Fiber-based Fourier-Transform Near-Infrared (FT-NIR) analyzers can be used for real-time crude oil composition analysis, which can replace traditional and time-consuming laboratory methods.
FT-NIR technology provides a multi-component analysis of crude oil’s physical and chemical properties before it enters the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU). This real-time data enables refiners to proactively control and optimize the process, resulting in improved refinery margins. The complex and variable nature of crude oil means there are two crucial aspects for successful FT-NIR measurement: a cost-effective Sample Conditioning System (SCS) and a reliable optical configuration for near-infrared absorbance spectroscopy.
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You will also learn about the optimal optical configuration for FT-NIR crude oil analysis. It advocates for using the combination spectral range (4000–4800 cm-1) instead of the overtone region due to its superior molecular detail and resistance to baseline tilt caused by crude oil’s density and impurities.
The choice of optical components—such as detectors, fiber optics, and flow cell windows—is crucial for minimizing energy loss and achieving accurate measurements. In particular, using Indium Arsenide (InAs) detectors, ZBLAN fibers, and sapphire windows offer optimal performance. Additionally, the multichannel fiber-optic analyzer enables the simultaneous measurement of both input and output streams from the CDU, enhancing overall process efficiency.
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This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by ABB Measurement & Analytics.
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