PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRY SOLUTIONS - SYFT TECHNOLOGIES

Significance of the Topic

Crude oil–derived hydrocarbons are integral to modern fuel and chemical production. Monitoring their composition from extraction to final products ensures process efficiency, safety and compliance with environmental regulations.

Objectives and Overview of the Document

This whitepaper presents how Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry (SIFT-MS) from Syft Technologies addresses critical analytical challenges in the petrochemical industry across multiple stages:

• Real-time quantitation of light and medium hydrocarbons (C1–C14) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Rapid detection of sour gases such as H2S in natural gas streams
• Accelerated near-surface hydrocarbon prospecting
• Continuous leak detection and fence-line monitoring for facility safety and emissions control

Methodology and Reagent Ion Chemistry

SIFT-MS employs ultra-soft chemical ionization using reagent ions (H3O+, NO+, O2+, O-, O2-, OH-, NO2-, NO3-) generated by a microwave plasma source. Analyte ions are quantified via a quadrupole mass filter and ion detector without preconcentration, enabling accurate measurements from pptv to ppmv levels.

Instrumentation Used

• Syft SIFT-MS instrument featuring a microwave plasma ion source, quadrupole mass analyzer, flow tube reactor and particle multiplier detector
• Integrated LabSyft software for automated control and data analysis

Main Results and Discussion

• In mud logging, SIFT-MS delivers full C1–C14 analysis in under 15 seconds, with ppbv sensitivity and high water tolerance, outperforming conventional GC methods.
• Sour gas detection demonstrates reliable measurement of H2S at 35 ppb in a 1% natural gas dilution, enabling on-line monitoring for corrosion prevention and worker safety.
• Surface geochemical surveys using SIFT-MS reduce analysis time per sample from minutes to seconds, facilitating real-time decision making during exploration campaigns.
• Leak detection and fence-line monitoring deployments achieve continuous quantification of diverse VOCs, correlating emission levels with meteorological data to ensure regulatory adherence and public safety.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Instantaneous, multi-compound analysis for process control and safety
• Wide dynamic range and high selectivity with minimal calibration
• Robust operation in humid environments and remote locations
• Reduced sample preparation and maintenance costs

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging developments may integrate SIFT-MS with AI-driven analytics and sensor networks for predictive maintenance and automated leak localization. Miniaturization efforts and expanded reagent libraries will broaden portable, on-site monitoring capabilities for real-time compliance and environmental assessment.

Conclusion

SIFT-MS technology provides a groundbreaking, comprehensive analytical solution for the petrochemical industry. By enabling rapid, precise and non-discriminatory gas analysis from exploration through refining, it supports enhanced operational efficiency, environmental stewardship and safety assurance.