Development of a clumped isotope laser ratiometer sample preparation and inlet system

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Clumped isotope analysis is a new analytical technique to characterise temperature historiesof oil and gas bearing carbonate rock formations. This information is crucial for oilexploration to determine where and at what depth oil reservoirs are most likely to bediscovered. Other techniques are used to obtain temperature histories but depend upon thepresence of fluid inclusions. However, inclusions are not always present and do not providethe same precision as clumped isotope analysis.Despite the clear benefits, globally only 12 laboratories use this technique. This is becauseclumped isotope analysis requires the use of customised high precision mass spectrometersand inlets. These systems cost in excess of £500K and can only analyse 2 to 3 samples perday. This technique will only become accessible to the oil and gas industry if costs can bereduced and the speed of analysis increased.Protium intends to develop a new sample preparation system that will allow isotope laserratiometry to be used instead of high precision mass spectrometers. The lower cost of laserratiometers could reduce overall equipment costs by up to two thirds.This system would also automate the analytical process thereby increasing sample throughout.The proposed system would process samples at a rate of 30 a day compared to 3 usingexisting techniques. If the project is successful, it will lead to the development of the firstautomated system for laser ratiometer clumped isotope analysis.Protium will achieve this by:1. Developing an efficient rock acid digestion system and water removal traps.2. Developing novel chemical traps to remove organic contaminants.3. Modifying existing bulk isotope laser ratiometery inlet and electronic flow controltechnology developed by Protium during a recently completed TSB funded developmentproject (Ref. 100984).