Numerous studies have been made on the effect of solvents on the it frequency shifts of various functional groups (see reviews by Rao 1 and Hallam 2). Solvents of varying polarities are used and it has been found that there is some correlation between the dielectric constant of the solvent and the frequency shifts3–5 These studies are often limited by the strong it absorption of the solvents in various regions.
Abstract The production of gaseous sulfur-containing species during the steam-assisted recovery of heavy oil and bitumen presents problems owing to their toxicity, corrosion properties and odor. In order to quantitatively study aquathermolysis sulfur chemistry during the thermal (steam-assisted) recovery of heavy oils we have subjected a well-characterized and sulfur-rich bitumen core sample to 150 - 325°C and 70 - 1740 psia (0.48 - 12 MPa) conditions in the continued presence of liquid water for 24 hours. The reaction products include gases, oil flotate, oil sinkate, water-soluble products, and water- insoluble residues. All have been studied with a variety of analytical techniques, including FTIR spectroscopy, chromatographic fractionation (SARA analysis), GC-FPD and GC-MS. Moreover, these techniques have been extended to analysis of the asphaltene fractions. Results suggest that some in-situ upgrading of the oil occurs under these conditions; additionally, gaseous hydrogen sulfide is released at temperatures at and above 250 °C. Variations in the relative abundances of solubility classes and chemical fractions imply that the source of sulfur is via the thermal degradation of resins and/or asphaltenes. The experimental methods, results and quantification approach discussed herein will be useful to support the development of models for engineering design of facilities for the steam-assisted recovery of heavy oils and bitumen.
Summary Research into elucidation of the decomposition mechanism of phenolic resin is being undertaken at the United Kingdom Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. In spite of the widespread use of phenolic resins the underlying decomposition mechanism is not yet fully understood. Central to understanding the mechanism is knowledge of the chemical products formed during the decomposition process and their respective quantities. Pyrolysis‐gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry and pyrolysis‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy techniques have been developed to quantify the volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the permanent gases and water generated from the thermal decomposition of a phenolic resin. The VOCs and permanent gases that are produced during pyrolysis of phenolic resin have been identified. Quantitative analysis of the pyrolysis products has been undertaken and the initial results indicate that heating rate affects the composition of the products. Elemental analysis of the residue has been performed.