Hydrocarbon Processing Industry & Fossil Fuels
The industry is broadly comprised of three segments: Upstream, in which oil and natural gas is explored for and produced, Midstream, in which the raw materials are transported to refineries, and Downstream, in which the raw products are turned into value-added end-user products such as fuels, plastics, and petrochemicals. Analysis of chemistry and physical properties is essential throughout, from exploration and drilling to refining and delivery of finished products.
Upstream
Analysis of rocks and raw hydrocarbons, as well as drilling and completion fluids are essential to successful exploration and efficient production.
Featured Applications:
- Carbon measurement in shales
- Oil Dispersants via LC/MS/MS
- ASTM D7575 – Oil content of produced water
Analytical Techniques:
Elemental Analysis, FTIR, GC, GC/MS, ,Particle Size, TOC, X-ray
Midstream
Custody transfer analysis ensures that what is purchased is what is delivered.
Featured Applications:
Analytical Techniques:
GC, System GC
Additional Literature:
Shimadzu's Solutions for Plastics Evaluation
Downstream
The chemistry of feedstocks and refined portions demonstrate their purity, process efficiency, and dictate their market value.
Featured Applications:
- Simulated Distillation
- Additive Elements in Lubricating Oil
- ASTM D5769 - Aromatics in Gasoline
- Online Monitoring of TOC in Condensate
Analytical Techniques:
Elemental Analysis, GC, System GC, GC/MS, LC, TOC, X-ray
Industry-relevant Links
- ASTM Committee D02 - Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
- Society of Petroleum Engineers
- American Association of Petroleum Geologists
- American Petroleum Institute
- American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers
- Gas Processors Association
- US Department of Energy
- US Energy Information Administration