The crude oil being transported by pipeline varies widely in density, viscosity, sulfur content, and other fluid properties. In a custody transfer, both parties are concerned with the quantity and the quality of the crude oil since this determines the monetary value of the transaction. The objective of this project is to investigate various factors that can impact accurate determination of the density, sediment and water content of crude. The findings will be critical to improve current procedures, including proper sample mixing and handling, analytical methodologies, and operation parameters,...
The crude oil being transported by pipeline varies widely in density, viscosity, sulfur content, and other fluid properties. In a custody transfer, both parties are concerned with the quantity and the quality of the crude oil since this determines the monetary value of the transaction. The objective of this project is to investigate various factors that can impact accurate determination of the density, sediment and water content of crude. The findings will be critical to improve current procedures, including proper sample mixing and handling, analytical methodologies, and operation parameters, so that reliable and accurate custody transfer can be provided to all involved parties internationally.
This project investigated the impact of mixing and analytical methodologies on crude density and S&W determination. Operating parameters tested included mixing time (3 or 5 minutes), mixing system (new or old) and sample size (3 or 7 liters). Density determination was conducted by a thermos-hydrometer test and a digital density meter and the results were compared. S&W content was quantified by the centrifuge method and Karl Fischer titration and the results were compared. For the centrifuge method, the impact of two centrifugal forces on S&W results was also studied.
There is a related webinar.