Real-time Sulphur Monitoring of Crude Oil Batches

Monitoring the quality of crude oil during transportation is critical, especially when determining the sulphur content of pipeline batches. Since sulphur levels may be different from batch to batch, online analysis is essential for ensuring the overall average sulphur content meets the deliverable specifications.

NEX XT solves this issue by enabling continuous sulphur measurement from 0.04 to 6 wt%. In addition to monitoring sulphur levels of crude oil transported through pipelines, NEX XT can monitor crude at remote collection points, tank storage, and blending and upgrading facilities. Here are reasons why NEX XT stands out:

Real-time monitoring — NEX XT provides continuous analysis of sulphur content as crude oil flows through pipelines, minimizing the need for manual checks. Extracting samples and sending them off-site can be time-consuming and sometimes costly, leading to delays and operational inefficiencies. Continuous analysis provides immediate feedback on sulphur levels.

Reliable results — NEX XT provides reliable results so pipeline operators can ensure spec requirements are met. Sulphur levels can change within the oil stream as it flows through the pipeline and can vary between batches. Unlike manual sampling, real-time monitoring captures all variations between sampling times and batching fluctuations. NEX XT gives operators a constant data stream that communicates results to a DCS system.

Compact, durable, and easy to use — NEX XT is faster, more sensitive, and much more compact than competitive systems. It has a simplified user interface, reduced standards requirements, automatic density compensation, and password protection. Due to its unique design and robust construction, sample conditioning and recovery systems are typically not required.

Key Advantages

• Measure sulphur (S) from 0.04 to 6 wt%
• Up to 1450 psig and 200°C with custom configurations
• Analysis times as short as 1 second
• Intuitive user interface makes calibration and analysis easy
• Compact and designed for unattended operation
• No consumables or routine maintenance required
• User-adjustable data update frequency
• Reduced standards requirements
• No sample condition or recovery system
• No radioisotopes

How does NEX XT work?

NEX XT is an X-ray transmission/absorption (XRT/XRA) process gauge optimized for total sulphur analysis needs. This gauging technique has long been used for measuring total sulphur in heavy hydrocarbon process streams. Whether used for pipeline switching, crude oil blending, or to assay or blend marine and bunker fuels, NEX XT XRT is suited for rigorous process environments.

X-ray transmission gauging involves measuring the attenuation of a monochromatic X-ray beam at a specific energy (21 keV) that is specific to sulphur. In practice, a process stream passes through a flow cell where sulphur, in the hydrocarbon matrix, absorbs X-rays transmitted between an X-ray source and detector. The recorded X-ray intensity is inversely proportional to the sulphur concentration. Thus, the highest sulphur levels transmit the least X-rays.

Learn more about NEX XT

Please email Applied Rigaku Technologies for more information about NEX XT and how it can enhance your pipeline operations.