Petrochemicals – Multimedia

Wax content is an important characteristic affecting the physical properties of petroleum crude oils, in particular their viscosity. Thus, measuring wax content has become a routine analytical requirement for product quality control. The precise monitoring of the wax content in oils helps to predict and avoid wax blockage so that equipment can be maintained for high quality standards during oil processing.

Simulated Distillation (SimDis) is a Gas Chromatographic technique for determining the boiling point distribution of petroleum products by Flame Ionization Detection. This information assists refinery engineers in determining the most efficient process for the distillation of crude oil and allows for active monitoring of the refining process.

The recent Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico created concerns over the safety of seafood that can get potentially contaminated with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) from crude oil. The US Environmental Protection Agency identifies PAHs as critical pollutants harmful to human health. Some of these compounds are known carcinogens.

The popularity and interest in biodiesel is significantly growing in many areas of the world and has become a commonly sought after alternative fuel source for use with diesel engines.