Analysis of the catalytic pyrolysis of shale gas oil-based drill cuttings via TG-MS

BACKGROUND: Shale gas oil-based drill cuttings are receiving increasing attention because of their hazards and contamination. In this study, two catalysts (Fe-2(SO4)(3) and a synthesised catalyst) were used to study the pyrolysis products, possible reaction mechanisms, and kinetic characteristics via thermogravimetry-mass spectrometry (TG-MS) analysis. RESULTS: The results indicate that the synthesised catalyst, YAP-3, exhibited an improved catalytic effect on the pyrolysis of drill cuttings with a good conversion rate. The reaction activation energy during the pyrolysis was reduced from 9.6 to 1.4 kJ/mol. In addition to hydrocarbons, the pyrolysis products contained nitrogen oxides and other compounds. CONCLUSION: A comparison of the peak temperature range and response intensity of the same substance with the same mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) showed that YAP-3 significantly promoted the formation of pyrolysis products. This study provides theoretical support for the catalytic pyrolysis treatment of shale gas drill cuttings. (c) 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Automated summary

In this study, two catalysts were used to investigate the pyrolysis of shale gas drill cuttings. The results showed that the synthesized catalyst, YAP-3, exhibited a good catalytic effect and improved conversion rate. The pyrolysis products contained hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and other compounds. This study provides theoretical support for the catalytic pyrolysis treatment of shale gas drill cuttings.