Hydropyrolysis (HyPy) Rig
In Partnership with The University of Nottingham
In 2008, Strata Technology successfully completed and commissioned the first commercial HyPy Rig in partnership with The University of Nottingham.
Hydropyrolysis is an analytical pyrolysis technique developed at The University of Nottingham by Professor Colin Snape and collaborators that, compared to normal pyrolysis procedures, gives rise to much higher yields of hydrocarbons with much better structural preservation. These attributes have enabled the technique to be applied to solve a number of problems in petroleum exploration where conventional analysis fails.
The University of Nottingham sought to develop their research unit and approached Strata Technology because of its expertise in the design and safely engineering of research equipment.
User Safety
Due to the hazards of working with such techniques (5 NLM of pure H2 with a reactor pressure of 150 barg) Strata employed a detailed Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) analysis during the initial design stage. Electrical safety concepts helped define a robust alarm system that trips the unit if it strays beyond design parameters. ATEX and EMC were other issues that had to be addressed.
Phased Approach
Strata Technology adopted its unique phased approached when working with The University of Nottingham to develop the HyPy unit. As part of the design phase Strata used solid modelling techniques, which were an indispensable aid when communicating with Professor Snape and his team. This ensured that they were kept firmly in the driving seat throughout the iterations of the development stage.
Professor Colin Snape:
"The role of Strata in the development of the technique has been crucial in not only producing a high quality compact rig that is easy to operate for the non-specialist but in doing the development so quickly.
This will contribute enormously to HyPy being adopted worldwide as the technique of choice for solving a number of analytical problems at a pace that could not have been envisaged two years ago. It's been a very good project, delivered in cost and on time."
Today, the HyPy Rig has been designed and built as a stand-alone piece of laboratory equipment for sale around the world. Currently, Strata Technology has delivered three HyPy Rigs Rigs and has more in production. For technical details and current applications of the HyPy Rig or to get a quote, please contact us.
At 'The Engineer Technology & Innovation Awards' ceremony held at the Royal Society on October 3rd, the collaboration of Strata Technology, EQS and the University of Nottingham on 'Commercialisation of HyPy' was announced as the winner of the 'Business Support of Universities' category. The competition, which included BAe Systems linked with the University of Cambridge and others, was very impressive and clearly we are thrilled to have been given this accolade.