About GPA Midstream School of Gas Chromatography

GPA Midstream’s Analysis, Test Methods & Products Specifications Committee manages, directs and conducts the acclaimed GPA Midstream School of Gas Chromatography.

The training lasts one week with class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.

What We Teach

The school covers basic gas and gas-liquid chromatography with an introduction to extended analysis. This is a hands-on curriculum for chromatograph operators, measurement technicians and engineers involved with chromatography. The training consists of lectures, demonstrations and chromatograph operation with emphasis on machine demonstration and operation. Natural gas and natural gas liquid samples will be analyzed.

The five primary purposes:

  • To teach GPA Midstream chromatography procedures and calculation methods to industry technicians and chemists with hands-on instruction

  • To demonstrate that accurate and reproducible results can be obtained by chromatographic analysis

  • To provide related auxiliary information on fundamental chemistry, gas and liquid sampling, reference standard blends, safety practices related to pressurized cylinders, GC system components and operation, calculations, economics of extended analysis, portable chromatographs and contaminants in natural gas liquids

  • To provide limited troubleshooting of gas chromatography software/operation

  • To provide a laboratory demonstration of non-linearity

Lecture Topics Include:

  • Characteristics and Calibration of Detectors Used in Gas Chromatography

  • Column Technology and Types of Columns Used in Gas Chromatography

  • Computing Integrators and Gas Analysis

  • Fundamentals of Natural Gas Chemistry

  • Gas Calculation Procedures

  • Introduction to Gas Chromatography Application

  • Liquid Calculation Procedures

  • Condensate Analysis

  • Obtaining Natural Gas Samples and Laboratory Handling

  • Physical Constants of Paraffin Hydrocarbons as Used in Gas Calculations

  • Quality Control and Quality Assurance in Natural Gas Laboratories

  • Reference Standard Blends

  • Resolving BTU Differences

  • Safety Practices for Handling Hydrocarbons in Cylinders

  • Selection, Operation and Maintenance of Micro (Portable) Chromatographs

  • Sulfurs, Olefins and Other Contaminants in Natural Gas and Natural Gas Liquids

Demonstrations:

  • Equipment (Various)

  • Known Gas & Liquid

  • Unknown Gas & Liquid

  • Linearity

Downloadable One-Pager

Need to convince a supervisor or alert a colleague about this training opportunity? Hit the DOWNLOAD button below for a one-page pdf that provides an overview of GPA Midstream’s School of Gas Chromatography.

Cancellations / Refunds / Transfers

Registered students may obtain a refund less a $100 cancellation fee if GPA Midstream receives a written cancellation notice by 5 p.m. Central time 30 days prior to the course start date. Refunds will not be given after that deadline. A registration may be transferred at no cost with a written request by the same deadline. Transfers are allowed after the deadline with a $100 fee.