Presentation Profile
Multi-Element Analysis of Petroleum Crude Oils using ICP-MS
Currently Scheduled: 1/19/2018 - 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Room: Room 372 E
Main Author
Jenny Nelson - Agilent Technologies
Abstract:
In the petrochemical industry, certain analytes are known to impact the performance and value of the final product. Consequently, there are several ASTM methods on the elemental analysis of oils, lubricants and fuels. One example is standard test method ASTM D7111-15a for the determination of trace elements in middle distillate fuels which uses Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). This method is widely used in the industry, but as specifications for fuels become more stringent, some laboratories are favoring the more sensitive analytical technique of ICP-MS, which provides significantly lower detection limits than ICP-OES. To reflect this trend, the first ASTM ICP-MS method for petroleum has been balloted in D0203. This is likely to be followed by an ICP-MS method for petroleum crude oils. This presentation describes how the Agilent 7900 ICP-MS was used to analyze different types of crude oil samples following simple dilution in an organic solution containing o-xylene. The aim was to develop a method that is suitable for routine use in the petroleum refining industry, particularly in high sample volume facilities, where turnaround time is critical. For this study, a wide range of samples were tested, and various quality control measures were taken. A series of 18 petroleum crude oil samples were used in the study. The chosen samples had a diverse set of properties; a wide range of American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity, elemental composition, hydrocarbon (H/C) content, and densities were selected. As a performance check, the 7900 ICP-MS was used to analyze diluted NIST 1634c standard multiple times per day with measurements taken over the course of a few months. The results show excellent recoveries for the certified elements V and Ni within + 10%, with good agreement. The recoveries for the non-certified elements As and Se in the SRM were within + 10%.
