6 Analytical Instrumentation High Temperature Viscosity Analysis for Heavy Oil Extraction Research
Cambridge Viscosity (USA) recently delivered a customised Viscolab PVT High Temperature viscometer for analysing heavy oil samples to a second major European oil company. The international energy company has decades of experience in oil and gas extraction in the North Sea and in countries around the world. The research and development team purchased the high temperature viscometer to explore extraction methods for heavy oils in tar sands located near Calgary in Alberta, Canada. The company is currently using the steam-assisted gravity drainage method (SAGD) to remove heavy viscous bitumen from oil sands.
The viscometer will be used to improve the current method and develop new techniques for locations where the environment and geography make standard approaches impractical.
Developing the high temperature version of the Viscolab PVT presented many unique challenges for Cambridge Viscosity engineers. The customer required that the viscometer operate at temperatures up to 300°C and pressures of 20,000PSI. These requirements necessitated a redesign of the SPL-440 sensor’s internal electrical components, inlet and outlet tubes and the viscometer’s isothermal control system.
Dan Airey, director of engineering who oversaw the system redesign, addressed the challenges. “We had a number of problems to work out in order to deliver a system that could produce accurate and repeatable data under extreme conditions. The pressure and temperature combination required new components from the latest ceramics technology to advanced metal alloys. It was a significant effort, but I am very proud of the new design and the results the system provides.”
Cambridge plans to add the modified high temperature PVT design to its product catalog sometime in 2010. Reader Reply Card No 20 New Vision Offers Support for Process and Lab NIR Analysis
FOSS NIRSystems, Inc. (USA) has introduced Service Pack 6 for Vision 3.50. Vision is a software package specifically designed for use with the Foss NIRSystems Near-Infrared (NIR) laboratory and process analysers. Vision 3.50 Service Pack 6 is a cumulative service pack and offers support for the latest NIR laboratory and process hardware.
The ProFoss instrument has been added to Vision, which includes support for Self-Test, Diagnostics, Data Acquisition, and Routine Analysis. ProFoss is a diode-array instrument and the latest addition to the product line of Foss NIRSystems.
If you are a current user of the Foss Vision software, please contact us for more information and/or a complete list of new features appearing in version 3.50, Service Pack 6. The Foss Vision software is 21 CFR Part 11 compliant and supports PAT through numerous process analysis options and process communication capabilities. The software has an extensive security system with multiple access levels, secure data archiving and report generation as well as database and spreadsheet compatibility. Vision comes with a user-friendly electronic manual with tutorials and data for self taught hands-on method development and software operation.
Reader Reply Card No 21
Dedicated, On-Site Biofuels Measurements in 60 Seconds!
New Viscometer Line Launched
Thermo Fisher Scientific (Germany) recently launched a new viscometer line that features three models, each suited for a unique user requirement
The rotational viscometers are used for quick and reliable tests and comparative viscosity measurements according to recognised standards in quality control. They measure the resistance of a test substance against a pre-set speed. The resulting torque or resistance measures the viscosity of the fluid. A broad range of accessories allows for comparative measurements of highly viscous samples such as creams, pastes and gels or for viscosity measurements of small volumes.
“The Thermo Scientific HAAKE RheoWin software available with the E or D models ensures fully automated measuring and analysis routines, data analysis and report creation, as well as user access control and assignment of specific access rights,” says Markus Schreyer, vice president and general manager of Thermo Fisher Scientific’s material characterisation business. “This software compatibility with our rheometers is in line with our commitment to provide user-friendly and reliable instruments for comprehensive material characterisation.”
InfraCal Blend Analyzers and InfraSpec VFA-IR Spectrometers provide the accuracy, reliability & ease of operation necessary for on-site measurements to ensure biofuels product quality. Proven technology in use by petroleum terminals, regulatory agencies, nuclear power plants and biofuels manufacturers.
They feature: • Easy operation by non-technical personnel • Portability for field/mobile use (under 6 lbs - 6” footprint) • Low cost and minimal consumables
Typical analyses include: • Biodiesel (FAME) in diesel fuel • Percent ethanol in gasoline • Low level biodiesel detection • Biofuels QC production
To learn more, visit our web site:
www.wilksir.com or call: 831-338-7459 or email:
srintoul@wilksir.com
Reader Reply Card No 24 February / March 2011 •
www.petro-online.com Reader Reply Card No 22
Gas Chromatography App on the App Store
Agilent Technologies, Inc announced that a GC Calculator App is now available on the App Store.
The GC Calculator is a first-of-its-kind gas chromatography app for the iPhone and iPod touch. The GC pressure and flow calculator app can be used to instantly and accurately determine pressures and flows through open tubular capillary columns. The app is based on the popular PC version that has been downloaded more than 10,000 times from the Agilent website.
“Agilent continues to provide innovative solutions to help our customers drive productivity,” said Anne Jones, Vice President of Agilent’s Chemistries Division. “Our customers can use this practical and convenient app anywhere and at anytime to quickly see how different GC conditions will affect their column flow and pressure before setting up their system.”
The GC Calculator App is available free of charge from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch. Agilent GC Calculator works with iPhone 4, iPhone 3G, the original iPhone, and iPod touch.
Agilent introduced an LC Calculator App earlier this year, also available free of charge from the App Store, which includes hundreds of Agilent column configurations and other method parameters to improve chromatography. Scenarios can be quickly formed and compared with a simple tap or swipe on the innovative multi-touch user interface to discover what combination of parameters work best to increase analysis speed and lab productivity.
Reader Reply Card No 23
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