Fast and effective measurement of Salt Corrosion in Crude

WHY MEASURE SALT IN CRUDE? The Salt (chloride) content of crude oils is an important measurement which determines the potential for an oil to corrode equipment and pipelines. Measurements are taken along the supply line from well head to refinery and evaluation of salt content allows prompt corrective action to be taken when unacceptable salt levels are present. The salt content of crude oil is variable and can be affected by production practices and by tankers transferring the crude to terminals. Excessive chloride left in the crude oil frequently results in higher corrosion rates in refining units and also has detrimental effects on catalysts used in these units. The high temperatures that occur downstream in the refining process can cause water hydrolysis, which in turn allows the formation of corrosive hydrochloric acid. Even in small concentrations salts will accumulate in stills, heaters and exchangers leading to fouling which requires expensive cleanup. Determination of the approximate chloride content of crude oils provides knowledge which is important to oil processors when deciding whether or not the crude oil needs desalting. The efficiency of the process desalter can also be evaluated. Salt in crude determination in accordance with ASTM D3230, IP 265 and equivalent test methods requires the user to calibrate a suitable salt meter using standards of known conductivity; only then can measurement of the crude oil sample be accurately taken. Conductivity in the crude oil is affected by the presence of common chlorides, such as sodium, calcium, magnesium and other conductive materials. ABOUT THE SETA SALT-IN-CRUDE ANALYSER The Seta Salt-in-Crude Analyser is a portable instrument for determining the chloride (salt) content of crude oils in full conformity to ASTM D3230, IP 265 and equivalent test methods. The Seta Salt-in-Crude Analyser has unique pre-calibrated operation and automatically displays salt concentration measurements in g/m3 or lbs/1000bbl (pounds per thousand barrels), this avoids the need to mix salt calibration standards and makes testing a simple and fast procedure. The Seta Salt-in-Crude Analyser allows user to select pre-calibrated operating modes (ASTM or IP) or user calibration modes which permit display values to be checked by the user against salt solutions of known conductivity and stored in memory. Measurements can be displayed or exported to spreadsheet or to a LIMS network. Suitable for bench top or hand-held operation and operates from battery or mains voltage. In conformity with ISO requirements the instrument has a calibration mode which permits display values to be checked by the user against salt solutions of known conductivity. The user-calibrated results are stored in temporary memory allowing comparisons to be made with instrument readings. The Seta Salt-in-crude analyser is designed for handheld or bench top use, it is CE compliant and operates from battery or mains voltage. CONTACT INFORMATION: Caroline Morrison, Marketing Manager Stanhope-Seta, London Street, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8AP, UK T: + 44 (0) 1932 564391 | E: marketing@stanhope-seta.co.uk | W: www.stanhope-seta.co.uk

T: +44(0)1932 564391

F: +44(0)1932 568363

E: marketing@stanhope-seta.co.uk

W: www.stanhope-seta.co.uk