Oil and Gas Application Notebook

Importance of the topic

In oil and gas production and industrial water management, accurate analytical data drive decisions from exploration to end-product quality and preventive maintenance. Complex sample matrices, stringent regulatory requirements, and the need for cost efficiency demand integrated workflows that combine robust instrumentation with streamlined data management.

Objectives and Study Overview

This summary presents a comprehensive portfolio of analytical solutions covering:

• Petroleum and natural gas workflows segmented into upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors
• Industrial water processes including heat stable salt (HSS) analysis, alkanolamine scrubber monitoring, and trace anion determination in boiler and cooling water
• Lab data management integration for real-time evaluation and reporting

Methodology and Instrumentation

Analytical approaches are tailored to each process stage:

• Gas chromatography (GC, GC-MS, GC-HRMS) for hydrocarbon speciation, BTU and SIMDIS analysis
• Organic elemental analysis (OEA) and combustion ion chromatography (CIC) for sulfur, halide, and nitrogen content
• Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) for trace metal quantification in hydrocarbon and water matrices
• Ion chromatography (IC, suppressed conductivity) and IC-MS for anions, cations, and amines in scrubber and water samples
• Lab information management system (LIMS) for instrument connectivity, data integration, and reporting

Main Results and Discussion

Key performance indicators demonstrate:

• Reproducible nitrogen determination in crude oil by OEA within ASTM D5291 criteria, RSD <1%
• Accurate boiling range distributions (SIMDIS) by GC, matching ASTM D7169 simulated distillation profiles
• Reliable calorific value measurements of natural gas and NGLs via GC methods (GPA 2177, 2286)
• Quantitative multi-channel analysis of refinery gases (C1–C8, H2, CO2, H2S) with backflush capability to protect columns
• Automated CIC for halogen and sulfur in LPG and liquids with ±5% recovery relative to manual methods
• Trace element spike recoveries in naphtha by ICP-OES within ±5%, detection limits down to single-digit ppb
• Separation of 14 heat stable anions in refinery amine solutions in <30 min by IC
• IC-MS confirmation of sodium, ammonium, and alkanolamines in scrubber fluids, improving specificity over conductivity detection
• Ultra-trace anion determination in boiler and cooling water (ppt levels) using automated calibration and electrolytic water purification

Benefits and Practical Applications

The integrated approach delivers:

• Enhanced data quality and reproducibility through automated sample handling and method standardization
• Reduced analysis time and maintenance via backflush, cooled spray chambers, and automated calibration
• Improved regulatory compliance and custody transfer accuracy with high-precision GC and OEA methods
• Comprehensive process monitoring to prevent corrosion, optimize production, and ensure product purity
• Real-time decision support through LIMS-driven data integration and reporting across upstream, midstream, downstream, and water treatment operations

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advancements expected to shape the field include:

• Inline and at-line process analyzers for continuous monitoring in harsh environments
• High-resolution mass spectrometry coupling (GC-HRMS, IC-HRMS) for ultimate sensitivity and compound confirmation
• Machine learning and advanced data analytics for predictive maintenance and anomaly detection
• Miniaturized and portable platforms to support remote field testing and rapid decision-making
• Green chemistry initiatives, focusing on reduced solvent consumption and low-waste sample preparation

Conclusion

A cohesive portfolio of advanced analytical technologies and informatics solutions underpins efficient, reliable, and compliant operations in oil & gas production and industrial water processes. By aligning instrumentation capabilities with specific workflow demands, operators can achieve higher throughput, lower costs, and improved product quality from exploration to distribution.

Reference

• Thermo Scientific iCAP 7000 Plus Series ICP-OES Analyzer
• Thermo Scientific FlashSmart Elemental Analyzer
• Thermo Scientific TRACE 1310 Gas Chromatograph
• Thermo Scientific Dionex Integrion HPIC System
• Thermo Scientific Combustion Ion Chromatography (CIC) System
• Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS Software