Malik Zarak Khan

17- PG-06

Enlist and describe different testing

methods used for determinig the
composition and specification of crude
oil.
01.Distillation
Method D2892 covers the procedure for the distillation of
stabilized crude petroleum to a final cut temperature of 400 °C
Atmospheric Equivalent Temperature (AET). Method D5236
covers the procedure for distillation of heavy hydrocarbon
mixtures having initial boiling points greater than 150°C (300°F),
such as heavy crude oils, petroleum distillates, residues, and
synthetic mixtures. These two methods are combined to give a
complete distilliation of whole crudes to atmospheric and
vacuum fractions.

HOW
ASTM D2892 Standard Test Method for Distillation of Crude
Petroleum (15-Theoretical Plate Column):
A weighed sample of 1 to 30 L of stabilized crude petroleum
is distilled to a maximum temperature of 400°C AET in a
fractionating column having an efficiency at totalreflux of at
least 14, but not greater than 18, theoretical plates. A reflux
ratio of 5:1 is maintained at all operating pressures, except that
at the lowest operating pressures be-tween 0.674 and 0.27 kPa
(5 and 2 mm Hg), a reflux ratio of 2:1 is optional. In cooperative
testing or in cases of dispute, thestages of low pressure, the
reflux ratios, and the temperaturesof cut points must be
mutually agreed upon by the interestedparties prior to
beginning the distillation. Observations of temperature,
pressure, and other variables are recorded at intervals and at
the end of eachcut or fraction. The mass and density
of each cut or fractio are obtained. Distillation yields by mass
are calculated from the mass of all fractions, including liquified
gas cut and theresidue. Distillation yields by volume of all
fractions and the residue at 15°C are calculated from mass and
density. From these data the TBP curves in mass or volume %,
or both, versus AET are drawn.
02.Hydrocarbons, light end of crude
Determination, speciation and quantification of light
hydrocarbons and cut point intervals in live crude oils and
condensates with vapour pressure (VPCR4) up to 500 kPa at
37.8 °C. Samples containing mass fractions of up to 0.5 %
methane, 2.0 % ethane, 10 % propane, or 15 % isobutane may
be analyzed. A mass fraction with a lower limit of 0.001 % exists
for these compounds. The test method may be used for the
determination of cut point carbon fraction intervals of live
crude oils and condensates from initial boiling point (IBP) to
391 °C (nC24).

HOW:
ASTM D8003 Standard Test Method for Determination of Light
Hydrocarbons and Cut Point Intervals in Live Crude Oils and
Condensates by Gas Chromatography
Analysis of live crude oils and condensates by gas
chromatography without depressurizing. A heated, pressurized
liquid injection system (HPLIS) is used. Methane (nC1) to hexane
(nC6) including iC5, benzene, and benzene precursors are
speciated and quantitated, and reported as wt% of crude. Also
good resolution for C7 fraction, which can be separated and
reported as C7paraffins, naphthenes and toluen. Cut point
carbon fraction intervals from initial boiling point to nC24.
nC24+ plus fraction reported.
Alternative test methods: ASTM D7169 in combination with
D7900

Typical range of variation (all in wt% of crude):

Methan+ ethane: 0.02 - 0.07

Propane: 0.00 - 0.2
Isobutane: 0.04 - 0.1
N-butane: 0.2 - 1.0
Isopentane: 0.2 - 8.0
N-pentane: 0.2 - 9.0
Cyclopentane: 0.1 - 0.8
C6 paraffins: 0.6 -12.5

LIST OF TESTING METHODS

PARAMETERS TEST METHODS

Physical Properties

Specific Gravity ASTM D 1298

at 60/60°F ASTM D 1298
API at 60°F ASTM D 4807
Sediment by ASTM D 86
Membrane ASTM D 4007
Filteration ASTM D 3230
Distillation upto ASTM D 4006
50% or till ASTM D 323
thermal ASTM D 664
decomposition ASTM D 482
Sediment & IP 143( Procedure B)
Water ASTM D 97
Salt Content ASTM D 445
Water Content
RVP @ 100°F
Acid Number