Pyrolysis FAQ

How is the HAWK Instrument different from other pyrolysis instruments on the market?

Simply stated, the HAWK is reliable and has an innovative instrument design that is highly supported by its company.

• Has a single oven for pyrolysis and oxidation in order to minimize leaks and provide greater integrity
• Unique ball bearing pedestal assembly ensures perfect alignment and sealing of the sample crucible
• Database driven software that allows quick retrieval and visualization of all data
• Ability to start at lower temperatures (50°C) and reach higher temperatures (850°C)
• Quality control features in the HAWK-Eye software
• Applications support and multiple ramps/isotherm configuration
• Maintenance is minimal and easy to implement. It has simplified routine and preventative maintenance procedures. All maintenance tools are provided at no additional cost.

Why does the HAWK use one oven instead of two like competitive instruments?

Issues abound exponentially with two oven instruments including possible alteration of the sample during transfer oven-to-oven, dropping and jamming of samples in the transfer mechanism, overall higher cost of repairs and difficulty in maintaining the instrument. The innovative one oven design used by the HAWK instrument for both pyrolysis and oxidation means high quality data with lower cost and simplified maintenance and is virtually plug and play allowing for more up-time for analysis. Contact us to learn more about the HAWK

Which gases are needed to run the HAWK Instrument?

The HAWK Instrument requires Instrument or GC purity grade Air, Hydrogen and Helium. We offer hydrogen and air generators if needed.

Why does the HAWK Instrument use Helium instead of Nitrogen?

Helium is the preferred carrier gas during the pyrolysis phase of analysis due to its’ superior properties of thermal conductivity. Gas such as Nitrogen acts as a thermo-insulator which impedes the heat flow and efficiency of pyrolysis. Good thermal conductive gas is essential for kinetics analysis.

How do the HAWK results compare to other pyrolysis instruments?

Due to the superior design and oven sealing, the HAWK obtains the full S1 peak (often missed by others), resulting in higher more accurate S1 values and TOC that correlates with 99% accuracy to Leco TOC. We can provide you with data comparisons upon request here.

The recommended sampling mass guideline was 30-70 mg, depending upon expected richness. Can the S2 peak oversaturate the detector if the TOC content is too high?

Currently, the HAWK FID and Infrared detectors have a maximum signal value of 2000 mv (2 volts). If a sample is analyzed that produces a signal higher than 2000 mv, the sample will be flagged by the software and it is advised that the sample is re-analyzed at a reduced weight. We recommend using the weights shown here.

Is there a known zero error or limit of detection? For example, measuring a sample with no organic carbon or the minimum amount of carbon.

Yes, 0.23% TOC is the minimum detectable amount of carbon when TOC is measured on the HAWK

What is HAWK-PAM analysis and why should I use it?

HAWK-PAM is a new way to analyze your cuttings and core samples that utilizes five zones using multiple ramp and isotherm routines assigned during a single sample analysis. A ramp rate of 25°C is utilized to generate five petroleum peaks - four on oil fractions and one on kerogen. HAWK-PAM enables you to use pyrolysis data to determine mobile oil content of your rock formation of interest and also to predict API gravity.