seconds are applied whereas in offline systems pyrolysis lasts between a few up to
30 min.
A special form of organic-geochemical analyses applies pyrolysis in the presence
of water, so-called hydropyrolysis. Bearing in mind that in natural geological
conditions water is almost always present, hydropyrolysis reflects better natural
geological conditions and is, therefore, often used as simulation tool for geological
processes, in particular catagenesis.
General Note
Independent from the technical approach (offline/online, sealed or continuousflow) analytical pyrolysis produces specific products that can be analyzed for
identification and quantification of polymers by GC/MS or LC/MS.
4.4.2 Bulk Pyrolysis
Beside its usage as molecular structure elucidating tool, pyrolysis can also be used
for the characterization and quantification of the bulk organic matter. In Organic
Geochemistry two common approaches are based on pyrolysis, the TOC analyses as
well as Rock-Eval-pyrolysis.
Temp.
sample vessel
glass tube
carrier gas N 2
Oven
volaƟle pyrolysis
products
cooled solvent trap
Fig. 4.53 Scheme of an off-line continuous-flow pyrolysis system
4.4 Analyses of Macromolecular Matter: Pyrolysis and Chemical Degradation
91