Crude Oil Characterization via Near Infrared Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional crude oil assay process is time-consuming and costly due to the need for extensive distillation and fractionation to determine the properties of crude oil fractions, which hinders efficient refining and valuation.
Innovation Solution
A method using near infrared spectroscopy to assign distillation temperatures and calculate simulated distillation curves based on density and spectral data, allowing for the determination of crude oil properties without fractionation, thereby simplifying the evaluation of crude oil quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional crude oil assay process is used with extensive distillation and fractionation, then accurate determination of crude oil properties is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical distillation and fractionation system with an optical spectroscopy system. Near-infrared spectroscopy measures the interaction of light with molecular bonds in crude oil, providing compositional information without physical separation. This substitution of measurement methodology eliminates time-consuming thermal processes while maintaining analytical accuracy through spectral fingerprinting of hydrocarbon components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a mathematical model that copies the distillation curve information from spectral data. Instead of physically distilling the oil to obtain boiling point distribution, the system uses near-infrared spectra to generate a simulated distillation curve that replicates the information obtained from traditional methods. This virtual copying of distillation behavior provides accurate property determination without the actual distillation process.
2Loss of information
If traditional crude oil assay process with multiple distillation cuts is performed, then comprehensive compositional information is obtained, but the complexity and cost of the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single spectroscopic measurement serve multiple analytical functions simultaneously. The near-infrared spectrum provides information about saturation, aromaticity, naphthenic content, and boiling point distribution all at once. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple separate analytical instruments and procedures, simplifying the overall system while preserving comprehensive compositional information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement parameter from physical separation (distillation temperature) to optical absorption (spectral absorbance). By changing the fundamental measurement parameter from thermal to optical domain, the system obtains compositional data through molecular bond vibrations rather than phase changes. This parameter transformation simplifies the measurement process while maintaining information richness through the detailed spectral fingerprint.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the time and cost associated with traditional assays by enabling rapid and direct assessment of crude oil properties, facilitating more efficient refining and valuation processes.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a near infrared spectrum of the sample with a near infrared spectrometer
Implementation Method 2
The wavenumber at which a given weight percent absorbance value occurs in a near infrared spectrum of a crude oil sample is indicative of the distillation temperature at which the weight percent of the crude oil sample is distilled
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for determining one or more distillation temperatures for one or more given distillation weight percentages of a crude oil sample are provided, which can be used to produce a simulated distillation curve. Simulated distillation temperatures of crude oil samples are assigned as a function of density and data derived from direct near infrared spectroscopy measurement of the crude oil samples.