Thermo Scientific Oil and Gas - Petroleum and Natural Gas - Analysis Workflows

Significance of the Topic

The comprehensive chemical analysis of petroleum and natural gas streams underpins decision-making throughout exploration, production, transport, refining, and environmental management. Accurate characterization of hydrocarbons, heteroatoms, trace metals, and process additives enables operators to optimize yields, ensure product quality and safety, satisfy regulatory requirements, and maintain asset integrity in a highly competitive market.

Objectives and Study Overview

This document presents a consolidated overview of analytical workflows and instrumentation tailored to upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors of the oil and gas value chain, as well as industrial water and process streams. It highlights method standards, performance data, and informatics solutions designed to improve laboratory efficiency, data integrity, and operational throughput.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Gas Chromatography (GC) and GC-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) for boiling-range determination, biomarker profiling, and trace oxygenate analysis.
• Combustion Ion Chromatography (CIC) to quantify individual halides and sulfur species in gases, liquids, and solids.
• Ion Chromatography (IC) for separation of anions, cations, organic acids, and heat stable salts in process and waste waters.
• Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) for trace and major element analysis in fuels, lubricants, and refinery streams.
• Organic Elemental Analysis (OEA) via combustion to determine C, H, N, S, and O in oils, fuels, and additives.
• Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and Chromatography Data Systems (CDS) to automate workflows, manage compliance, and integrate instrument data.

Instrumentation Used

• Thermo Scientific™ TRACE™ 1300 and 1310 Series Gas Chromatographs
• Thermo Scientific™ Q Exactive™ GC-MS/MS and DFS High-Resolution GC-MS with Orbitrap™ technology
• Thermo Scientific™ Flash 2000 Organic Elemental Analyzer
• Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ 7000 Plus ICP-OES
• Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ Integrion™ High-Pressure IC systems
• Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ Chromeleon™ Chromatography Data System
• Thermo Scientific™ SampleManager™ LIMS

Main Results and Discussion

• High-resolution GC-MS biomarker profiles provided detailed terpane distributions for crude oil maturity and source correlation.
• Simulated distillation methods (e.g., ASTM D3710, D7096) yielded precise boiling-range data for gasoline, distillates, and heavy fractions.
• GC-TCD analysis (GPA Method 2177) accurately determined the calorific value of natural gas liquids within required precision limits.
• ASTM D7423 GC methods identified trace corrosive oxygenates in LPG and light hydrocarbon streams, informing corrosion control strategies.
• Backflush GC-FID techniques enhanced chromatographic clarity by removing heavy matrix components during aromatic analysis.
• ICP-OES measurements of naphtha and lubricating base oils achieved low detection limits and acceptable RSDs for trace metals.
• CIC with suppressed conductivity detection resolved fluoride, chloride, bromide, sulfate, and sulfur species in petroleum samples.
• IC methods separated heat stable salts and organic acids in amine scrubbing solutions, supporting process monitoring and regeneration efficiency.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Improved lab productivity and uptime through modular GC components and automated consumable tracking.
• Streamlined compliance with global standards (ASTM, GPA, IP, EN, ISO) via pre-tested configurations.
• Enhanced data integrity and multi-facility comparability using integrated LIMS/CDS platforms.
• Reduced downtime and maintenance with instant-connect modules and user-friendly software interfaces.
• Actionable insights for process optimization, safety management, and cost reduction across the oil and gas life cycle.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Advances in high-resolution mass spectrometry, ultra-high-pressure ion chromatography, and high-throughput elemental analyzers will address emerging needs for ultra-trace detection and complex mixture characterization. Integration of AI-driven data analytics and cloud-based informatics promises real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and cross-site standardization. New sample preparation automation and green chemistry approaches will further enhance sustainability and laboratory safety.

Conclusion

An array of validated analytical technologies and informatics solutions provides end-to-end coverage for petroleum and natural gas workflows, from upstream source identification to downstream product quality and environmental compliance. Adoption of these integrated methods ensures reliable data, faster turnaround, and improved operational performance in a changing energy landscape.