There are numerous factors to consider when analyzing for oil. These include Acid number, Base number, Viscosity, Nodal analysis, and Precautionary measures.
Viscosity
Oil viscosity analysis is one of the most important parts of vehicle maintenance. It affects the wear rate and operating pressure of the engine, as well as fuel efficiency. In addition to this, it helps determine the proper interval for oil changes. Getting this information accurately can help avoid future problems.
Viscosity analysis for oil can be done both in the laboratory and in-line on equipment. Some examples of measurement methods include spectroscopic analysis, vibrational methods, and sensing body displacement.
Aside from being important for vehicle maintenance, this test can help detect contaminants. For example, it can determine whether a base oil has been oxidized. Spectral analyses can also reveal if the oil is contaminated with water or other materials.
An increasing number of sensors is being used in recent years to monitor oil condition. This has made it possible to perform real-time measurements.
Base number
The Total Acid Number and Base Number of an oil are important parameters of an engine oil’s performance. Together, these values can determine whether an oil is a good fit for your engine. If they’re low, the chances of the oil sustaining performance in the long run is slim. Likewise, if they’re high, you’re not only risking corrosion, but a shortened useful life for your engine.
The Total Base Number (TBN) is a measurement of the amount of alkaline content in an oil. This value is typically measured using a standard test method, such as ASTM D2896. It is used to measure lubricant effectiveness during the combustion process, as well as its ability to neutralize acids produced by oxidation.
There are many different test methods for the TBN. Test Method D2896 is the most common, although other tests exist. A higher base number translates into more acids that can be neutralized.
Acid number
Acid number is one of the most important parameters for monitoring oil oxidation. Depending on the application, lubricant oil’s acid number may be high or low. This can affect the lubricant’s performance and durability.
A number of tests are performed to measure the acid number of crude oils. These measurements include an aqueous acid-base titration, potentiometric titration, and ion analysis. It is important to compare the acid numbers from different laboratories. The results of these measurements are crucial in evaluating the lubricant’s functionality.
An improved method of measuring the total acid number of oils has been developed. This measurement procedure is more accurate than the standard method. In addition, it is correlated to the oil/brine interfacial properties.
Measurement of the total acid number is a complex process. This measurement is difficult to do in real-time.
Precautionary measures for oil degradation
Although microbial biodegradation is a natural process, cautionary measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of an oil spill. The most important implication is that the most effective methods should be selected based on the unique characteristics of the spill, including the local environment and prevailing weather conditions.
One of the more promising approaches is to add nutrients to contaminated sites to stimulate growth of hydrocarbon degrading microorganisms. These organisms are ubiquitous in all freshwater habitats. A study in the Gulf of Mexico revealed that oil-degrading bacterial populations were actually present in greater than one percent of the heterotrophic microbial community in pore waters of oiled shorelines.
While this study was not able to prove that adding nutrients was the key to enhancing biodegradation, it did provide a solid foundation of knowledge.
Nodal analysis
Nodal analysis is the process of evaluating the performance of a producing system. It is used to identify problems, determine causes, and plan correct actions.
In the oil and gas industry, the term Nodal Analysis ™ refers to an analytical technique used to predict the performance of a producing well and optimize it. The technique is applied in a variety of ways, including to examine the effects of surface pressure, tubular sizes, and surface topography on well performance.
The first step in the nodal analysis of an oil well is the identification of the problem. This is done by analyzing the well and its associated equipment. Depending on the problems that arise, the analyst will provide his or her recommended solution.
A typical nodal analysis will be performed using a subsurface team. This team will understand the production system and reservoir model.