HyPy - Strata Technology

HyPy
Hydropyrolysis
for sample
preparation
Engineering
Innovation
Hydropyrolysis for
sample preparation
Background
HyPy is a preparation method for samples that cannot be directly characterised by
traditional techniques or where non-destructive recovery of the crucial portion of
the sample is difficult. The fractions will then typically be analysed using techniques
such as gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy.
How does HyPy work?
HyPy uses high pressure hydrogen and a specialist catalyst to recover the organicderived portion – biomarkers – from highly contaminated or degraded samples.
Biomarkers are “molecular fossils” that allow the origin of the sample to be
determined.
The HyPy process achieves higher biomarker recovery than traditional solventbased extraction methods.
HyPy removes functional groups from biomarker molecules while preserving the
“carbon backbone” without structural or stereochemical alteration. Functional
groups often interact with the stationary phase of a gas chromatography (GC)
column and reduce chromatographic resolution.
HyPy development
The University of Nottingham sought to develop their hydropyrolysis research into a
commercially viable product and approached Strata because of our expertise in the
safe design and engineering of research equipment.
Strata developed the Nottingham rig into a safe, reliable and type approved product
with data logging and advanced control capabilities which could be marketed and
sold around the world.
Ideas to reality
“The role of Strata in the development of the technique has been crucial in not only
producing a high quality compact instrument that is easy to operate for the nonspecialist but in doing the development so quickly.”
Professor Colin Snape, University of Nottingham
Typical specifications
HyPy is designed to treat samples of 0.5-3g under the following conditions:
Hydrogen flowrate:
2-12 Nl/min (273.15k, 1013mbar)
Pressures up to 150 barG
Multi-step temperature control to 500°C
Comprehensive independent safety systems for pressure,
temperature and flow
Services required:
Mains electricity (single phase 110v or 240v)
Instrument air
High pressure Hydrogen
Ducting for extract system
Process vent lines
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HyPy: Key sectors
Overview
Since its launch in 2008, 12 HyPy rigs have been built and purchased for use
by academic and commercial institutions across the world to aid cutting-edge
research into a wide variety of fields. As well as the University of Nottingham,
other academic users include world class institutions such as Cornell University,
Curtin University and Imperial College.
Petroleum industry
Characterisation of biomarkers in heavily biodegraded and contaminated
samples. Users include upstream exploration and production companies (Shell,
Chevron, Cairn Energy, Unocal and PetroChina), downstream fuel technology
(Innospec and Nalco) and UK oil service companies (Roberston and IGI).
Soil science
Quantification and characterization of pyrogenic carbon in soils and biochars.
(Rombolà et al., 2015. ES&T 49, 11037-11044)
Automotive industry
Investigation of deposits in fuel injection equipment. Determination of the
composition and source of fouling on injector tips. (Barker, 2009; SAE 2, 38-44)
Astronomy
Extraction of carbonaceous material from meteorites which are resistant to
solvent extraction techniques. (Sephton, 2005. PSS, 53, 1280-1286)
Drug testing
Defunctionalise steroid molecules while leaving the carbon skeleton intact.
More effective apportionment for the source of steroids and their metabolites.
(Meredith, 2010. RCMS 24, 501-505)
Evolutionary biology
Isolation of biomarkers from rock bitumens and kerogens in order to identify the
earliest recorded evidence of animal life on earth.
(Love, 2009. Nature 457, 718-722)
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