Question

It should be possible to at least partially characterize an oil shale sample using the techniques discussed in this chapter. Briefly discuss two techniques appropriate to use for this purpose. Sketch typical thermal curves and discuss the information that might be obtained and problems that might be anticipated.

Short answer

DSC and TGA are two techniques related to characterizing the oil sample. One technique works to give the information about the amount of energy in the sample and the other is used to evaluate see the percentage of combustible mass in the sample.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Given information

Discuss the two techniques for characterizing the oil sample. Sketch typical thermal curves and discuss the information that might be obtained and problems that might be anticipated.

Step 2. Two techniques for characterizing the oil sample 

Kerogen is a kind of material that has similarities to organic material is found in oil shale. Oil shale is considered a good quality one if it contains 10 to 15% of organic substance.

TGA is one of the thermogravimetric techniques. In this process changes in chemical properties and physical properties are considered as parameters i.e. measuring the mass of the sample is the main characteristic of this process. But in the case of DSC, it is a differential scanning calorimetry technique. And this process is associated with measuring changes in heat. The thermogravimetric techniques can detect volatile mass in samples. TGA is one of the thermogravimetric techniques which can be used to see the percentage of combustible mass in the sample.it works in an oxygen atmosphere.

DSC is a differential scanning calorimetry technique that works in inert conditions. It can give information about the amount of energy in the sample. I.e. the energy that is needed to volatilize the organic matter.

Step 3. Thermal curves