Crude Oil and Middle Distlillate Analysis with XRF

In the refining business, the Ni (nickel), V (vanadium), and S (sulfur) content in crude oil and middle distillates are a key measure of quality and specification compliance. These metals occur principally as vanadyl and nickel complexes (petro-porphryrins), which are stable and distil at temperatures above five hundred degrees Celsius. XRF (x-ray fluorescence) is a robust, commonly used technology to determine the concentration of Ni, V, and S in crude oil and middle distillates, allowing the user to judge the quality of the refining process. XRF can analyze for these elements—and others—simultaneously, and can measure a wide range of levels from a few ppm to thousands of ppm, as is often the case with vanadium.

Nickel (Ni) and vanadium (V) play a role at other steps of the refining process as well. The presence of high levels of Ni and V in feed stock components for catalytic cracking can hinder catalyst activity. Therefore, the feed stocks of high metal containing crudes must be carefully distilled or redistilled and measured for Ni and V. Taking such measurements at several steps in the refining process offers the refiner the necessary information to avoid compromising fuel quality and hence value of the product produced. This makes the measurement and control of these two elements an essential part of operations for many refineries.

Analysis of Ni, V, and S in Crude Oil and Middle Distillates with Benchtop XRF

Benchtop XRF analyzer provides a fast, precise, accurate and economic solution to analyze Ni, V and S in crude oil and middle distillates simultaneously, with excellent sensitivity and detection limits for the critical elements. The analysis results show a very good correlation to those achieved by WDXRF.

Benchtop XRF Analyzer takes on the most complicated analytical challenges with ease. With a detection limits such as 0.8 ppm for nickel (Ni) and vanadium (V), Benchtop XRF provides some of the lowest limits of detection and best accuracy of any EDXRF system on the market. Feature-rich and easy-to-use, Benchtop XRF represents the best value in XRF for the analysis of additives and trace elements in fuel oils.

A complete applications report detailing the accuracy, ease-of-use, and low limits of detection for Benchtop XRF is available.