Presentation Profile
Lube Oil Monitoring via Raman Spectroscopy
Currently Scheduled: 10/11/2023 - 9:10 AM - 9:35 AM
Room: Hibiscus
Main Author
Giancarlo Aguirre - Process Instruments, Inc.
- Rory Uibel - Process Instruments, Inc.
- Lee Smith - Process Instruments, Inc.
Abstract:
Raman spectroscopy, a scattering technique, employs a laser source of predetermined wavelength, typically 785 nm, to induce molecular vibrations. This leads to the emission of scattered photons, that generate Raman spectra which when matched to key stream property analysis results can be used to build quantitative models. However due to fluorescence in refining applications, this methodology is most suitable for process samples no heavier than Light Gas Oils. Fluorescence is many orders of magnitude stronger than Raman and can potentially swamp the Raman spectrum. To overcome this issue Process Instruments Inc. has worked on an analyzer better suited for longer chained samples, using 1064 nm excitation to circumvent the impact of fluorescence and still be able to obtain reliable Raman vibrational data. The spectra collected from various refinery samples will show that while fluorescence can still be detected, its intensity is much lower, allowing for Raman peaks to be clearly captured. Such an application can be found in the Lube Oils plant, where data sets of finished oils collected for a period of 10 weeks exhibit strong correlation, low predictive error, and minimal fluorescence interference.
