:15 – 02:45 | GC in Refinery Applications – Gasoline, diesel, LPG, aromatics |
| 02:45 – 03:00 | ☕ Coffee Break |
| 03:00 – 04:30 | Sample Conditioning & Injection Techniques – Liquid/gas switching valves |
🗓️ Day 3: Calibration, Quantification & Method Development
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 08:30 – 10:00 | Calibration Techniques – External vs internal standards, multi-point |
| 10:00 – 10:15 | ☕ Coffee Break |
| 10:15 – 12:15 | Creating and Validating GC Methods – Linearity, accuracy, repeatability |
| 12:15 – 01:15 | 🍽 Lunch Break |
| 01:15 – 02:45 | Quantitative Analysis – Area normalization, response factors |
| 02:45 – 03:00 | ☕ Coffee Break |
| 03:00 – 04:30 | Workshop: Calibration Curve Setup and Gas Mixture Quantification |
🗓️ Day 4: Troubleshooting and Data Analysis
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 08:30 – 10:00 | Common GC Problems – Peak tailing, ghost peaks, baseline noise, leaks |
| 10:00 – 10:15 | ☕ Coffee Break |
| 10:15 – 12:15 | Data Interpretation & Peak Identification – Overlay techniques, retention times |
| 12:15 – 01:15 | 🍽 Lunch Break |
| 01:15 – 02:45 | System Suitability Testing (SST) – Ensuring analytical readiness |
| 02:45 – 03:00 | ☕ Coffee Break |
| 03:00 – 04:30 | Workshop: Diagnosing and Solving Real GC Performance Issues |
🗓️ Day 5: Compliance, Reporting & Advanced Applications
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 08:30 – 10:00 | Industry Standards & Regulatory Compliance – ASTM, GPA, ISO for GC labs |
| 10:00 – 10:15 | ☕ Coffee Break |
| 10:15 – 12:15 | Advanced GC Applications – VOCs, benzene/toluene, sulfur in fuels |
| 12:15 – 01:15 | 🍽 Lunch Break |
| 01:15 – 03:00 | GC Reporting Techniques – Integration settings, rounding rules, uncertainty |
| 03:00 – 03:15 | ☕ Coffee Break |
| 03:15 – 04:30 | Final Q&A, Group Presentations, Feedback & Certificate Distribution |
📂 Course Materials Provided:
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GC Operating & Troubleshooting Manual
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ASTM D1945, GPA 2261, ISO 6974 Reference Guides
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Calibration Workbook with Sample Data
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Troubleshooting Checklist & Flowchart
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Case Studies: Gas Chromatography in Oil & Gas Labs
