News. Petrochemicals Weighing and Analysis in the Laboratory. Wax Appearance Temperature of Crude Oils by DSC

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1 Petrochemicals Weighing and Analysis in the Laboratory 5 News Wax Appearance Temperature of Crude Oils by DSC The development of deep offshore oil fields is extremely costly. It is therefore important that information regarding the feasibility of such developments is accurate. The Wax Appearance Temperature (WAT) is the most important property that can be measured to provide information on the flow characteristics of the oil. Flow Properties of Crude Oils Crude oils present unique production and transportation challenges. Variation in temperature is the main factor affecting the crude oil properties. When the crude oil temperature drops to the WAT, the most important property that can be measured to provide information on the flow characteristics of the oil is the way in which the wax crystallizes out of the liquid solution affecting its overall physical properties. When the temperature falls below the WAT, there is a strong possibility that wax will be deposited on the inside walls of the pipelines. This results in reduced flow, a pressure drop and, possibly, a pipeline blockage. Using the STAR e software, temperature cooling programs can be developed for the DSC823 e that will enable the WAT to be determined. Figure 1 on the next page illustrates the differences between high and low content crude oils. The onset of wax precipitation in a crude oil in each case defines the lowest temperature at which it can be used in certain applications. Increased Sensitivity with Modularity Customers who work with oil samples with low wax content can also benefit from modulated temperature DSC. Using this approach, the increased sensitivity helps to identify the onset of wax crystallization even if the change is small. In particular, the phase angle between the heating rate and heat flow modulations are extremely sensitive to this process.

2 Thermal Analysis The modularity of the DSC823 e and the STAR e software allows petroleum companies to design a system that is suitable for the determination of WAT whether the oil is of low or high content. The accuracy and precision of the system will help reduce the risks involved with new developments in crude oil exploration. } Publisher Mettler-Toledo AG Laboratory & Weighing Technologies Im Langacher CH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland Production Segment Marketing LAB Switzerland Technical articles Mettler-Toledo AG Laboratory & Weighing Technologies Analytical Instruments Figure 1. WAT of high and low content crude oils (Source: Measurement of the wax appearance temperatures of crude oils by temperature modulated differential scanning calorimetry, Z. Jiang, J.M.Hutchinson, C.T.Imrie, FUEL 80 (3), , 2001) Subject to technical changes. Mettler-Toledo AG 07/07 Printed in Switzerland. 2

3 Density Kit Density Determination With METTLER TOLEDO s Density Kit Density measurements are a common application in many industries and are a quality indicator for many substances such as liquids, solids or pasty substances. In the petrochemical industry there is a definite need for this application. Common Applications Density is a fundamental physical property which can be used in conjunction with other properties to characterize many substances, for instance measurement of the density of pure hydrocarbons or petroleum distillates. Calculations can, if wished be made to convert the density to relative density. Here, the Pycnometer is the defined method of choice for the above mentioned application in the petrochemical industry (ASTM1217). Optimized Density Measurement With the XP and XS analytical and precision balances from METTLER TOLEDO the method for measuring density can be optimized. Including EX zone 2 versions, METTLER TOLEDO precision and analytical balances provide the perfect solution for a multitude of substances from fine liquids, pastes through to solid substances, including porous substances. n Fully integrated workflows for 5 different density determinations n Touch screen display for easy operation n Clear graphical user guidance Utmost accuracy and total flexibility can be realized by choosing the right accessory for the right job. } A standardized glass sinker is available for determining the density of oils (calibrated, if required) METTLER TOLEDO s density kit for analytical and precision balances is ideal for solids, liquids, porous and viscous substances. Gamma Sphere for viscous substances such as bitumen 3

4 Density Measurement Density Measurement in the Petrochemicals Industry One of METTLER TOLEDO s satisfied customers is one of the largest integrated energy companies in the world. One of its many testing labs concentrates on oil density measurement. METTLER TOLEDO offered them a comprehensive solution in order to replace their insecure hydrometer method. Replacement of the Insecure Hydrometer The testing lab, focusing on the measurement of the density of several types of oils, used hydrometers. They would perform API tests using a 2 liter oil sample which was poured directly down the drain once tested. Not only was this process uneconomical, but it was inconsistent and inaccurate. When a hydrometer is placed into the oil, it buoys up and down until it floats freely. The point at which the surface of the oil touches the stem of the hydrometer is noted as the density measurement for that sample. This manual method invites human error, as the line where the liquid meets the meter is determined by the judgment of the laboratory technician. In order to reduce costs and increase accuracy, a METTLER TOLEDO sales representative approached our customer with a comprehensive solution for their lab. With the METTLER TOLEDO DE40 Density Meter A METTLER TOLEDO DE40 Density Meter was presented as the solution to the growing needs of this global enterprise. The DE40 offers rapid, 4-place digital density determination of liquid samples. In addition, it displays the results directly as density, specific gravity or in other units such as Brix and API degrees. It also allows for a significantly smaller sample of only 2 milliliters of oil. The lab manager was highly satisfied with the level of service and professionalism presented by METTLER TOLEDO in addition to the quality of the instrument his lab purchased. They are now producing fast, reliable and accurate results. They were so satisfied with the performance of the DE40 that they recently purchased a second meter to further improve the daily running of their lab. } 4

5 RAININ The Right Pipette for Every Task Oil testing laboratories deal with a variety of different materials, testing methods and other daily challenges. Finding the optimal pipette should not be one of them. That s why RAININ* a global leader in liquid handling offers the largest selection of pipettes, tips and tools. * RAININ, a METTLER TOLEDO Company, is the leading pipetting solutions provider in the USA and globally present with dedicated sales and service teams. One Comprehensive System Working in a testing laboratory brings new challenges every day: The possibilities of different methods, materials, outcomes and limits etc. are endless. Finding the right pipetting equipment is not always easy. With RAININ, all common liquid handling tools are available from one source, one supplier and one sales and service contact. All parts of the system are guaranteed to optimally work together and to give you the highest precision handfriendly and hassle-free. } Wide Selection Within the RAININ product range, you ll always find the right tool for every task: Manual Pipettes From 0.1µl to 20ml, with single-channel, 8, 12, 16 or 24 channels, with various handling options including the patented and popular LTS LiteTouch System for improved ergonomics, tip loading and aspiration consistency. Electronic Pipettes Same volume ranges and single-multi variants as for manual pipettes. Electronic pipettes in 2 different models, 8 different operating functions, computer-controlled, zero plunger force, automatic linearity correction, and various charging options. Tips BioClean tips are available in multiple types and sizes to fit 0.1µl to 20 ml. They are innovative, space-saving with environmentally-friendly packaging, aerosol resistant, different lengths and orifice sizes, and for special applications. Multi-Dispensers Manual or electronic, multiple volume settings and with various modes. Positive Displacement Pipettes For liquids with high densities, viscosities and vapor pressures. 6 volume ranges. RAININ capillaries/pistons are pre-assembled and pre-sterilized for immediate use. Accessories Pipetting aids, pipette racks/carousels and battery chargers. Accessories for every situation. Service Various service levels to cater to every need. Precision and accuracy at all times. 5

6 One Click Titration Fluid Results for Petrochemical Testing Our customer provides a unique combination of testing and analysis and is a market leader in the field of Fluids Analysis. With METTLER TOLEDO products already in place, our customer preferred to continue purchasing the excellent products and relying upon our dedicated service. Complementing Approved Equipment The Fluids Analysis part of the company has one of the largest laboratory networks of oil, fuel and coolant in North America. The oil testing segment of their business spans across several major industries. With several METTLER TOLEDO products already in place, including the DL77 and DL50 Graphix titrators, two Rondo automated sample changers and an ST20 sample changer, our customer preferred to continue purchasing METTLER TOLEDO products when their workload increased. An additional Titrator needed to be in sync with their current titrators and have parallel titration abilities. T90 Excellence Titrator.. With METTLER TOLEDO Titrators A METTLER TOLEDO sales representative provided a T90 Titrator, part of the Titration Excellence line featuring One Click- TM Technology. The T90 offers many advantages including Plug & Play, conditions in method functions, results buffer, and series sequence. The One ClickTM technology allows each user to perform any titration with one click of a button on the full-color personal user Home Screen. The ability to standardize material testing with the same method parameters was also a key benefit. Our customer also purchased three new Rondo sample changer to replace its ST20 and compliment the T90 with additional LabX licenses to fully complement the networking ability of their LabX Pro. With a Titrator running practically 24/7, service is very important. A METTLER TOLEDO lab technician provided prompt and professional service throughout the entire process. The choice to use METTLER TOLEDO products was simple. The new equipment purchased has been resilient and our customer continues to be pleased with its performance. } } 6

7 Lasentec Optimizing Oil Production Where Droplets and Particles Play a Role Crude oil is an expensive and vital commodity that is a precursor to many consumer products. Particles and droplets play a key role in the exploration, production, and transportation of crude oil. METTLER TOLEDO Lasentec FBRM and PVM product lines are widely used in the petrochemical industry for in-process monitoring. Its advantage; no sampling or sample preparation. as drilling mud, which contains specific sized solid particles. If these particles are too large and too much solids loading they may decrease the drill bit lifetime and drilling penetration capability. Lasentec FBRM Drilling When drilling an oil well, the drill bits need to be lubricated as they pass through the bed rock. This lubricant is referred to Figure 2. Asphaltene-HD Figure 1. Droplets-HD Particle size analysis is not always available. As a consequence, inconsistent monitoring and information regarding particle size distribution and solids concentration will have a financial impact upon drilling operations. An in-process technique for monitoring particle size and number is ideal for minimizing drilling mud costs. Transportation When water gets into oil, very fine droplets are formed. In-process techniques offer the ability to measure the droplets in real time. See Figure 1 for an in-process image of a water droplet in crude oil. Also, when transporting oil to be further refined into end-products, there is the possibility of a blockage caused by the formation of solids through precipitation in the pipeline. FBRM and PVM are used for understanding this phenomenon. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate in-process images of asphaltene agglomerates and hydrate Lasentec PVM crystals in crude oil. Refining At the refinery, monitoring the particle size is key, both for process safety and efficiency. Inconsistent product quality results when corrective action is not initiated during process upsets. This, too, could prove costly as the product quality, yield, and production will suffer. Particles have been a major influence on petrochemical applications for decades. However, the characterization of particle behavior is becoming more important in efforts to improve production yield and efficiency. The implementation of inprocess FBRM and PVM technologies for particle size characterization will aid in this effort. } Figure 3. Hydrate-HD 7

8 New Products and Technologies From METTLER TOLEDO METTLER TOLEDO delivers powerful solutions that simplify work in laboratories around the world. Combining our state-of-the-art technologies with our applicative competence, we have a strong value proposition to make: accurate results and productivity second to none. Weighing Solutions and Analytical Instruments Unmatched DSC and TGA/DSC Performance The new METTLER TOLEDO Thermal Analysis Excellence Line offers tailor-made solutions for R&D and for routine analyses in quality control. The DSC utilizes an innovative patented DSC sensor with 120 thermocouples, which guarantees unrivalled sensitivity. Maximum flexibility With the New STAR e Software Software is of enormous importance in a modern thermal analysis system. In combination with the sample robot, the new STAR e software allows up to 34 samples per module (DSC or TGA) to be automatically measured, evaluated and assessed. RTCal Heat profiles in real time RTCal, a novelty and leading edge technology from METTLER TOLEDO, provides heat profiles in real time for a variety of applications such as polymerizations, homogenous and heterogeneous reactions. RTCal is complementary to the traditional heat flow method and allows you to make adjustments to the actual chemistry and optimization of process parameters online. One Click Titration Even More Flexible with LabX Software The Dual Mode feature of the Excellence Titrators offers you the choice either to work on the bright, color touchscreen, or to manage the titration system via PC or both. The LabX titration software offers absolute data reliability and comprehensive documentation. For more simplicity and less effort. Industrial Terminals To Visualize Weighing Processes The connection of an X-Platform to an IND Terminal offers optimal capacity and the best sized weighing pans for every working place. It is designed for integration in manufacturing equipment or can be used as a stand alone unit fulfilling an incredible weighing range and readability making everything possible! Mettler-Toledo AG Laboratory & Weighing Technologies Im Langacher CH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland Mettler-Toledo AG Analytical Instruments Sonnenbergstrasse 74 CH-8603 Schwerzenbach, Switzerland Your METTLER TOLEDO contact: For more information