Pyrolytic analyzer
HAWK

The operating principle of the HAWK system is determined by the method of pyrolytic research of rocks and consists of 2 cycles. The first cycle is pyrolysis by heating in a programmed temperature mode. During the heating process, hydrocarbon compounds from the test sample are transferred from the furnace to a flame ionization detector (FID) using a carrier gas. Using a FID detector, hydrocarbon components and compounds contained in the rock are determined. Upon completion of the 1st cycle, the furnace automatically cools down, the sample is automatically removed from the working area to the buffer area (at the same time, there is no contact with the environment). After the furnace has cooled, the 2nd stage is carried out on the sample - the oxidation process. During the oxidation process, the sample is subjected to programmed heating in the presence of air. Air is also used to move oxidation products to the 2 infrared (IR) detectors. One of the IR detectors is designed to capture CO gas, the second IR detector is designed to capture CO2 gas. The result of the experiment is a pyrogram that provides accurate information about the hydrocarbon potential of the reservoir and the maturity of the rock.

• The maximum oven temperature is 850 °C. Allows pyrolysis of difficult to decompose type III kerogen, and also ensures complete decomposition of carbonates such as calcite and dolomite
• Minimum temperature in the pyrolysis oven: 25°C.
• Typical temperature experiment program:
1. Start of pyrolysis at 180°C;
2. Warming up and completion of pyrolysis at 650°C;
3. The oven is then cooled to 300°C;
4. Heating to 750 or 850 °C, during which oxidation occurs
• When determining TOC, it is sufficient to heat the sample to 750°C. 
• With CC (inorganic carbon), heating is carried out to 850°C.
• HAWK RW provides the ability to process kinetic data using GeoIsochem's Kinetics05 software. The form of data output obtained as a result of the experiment can be changed in accordance with the Customer's requirements
• HAWK RW provides the ability to conduct continuous 24-hour tests - up to 7 days of autonomous operation without operator intervention.

• The unique design of the crucibles and the furnace sealing system during preheating of the crucible (temperature up to 75°C) make it possible to avoid errors when studying mobile hydrocarbons.

• Samples are placed in a replaceable tray with crucibles that can hold 126 rock samples. To automate the experiment, the device is equipped with an autoloader.

  

  
• Weighing and sample preparation are greatly accelerated by the use of convenient crucible trays and specialized stainless steel funnels.
• 2-stage diaphragm-type pressure regulator, made of stainless steel - designed to eliminate pressure pulsations.
• The latest microelectronics with a minimum number of electrical connections

• The PyroSmart panel included with the meter displays information about the meter without the need for a computer. All additional parameters, including gas consumption, are saved in the database, that is, after reviewing the data on the current study, it is possible to view information about the experiment and test parameters in the database

  • The HAWK RW package includes a PC equipped with HAWK-Eye software, which guarantees complete control and monitoring of the experiments.
  •  HAWK RW has small overall dimensions (width 48 cm x depth 50 cm x height 58 cm) and a minimum number of electronic wires

  
• Combined furnace for pyrolysis and oxidation. Using one oven for pyrolysis and oxidation keeps the oven cleaner than using two separate ovens. Using only one oven keeps the appliance cleaner due to the fact that hydrocarbons that are released in the oven during the pyrolytic cycle are displaced during the oxidative cycle. Thus, any contamination caused by the hydrocarbon formation process during pyrolysis is quickly cleaned through the oxidation process, during which air begins to circulate through the oven immediately after pyrolysis is completed, resulting in automatic regular cleaning of the oven.
• Thanks to laser welding of the furnace body and heater, these elements are a single thermal unit with excellent thermal conductivity, which does not change over the years, which ensures reliable operation of the furnace for many years (for example, HAWK devices in the Wild Cat laboratory have been operating for 3 years almost continuously mode and during this time no changes in their characteristics were noticed; the only maintenance carried out during this time was scheduled calibrations and replacement of the seal on the oxidation chamber). This technical solution significantly increases the product life cycle. When designing a device with 2 furnaces (as in other pyrolytic systems), an overhead heating element is used on the furnace, and, over time, due to contact of the heater with air, oxidation of the heater occurs, which worsens thermal contact and reduces thermal conductivity, and, in ultimately leads to heater failure.
• The diagnostic and quality control system includes monitoring of dryerite and standard samples. Drierite is used to monitor the current humidity in the device. If an emergency situation occurs during the experiment, the system sounds a sound signal and the experiment is automatically interrupted. The resulting pyrograms are analyzed online. This system guarantees the quality and reliability of the experimental data obtained. Also, the functionality of the diagnostic system includes gas flow monitoring.
• HAWK RW can be placed in a special protective case and transported to the field
• The design of the device is made using only three gas valves , which ensures maximum reliability of the device, the absence of gas leaks, as well as simplicity and ease of operation.
• Computer control of the flow of all gases during the experiment ensures maximum automation and minimizes labor costs.
• 3 main determining parameters of the crucible, ensuring the reliability and quality of the experiment:
  • Extremely thin wall thickness to ensure maximum efficiency of heat transfer from furnace to sample;
  • Large outer diameter to allow free passage of carrier gas (both helium and oxidizing air) through the sample, guaranteeing maximum sample surface area even with large volumes;
  • Economical, easy-to-replace crucible strainers, placed one at a time on the surface and bottom of the crucible, significantly reduce the need to replace crucibles.

• Crucible parameters:
  • Diameter 0.9 mm;
  • Height 1.2 mm.
  • Capacity 400 mg
• The generally accepted standard for issuing experimental results is the Rock Eval-2 standard. In this mode, the pyrogram is intentionally offset (error).

The HAWK system allows you to output data in both the Rock-Eval 2 and Rock-Eval 6 standard (with offset), as well as the true results of pyrolytic studies.

• Preheat zone HAWK = 57°C. In this temperature zone, leakage protection is provided due to reliable sealing. 
• Computer control of the flow of all gases during the experiment ensures maximum automation and minimizes labor costs.