(L) Data correlation between primary method and NIR model illustrating how accurate the correlation is between methods. (R) NIRS XDS Process Analyzer configured for applications in ATEX areas.
Crude oil, which consists of at least 500 different components, is processed by fractionation and refining to produce liquefied gas, gasoline, diesel, heating fuel, and lubricants as well as a large variety of other products. As the «lubricant» of the global economy, it covers approximately 33% of our energy demand (2017) and is used in the chemical industry for the production of plastics, textiles, dyes, cosmetics, fertilizers, detergents, building materials, and pharmaceuticals.
Water content determination in petrochemical applications
In the petrochemical sector, the determination of the water content of crude oil, refined petroleum products, lubricants, and more is important for maintaining quality control, meeting trade specifications, protecting financial value, and enhancing process optimisation.
Reducing risks
This knowledge enables the refinery to take steps to reduce risks from corrosion, safety problems, and infrastructure damage which can be caused from unwanted water content levels.
Fast, reagent-free, nondestructive analysis by NIRS
This application is generally performed by Karl Fischer titration, which uses several reagents; however, it can also be fulfilled with near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The NIRS XDS Process Analyzer (configured for applications in ATEX areas) offers fast, reagent-free, nondestructive analysis of the water content in naphtha fractions from the crude distillation unit. A diverse range of parameters can be determined simultaneously in seconds from just one analysis.
