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.