Device for measuring total or fractionated quantity of hydrocarbons in a solid sample

A system at least partially automatic, for the analysis of at least part of a sample at least partially solid and preferably of rocky material derived from oil drilling, wherein said system comprises at least:

• a pyrolysis oven suitable for heating said sample in an inert environment;
• a gas chromatograph suitable for separating a hydrocarbon mixture released by said sample;
• a first flame ionization detector FID and a second flame ionization detector FID suitable for measuring a quantity of one or more hydrocarbon species released by said sample, and which may optionally be at least partially reciprocally integrated or restrained;
• a sampler suitable for collecting and/or containing said sample and/or channelling said sample in said system;
• a scrubbing means suitable for scrubbing said sample in order to eliminate air, preferably by means of a fluxing of inert gas;
• a sorting valve suitable for distributing a flow of hydrocarbons already present as such in the sample towards a first analyser and towards said gas chromatograph, or for directing the flow of those generated by transformation of organic matter contained in said sample only towards said first analyser;
• a trap suitable for absorbing a mixture of hydrocarbons already present as such in the sample;
• a second heating means, suitable for heating said trap;
• a cooling means, suitable for cooling said trap;
• one or more communication means suitable for placing in communication the following pairs of components:
• said pyrolysis oven with said first analyser;
• said pyrolysis oven with said first gas chromatograph;
• said gas chromatograph with a second analyser;
• a processor suitable for automating the operations of the components of said system;
• and wherein:
• the sampler provides automatically for channelling the sample towards other components of the system in a known manner;
• said pyrolysis oven is provided with at least one known means suitable for supplying inside the same at least one flow of an inert gas;
• the trap is internal and/or directly connected to the gas chromatograph and in any case contributes to functioning of said gas chromatograph;
• and
• said trap is made up of at least partially a material able to at least absorb gaseous matter, which preferably is a material made up of graphitised carbons.