CNS SIMDIS: FAST QUANTITATIVE BOILING POINT DISTRIBUTION DATA FOR CARBON, SULPHUR AND NITROGEN FOR CRUDE OIL

Significance of the Topic

Understanding crude oil quality in real time is critical for refining operations. Variations in sulfur, nitrogen and boiling point profiles can significantly alter crude pricing, processing efficiency and end-product quality. Rapid, detailed compositional data empowers refiners to optimize feed blends, minimize downtime and maximize margins.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study presents the CNS SIMDIS approach for fast quantitative boiling point distribution of carbon, sulfur and nitrogen in crude oil. It outlines method scope, performance metrics and demonstrates how the technology delivers actionable insights compared with traditional assays.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The CNS SIMDIS method combines simulated distillation (SIMDIS) with post-column chemiluminescence detection. Key components include:

• Cool on Column (COC) injection and a single SIMDIS column
• Microfluidic splitter for fraction diversion
• SeNse Chemiluminescence Detectors: Sulfur Chemiluminescence Detector (SCD) and Nitrogen Chemiluminescence Detector (NCD)
• Flame Ionization Detector (FID) for carbon number distribution
• Optional hydrogen flame effluent (DHA FE) module for

Compliance with ASTM D7807 and analogs of D2887, D6352, D7500 and D7169 ensures broad applicability across distillates and whole crudes.

Key Results and Discussion

Performance evaluations demonstrate:

• Analysis time under 30 minutes with 1–3% injection volumes or neat sample for low-temperature distillates
• Sample boiling range coverage from C2-C90 for high-temperature runs (up to 700 °C) and C5-C44 for low-temperature cuts (up to 538 °C)
• Precision below 10% RSD for sulfur and nitrogen across repeated runs (repeatability RSD 0.8–4.9%; reproducibility RSD 1.7–4.9%)
• Excellent agreement with reference combustion UV fluorescence methods

High-resolution sulfur and nitrogen profiles by boiling point enable more nuanced feed characterization than bulk assays.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This turnkey solution offers:

• Rapid decision making to capture favorable crude price differentials
• Minimal sample requirements (<10 mL) and reduced labor
• Automated reporting with exportable SIMDIS distillation curves
• Improved feed compatibility assessments to reduce fouling, catalyst poisoning and regulatory risks
• Enhanced blending control to meet product specifications and refine margin optimization

Future Trends and Opportunities

Further integration with digital refinery management systems promises real-time feed adjustments. Expansion to other heteroatom tracking (e.g., oxygen) and coupling with machine learning for predictive quality modeling will extend the method’s impact. Miniaturized microfluidic platforms and online sensor networks could enable continuous crude monitoring.

Conclusion

CNS SIMDIS delivers fast, accurate boiling point-resolved sulfur and nitrogen data, offering an efficient alternative to traditional crude assays. Its proven precision, automation and minimal resource requirements support better blending decisions, cost savings and enhanced refinery profitability.

References

• Crude Oil Price Differentials and Differences in Oil Qualities: A Statistical Analysis, ESMAP Technical Paper, October 2005