Having the right analysis for oil is very important, as it can be the difference between a successful project and a failure. There are various types of analysis, including viscosity, acid number and base number tests. There are also microscopy-based particle inspection systems, which can be used to detect the presence of contamination in oil and gas samples.
Viscosity measurements
Using a viscometer to measure viscosity of oil is an effective method of measuring the viscosity of a liquid. It is based on the Hele-Shaw principle, where the viscous force acting on the magnet is directly measured. Depending on the amplitude of the oscillation, the measured value can be in the tens of milligrams.
A new method of viscosity measurement is based on the fusion of two nearly spherical drops. This technique takes advantage of low gravitational free floating conditions in space. It is not only useful for measuring viscosity, but also for assessing thermal fluctuations of a micro-cantilever sensor in a liquid environment.
This technique involves the application of ultrasonic SH surface acoustic waves to measure the viscosity of a liquid under both high pressure and high temperature conditions. It can also measure the viscosity of liquids at phase transitions. Several liquids were studied over a range of pressures and temperatures. The effect of dilution with carbon dioxide was studied at 15 to 62 MPa. It was also studied at 313 to 344 K.
Acid number and base number tests
Performing Acid Number and Base Number tests for oil can provide you with a wealth of information about the state of your lubricant. In particular, the results will help you determine the health of your engine lubricant and the remaining life of the lubricant. Whether you’re monitoring the health of your engine oil or you’re evaluating serviceability of your service oil, the results of these tests are crucial.
A number of different factors influence the acid and base numbers in an oil. These factors include the type of fuel the oil is containing, the additives used, and the oxidation rate of the lubricant.
Some of the most common additives in lubricants include nitric acids and sulfuric acids. Nitric acids are found in gasoline engines, while sulfuric acids are found in natural gas engines, hydraulic oils, and gear oils.
Karl Fischer test
Whether you are an oil buyer, oil manufacturer, or an oil user, knowing the water content of your oil is very important. If there is too much water in your oil, it can cause cavitation, premature corrosion, and oil oxidation. In addition to these effects, water can change the dielectric constants of your oil, which can affect the viscosity of your oil.
Traditionally, the water content of crude oil has been measured by using a hot plate test. However, this method cannot reliably detect emulsified water. Fortunately, there are alternative methods for measuring water content in oils. These methods are based on Karl Fischer analysis. These methods are accurate, fast, and can be used to measure water content in oils from trace levels to 100%.
Microscopy-based particle inspection systems
Flow imaging microscopy (FIM) is a method for examining particle size and shape. It captures images of a sample solution passing through a thin flow cell. It has been used extensively in research and development and in routine testing.
For particle size and shape analysis, Olympus provides solutions for particle sizing, counting, classification, and analysis. The company’s solutions are designed to enable accurate and reproducible measurement results. The company has a number of particle size and shape inspection systems available, including the Olympus Particle Inspector.
The Olympus Inspector Series is a comprehensive package that includes dedicated particle detection software and a powerful data management tool. It allows users to customize the report to suit their requirements. It provides reproducible measurement results and can be re-processed using different parameters. It is fully compatible with international standards.
Optimal control of oil and gas analysis equipment
Optimal control of oil and gas analysis equipment is necessary for ensuring that the end result is as robust as possible. This includes ensuring that the equipment performs as intended, protecting the environment from leaks and fire, and extending the life of the platforms themselves. There are many benefits to optimally taming the beast, including increased reliability, reduced downtime, and less chance of equipment failure.
The optimal control of oil and gas analysis equipment is best exemplified by the following: (i) selecting the right equipment for the job; (ii) choosing the right type of instrumentation; (iii) detecting and preventing leaks; (iv) monitoring the performance of the equipment; and (v) maintaining the equipment as required. This is achieved through fast adaptation of the right control parameters for the task at hand.