Virtual Crude Oil Assay Using FT-ICR Without Fractionation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional crude oil assay method is time-consuming and costly due to the need for extensive distillation and analysis of individual fractions, which hinders efficient evaluation and benchmarking of crude oil quality.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for providing virtual assays of oil samples using Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectroscopy, which characterizes the oil sample without fractionation, allowing for the calculation of assigned assay values for various fractions and properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional crude oil assay method with distillation and fractionation is used, then comprehensive compositional data is obtained, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for compositional analysis by using NMR spectroscopy to directly measure whole crude oil, eliminating the time-consuming distillation and fractionation steps while retaining the ability to determine key compositional parameters such as SARA fractions and physical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The NMR spectroscopy method serves multiple functions simultaneously - it determines saturation, aromatic, resin, and asphaltene (SARA) fractions, measures physical properties like viscosity and density, and provides compositional data all in a single analysis of the whole crude oil sample, replacing multiple separate traditional assays
2Measurement precision
If traditional crude oil assay method with multiple distillation cuts is used, then detailed fraction properties are determined, but the complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex distillation apparatus and multiple fractionation steps from the assay system, using NMR spectroscopy to directly analyze whole crude oil and calculate fraction properties through mathematical models, thereby simplifying the physical equipment while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical distillation process with NMR spectroscopy-based mathematical modeling, where computational algorithms predict fraction compositions and properties from whole crude oil NMR data, eliminating the need for physical separation equipment and manual fraction analysis
3Loss of information
If traditional crude oil assay with individual fraction analysis is used, then comprehensive property data is obtained, but the cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The NMR assay system performs multiple measurements simultaneously on whole crude oil - determining SARA composition, physical properties, and compositional parameters in a single test, thereby maintaining information completeness while increasing throughput by eliminating sequential fraction analysis steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of the whole crude oil using NMR spectroscopy before any fractionation or detailed analysis, obtaining key compositional information that allows for rapid prediction of fraction properties and reduces the need for extensive subsequent testing
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
The virtual assay method significantly reduces the time and cost associated with traditional assays, enabling rapid and accurate evaluation of crude oil quality and properties, including naphtha, gas oil, vacuum gas oil, and vacuum residue fractions.
Implementation Method 1
Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectroscopy
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic field, to determine a mass-to-charge ratio
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing virtual assays of an oil sample such as crude oil based on Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectroscopy carried out on the oil sample, and the density of the oil sample. The virtual assay provides a full range of information about fractions of the oil sample including naphtha, gas oil, vacuum gas oil, vacuum residue, and other information about the properties of the oil sample. Using the system and method herein, the virtual assay data pertaining to these several fractions of the oil sample and the oil sample itself are obtained without fractionation of the oil sample into the several components.