Improving Accuracy and Precision in Crude Oil Boiling Point Distribution Analysis

Boiling point characteristics for crude oil are used by the refineries to characterise the raw product so it can model the end product closer to specs. More accurate and precise data for the entire crude oil range translates into better profit for the refinery with less product give-away while still meeting stringent product specifications.

High Temperature (HT) SIMDIS, the traditional gas chromatography method for this analysis, is known to deliver slightly worse precision data for the lower boiling point range (below 150°) due to solvent quenching.

The AC Analytical Controls® Crude Oil Analyzer combines the results of DHA Front End (FE), which is a dedicated analysis for the light end of crude oil, and HT SIMDIS analyses into one total true boiling point (TBP) report for the best performance in crude oil analysis. Standardisation committees such as ASTM, IP and CEN are developing methods to allow the merging of a separate DHA analysis of the front end of a crude oil with the high temperature SIMDIS analysis.

Combining High Temp SIMDIS with DHA Front-End data delivers more precise data for the whole crude, which results in more accurate cut point determinations, and a better product value optimisation. Download the white paper to compare results from High Temp SIMDIS versus High Temp SIMDIS/DHA Front-End analysis.