--> Abstract: The Development of a Commercial Laser-Probe Mass Spectrometry Facility: A Case Example of Academic and Industry Collaboration in Research and Development, by S. M. Habesch; #90956 (1995).

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Abstract: The Development of a Commercial Laser-Probe Mass Spectrometry Facility: A Case Example of Academic and Industry Collaboration in Research and Development

Stephen M. Habesch

During the next three years (1994-1996), a major research and development project is being funded by a consortium of four partner groups and the British Government's Department of Trade and Industry (NERC/OSO) through the LINK Hydrocarbon Reservoirs Programme. The individual partner groups consist of the Geochem Group Limited, the Scottish Universities Research and Reactor Centre (SURRC), Glasgow University (Department of Geology) and British Gas plc.

The major objective of the project is the development of a laser ablation laboratory for routine in-situ. stable isotope analysis on a wide range of diagenetic cement phases recorded in hydrocarbon reservoirs. These cements will include carbonates, quartz, sulphides, sulphates and some clay phases. The laboratory facilities will include several different lasers, advanced microscopic imaging hardware, gas 'clean-up' lines and several mass spectrometers. The analytical techniques will focus on the following isotope systematics; ^dgr34S (sulphides/sulphates), ^dgr13C (dolomites/calcites/siderites), ^dgr18O (silicates including clays and carbonates) and deltaD (clay silicates). The successful development of such a facility for routine applications will be major step in progress in isotope geochemistry in diagenesis, and significantly assist pore fluid modelling in reservoir formations.

The financial investment required for the study was beyond the scope of any single organisation. and the project demonstrates the successful collaboration between university, service and exploration companies, and government funding bodies.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90956©1995 AAPG International Convention and Exposition Meeting, Nice, France