Abstract: A method for assaying incompatible sediment in a blended heavy fuel oil is provided. The method is based on measuring total light absorption at 1600 nanometers wavelength, for example, of two or more samples blended to different viscosities, at least one such sample being at specification viscosity. The method may be used to control visbreaker severity so as to reduce the large ERT safety margin commonly used by refiners.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solvent for the Karl-Fischer determination of water and to a process for the determination of water using a solvent system which contains at least one higher alcohol as well as the customary Karl-Fischer solvents.

Abstract: A chemical test kit and method for detecting the presence of impurities in an oil sample is provided. The test kit is comprised of two flexible translucent or transparent containers, each with at least one breakable capsule mounted within it. One of the flexible containers has a means for separating an aqueous layer from an oil layer. The capsules contain reagents capable of extracting the impurity to be detected from the oil into an aqueous layer and indicating the presence of a threshold concentration of the impurity. The method involves the steps of introducing an oil sample into a first flexible container, breaking the capsule within it by squeezing the flexible container in the vicinity of the capsule, transferring the aqueous layer to the second container, and breaking the capsule within the second container in the same manner. A chemical reaction occurs in the second container indicating whether the impurity is present at a given threshold concentration.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting oil and other lighter-than-water contaminants in an effluent stream in a sewage system. The apparatus includes a disposable detector which floats in the effluent stream and detects oil and other contaminants having a specific gravity lighter than the water by absorbing the oil and such contaminants in an oleophilic material, permitting the oil and other contaminants to rise and collect in a collection tube. The acidity or pH of the effluent being monitored is determined by routing a portion of the effluent stream through the lower side of the detector across a litmus paper. The detector is held in the sewage system by a securing system which indicates whether the detector has been tampered with since it was installed.

Abstract: Crude oil (one of which is a high fouling crude oil) are blended to maintain the incompatible asphaltene thereof below a predetermined level thereby reducing the fouling tendency of the high fouling crude oil. Paraffinic liquids, LPG's, and condensates may also be blended with crude oil, while monitoring and controlling incompatible asphaltenes thereof.

Abstract: Method of characterizing the coking tendency of a baseoil, by:(a) exposing the baseoil to conditions which accelerate asphaltene formation in the baseoil; and(b) testing for the onset and/or progression of asphaltene formation as a function of time.The technique is also useful for determining the efficacy of oil additives.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for determining the fouling tendency of a crude petroleum oil feed, comprising the steps of:(a) mixing a selected volume of crude petroleum oil sample with a selected volume of a solvent medium,(b) agitating the resulting mixture to solubilize fouling-determining materials in the solvent medium,(c) removing a sample of the resulting solvent medium,(d) determining absorbance of the resulting solvent medium at 230-270 nm and subtracting from the absorbance that of control solvent medium to obtain corrected absorbance of the resulting solvent medium and(e) determining the fouling tendency of the crude petroleum oil sample by correlating the corrected absorbance of the resulting solvent medium with calibration data specific for the solvent medium used, the ratio of oil sample to polar solvent and the wavelength at which absorbance is determined.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a method of determining gum content and performing quality control in the production of a gasoline to minimize the gum content in the produced gasoline. A representative sample of the gasoline is subjected to UV spectrophotometric analysis and the peak heights representing absorption in the range of 310 to 600 nm are integrated to determine a total absorption quantity which relates to the actual and potential quantity of gum in the gasoline. Use of this quality control technique will result in a refiner having more control over gum content at a hydrocarbon processing unit, such as a catalytic reformer.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the tendency of hydrocarbon liquid to foul equipment includes a horizontal TLC plate, a light source for scanning hydrocarbon liquid sample on the TLC plate, and means for measuring the difference in light reflected by the asphaltene ring and the TLC matrix. Energy sources other than light may be employed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the tendency of hydrocarbon liquid to foul equipment includes a horizontal polymeric membrane made from polymers containing polar atoms, a light source for scanning hydrocarbon liquid sample on the membrane, and means for measuring the difference in light reflected by the asphaltene ring and the membrane matrix. Energy sources other than light may be employed.

Abstract: In the control of a refinery process, vanadium content of the hydrocarbon streams is determined by measuring the intensity of the 5 isotropic and 6 anisotropic ESR spectral peaks. The ln of the sum of the intensities of these two peaks has a linear relationship to vanadium content.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for measuring the remaining useful life of a hydrocarbon oil containing at least one additive species. An oil sample is mixed with a solvent, a solid substrate, and in some cases an electrolyte to produce an analysis sample. The analysis sample is placed into an electrolytic cell and subjected to a voltammetric analysis, whereby increasing potential is applied to the cell to produce an oxidation reaction and a varying electric current. The current during the voltammetric analysis is measured and recorded. Remaining useful life for the oil is then determined from the oxidation current wave height produced.

Abstract: A method for easily and quickly determining the tendency of a petroleum fraction (oil or resid) to foul in refinery equipment comprises determining the ratio of the saturates or aromatics (polar, neutral or total): asphaltenes for the petroleum in question and comparing this ratio with a plot of ratios and fouling tendencies for a set of prior oils or resids. It has been found that the ratio and the relationship to fouling are completely consistent and reproducible phenomenon which thereby provide a rapid means for a substantially quantitative measure of fouling tendency.

Abstract: A method for determining the fouling tendency of an asphaltene containing petroleum stream such as crude oil by the use of thin layer chromatography. The chromatogram of a crude oil formed in the presence of an asphaltene antisolvent which exhibits a fouling tendency developed a distinct, dark ring or disk.

Abstract: A method for determining the fouling tendency of an asphaltene containing hydrocarbon stream such as crude oil by the use of thin layer chromatography. The chromatogram of a crude oil exhibiting a fouling tendency developed a distinct, dark ring or disk.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for measuring the remaining useful life of an ester-based lubricant containing at least one antioxidant species. A lubricant sample is mixed with a solvent, an organic base and an electrolyte to produce an analysis sample. The analysis sample is placed into an electrolytic cell and subjected to a cyclic voltammetric analysis, whereby a varying electric current is produced within the cell. The current during the cyclic voltammetric analysis is measured and recorded. Remaining useful life for the lubricant is then determined from the average maximum reduction current wave height produced.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for assessing the high temperature antioxidant capabilities of engine oils, base oils and engine oil additives under oxidative conditions simulating those encountered in an operating internal combustion engine. In particular, the method of this invention evaluates the above materials under conditions of a continuous influx of free radicals or materials capable of breaking down into free radicals and at elevated temperatures, i.e., similar to engine oil operational temperatures.

Abstract: A composition and test kit for determining the amount of polar substances in fat are disclosd by employing a test solution which is immiscible with the fat in question, and which provides a polychromatic visible or fluorescent color change in the test solution in response to characteristic amounts of polar substances in the fat. The visible or fluorescent color change can be used to compare to a known standard to determine the amount of polar substances in the fat.

Abstract: A method which involves the isolation, analysis and characterization of dispersants present in motor oils is disclosed. The method is particularly useful in connection with the characterization of high molecular weight polybutenyl succinimide dispersants present in finished motor oils so as to provide detailed information with respect to the starting material reactants needed to synthesize such dispersants. The method involves breaking down complexation present in the oil followed by the isolation of the dispersant from the oil via dialysis. The isolated dispersant in the form of a dialysis residue is then acidified and passed through an ion exchange chromatographic column to adsorb acid materials away from the dispersant. Dispersant content and total carbonyl content can then be determined. The dispersant is then subjected to saponification with sodium hydroxide to provide a hydrocarbyl sodium succinate and a polyamine.

Abstract: A method is provided for continuous quantitative analysis of H.sub.2 S dissolved in crude oil. The liquid is injected into a mixing chamber 14 in the form of a microsprayed mist meeting a nitrogen stream. The mist conveyed by the nitrogen is injected in the lower unfilled part 16a of a mist separation chamber 16 filled with solid mist separation material and passes from bottom to top through said filling while giving up liquid in the form of coalesced droplets. The gas and nitrogen mixture emerging at the top 16b of chamber 16 is free of at least a large part of the least volatile constituents.

Abstract: A chemical test kit and method for detecting the presence of impurities in an oil sample is provided. The test kit is comprised of two flexible translucent or transparent containers, each with at least one breakable capsule mounted within it. One of the flexible containers has a means for separating an aqueous layer from an oil layer. The capsules contain reagents capable of extracting the impurity to be detected from the oil into an aqueous layer and indicating the presence of a threshold concentration of the impurity. The method involves the steps of introducing an oil sample into a first flexible container, breaking the capsule within it by squeezing the flexible container in the vicinity of the capsule, transferring the aqueous layer to the second container, and breaking the capsule within the second container in the same manner. A chemical reaction occurs in the second container indicating whether the impurity is present at a given threshold concentration.

Abstract: A fluorescently labeled complex hydrophobic fluid produced by dissolving a porphyrin therein. The porphyrin must be substantially soluble in acidic aqueous solutions, substantially insoluble in neutral or alkaline aqueous solutions and fluoresce at a wavelength between about 600 nm and 800 nm when irradiated at a wavelength between about 350 nm and 550 nm. The fluorescently labeled complex hydrophobic fluid may be identified by observation of the above-mentioned characteristic fluorescence upon irradiation. For identification purposes the porphyrin may be first extracted into an acidic aqueous solution for determination of fluorescence. In cases where the labeled hydrophobic fluid has been dispersed in a quantity of neutral or alkaline aqueous solution or suspension, this latter solution or suspension is first extracted with a hydrophobic solvent for the porphyrin to form a porphyrin solution. The prophyrin, in turn is extracted from this prophyrin solution with an acidic aqueous solution.

Abstract: A petroleum alcohol test kit and a method of testing petroleum for alcohol content both as to volume and type. The volume of alcohol present is determined by mixing a petroleum sample with a first colorimetric solution whereby the volume of alcohol can be visually determined. The type of alcohol present is determined by mixing the components of a second colorimetric solution for impregnation of a visual indicator. A petroleum sample is mixed with an acidified potassium permanganate solution and the resultant vapors contact the visual indicator whereby the color the indicator turns is indicative of the type of alcohol present. The kit has the necessary containers, support and solutions to carry out the testing.

Abstract: A colorimetric method for detecting the presence of alcohol in hydrocarbons, such as gasoline, is disclosed. The method comprises contacting the hydrocarbon with a mixture comprising:i. an alcohol soluble, hydrocarbon insoluble dye; andii. a solid insoluble in hydrocarbon and alcohol whereby the mixture undergoes a color change in the presence of alcohol.The hydrocarbon sample preferably is contacted with a drying agent to remove dissolved water prior to contacting the mixture.

Abstract: Lipid-soluble impermeant spectroscopic probes for the study of intact biological membranes are disclosed.

Abstract: A two-component liquid reagent and process is provided for detecting the presence of furfural in petroleum products.

Abstract: The degradation of a hydrolyzable ester containing functional fluid is monitored by placing in the fluid a probe-containing a corrodible metal sensor and measuring by electrical means the corrosion of the sensor.

Abstract: Method for the determination of lecithin concentration in crude oil. A sample of crude oil is admixed with a polar organic sample which does not dissolve lecithin, thus obtaining a suspension. The concentration of lecithin in the suspension is determined by the turbidimetric analysis, by measuring the transmitted light passed through the suspension. According to a preferred embodiment, a tungsten lamp provides the light to be transmitted through the suspension, the light passed being converted to Lux units by Luxmeter and expressed into concentration values of lecithin.

Abstract: The degree of wear metal contamination in an oil is determined by treating a sample of the oil with a mixture of HF/HCl/nitric acid, diluting the oil/acid mixture with a solvent mixture consisting of a nonionic surfactant and a diluent, and spectrometrically analyzing the resulting diluted mixture. Severe wear in an oil wetted apparatus may be detected by directly analyzing spectrometrically a sample of the oil and comparing the results of such analysis with the results obtained according to the acid dissolution method described above.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining when a lubricant has reached the end its useful life due to oxidative degradation. The apparatus continuously monitors the evolution of gaseous emission from the lubricant when subjected to oxidizing conditions, and detects the increased gas emission accompanying oxidative breakdown.

Abstract: A method of testing oil for ionic contaminants is disclosed. The method comprises isolating a sample of the oil to be tested and mixing it with an equal weight of distilled water to dissolve ionic contaminants in the oil sample into the distilled water. Then, the contaminated water is separated from the mixture and its conductivity is determined. An alternative to separating the contaminated water is to use a surfactant to form an oil in water emulsion with the oil sample and the distilled water. The conductivity of the emulsion is determined directly. The magnitude of the conductivity directly indicates the amount of ionic contaminants present in the oil being tested. This method is especially suitable for determining the level of ionic contamination in the refrigerant of a refrigeration system of the type having a compressor drive which is lubricated with oil and wherein there is contact between the refrigerant and the oil.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for on the site determination of the characteristics of an oil-pollutant containing water. The determinaton includes the use of a combination of devices designed to permit the on-site determination of the water content and specific gravity of the mixture of water and pollutant, and the initial boiling point of water-free pollutant.

Abstract: A clarified slurry oil coker feedstock is subjected to absorption chromatography and ultraviolet light adsorptivity and the results are correlated to determine the suitability of the feedstock for electrode grade coke.

Abstract: A reagent composition particularly adapted for use in treating organic samples suspected of containing chemically-bound heavy metals preparatory to electrically detecting and measuring the heavy metal content of the samples. The composition includes an electrolyte vehicle which is essentially free of the heavy metal being detected and measured, a measured quantity of at least one metal ion-containing reagent dissolved therein, said metal ion (1) being adapted to displace the heavy metal from its organic chemical bonding and (2) remaining in electrolytic solution at the electrolytic deposition potentials of the heavy metals being detected and measured, a dispersing agent, and a hydrogen ion source for adjusting the pH of said composition to pH about 1.