7 replies to this topic

[colt16]

Dear all,

This question is more for those in the Refinery/Condensate Splitters.
I would like to know what are the tests that is typically performed on new feedstocks and if possible share with me the test method. Currently our lab only performs tests ASTM D86, Sulphur Content and SG on new feeds. I feel this is not enough to do any proper analysis.

Hence I would like to find out what is being done at other plants.

[P.K.Rao]

Tests and their number depend upon the purpose for which the  material is intended for use. Same material can be used for different applications but the tests differ for each application. For example naphtha can be used as a fertilizer feed and also as a solvent for some application. C/H ratio is required for fertilizer feed and Kauri-Butanol  value is required for solvent purpose. So please first ascertain the use, see what properties are required for its use and then conduct the required tests to see whether it meets the requirements.

[colt16]

Tests and their number depend upon the purpose for which the  material is intended for use. Same material can be used for different applications but the tests differ for each application. For example naphtha can be used as a fertilizer feed and also as a solvent for some application. C/H ratio is required for fertilizer feed and Kauri-Butanol  value is required for solvent purpose. So please first ascertain the use, see what properties are required for its use and then conduct the required tests to see whether it meets the requirements.

 

Dear Sir, 

 

Thanks for your reply. 

 

As I mentioned, we are a Refinery/Condensate Splitting plant. 

 

Therefore I'd like to know if its usual to do TBP analysis for each feed as well as GC data (up to C12) for naphtha portion (for downstream chemical production). 

 

What are the test methods used?

[P.K.Rao]

If your feed stock is condensate and If you do a Gas Chromatographic analysis, you need not do TBP. Pl follow ASTM D 2887 Boiling Point distribution of petroleum fractions or ASTM D 3710 Boiling Range Distribution of Gasoline and Gasoline fractions

[colt16]

If your feed stock is condensate and If you do a Gas Chromatographic analysis, you need not do TBP. Pl follow ASTM D 2887 Boiling Point distribution of petroleum fractions or ASTM D 3710 Boiling Range Distribution of Gasoline and Gasoline fractions

 

Our Condensates range from C2 to Diesel Range. Therefore we can't use ASTM D2887 due to C5- content. 

 

I am not familiar with D3710. Is it close to TBP? Can it take up to Diesel range?

[P.K.Rao]

Then better use TBP..

[colt16]

Ok, one more question. 

 

Is there a test that can test for the C1-C11 contents even with the presence of heavies? 

 

Basically I would like the test to report C1-C11 in wt% with Detailed Hydrocarbon Analysis (PNA type) and report everything else as C12+

[P.K.Rao]

Pl follow ASTM D 6730 or ASTM D 6733 with a GC having a back flush facility. Switch over to back flush after nC10 elutes. If nC11 does not elute (after switching over to back flush), either increase  the oven temperature towards the end (a temperature programmer is necessary) or delay back flush by a suitable time to elute nC11. You may have to do a few trails. You have to use a mixture of normal paraffins as mile stones to identify the components. Use Kovats Retention Index for identification.