Field test results of compound specific isotope analyzer based on quantum cascade lasers and hollow waveguide

The first of its kind Gas Chromatograph Infra Red Isotope Ratio (GC-IR2) instruments have been deployed to the field to help the identification of sweet spot during the shale gas exploration. The onsite measurement capability of the GC-IR2 along with its accuracy and speed helped the discovery of the fast dynamics of gas release from shale cuttings. The half life of the isotope change for methane, ethane and propane released from shale cuttings is closely related to the porosity and permeability of the specific shale reservoir, and could be as short as a one hour to a couple of days. Initial δ^(13)C values for methane could be extremely fractionated toward heavy ^(13)C species that values in the -20~<-10 per mil, which belong to inorganic methane could be measured.