Energy Forensic Testing
SGS offers a range of forensic testing services to the oil and petrochemical industries.
Our chromatography and mass spectrometry services are used extensively across the oil industry, ranging from exploration and production through to final refined and formulated products.
Our clients include:
- Oil companies
- Engineering companies
- Service companies
- Environmental and regulatory authorities
- Companies providing production chemicals
Oilfield production
We undertake the quantification of crude oil components, including:
- Carbon number profiling
- Naphthenic acids and associated scales
Production chemicals such as corrosion inhibitors and scale inhibitors can also be quantified in both crude oil and produced fluids. This can assist in product formulation and selection, as well in as performance monitoring.
Environmental analysis
SGS also undertakes comprehensive environmental surveys of production fields, terminal operations and rig decommissioning sites, analysing produced and discharge waters, cutting piles and oil spills. Each project is designed and executed according to an agreed project plan and addresses the specifics of the job.
Downstream processing and formulation
Our capabilities are used to assist the downstream oil industry in refinery process operations, as well as final fuels and lubricant technology and formulation.
Typical studies include:
- Hydrocarbon distillates
- Base oils: Paraffinic, naphthenic Polyalpha-olefin (POA), Polyol ester (POE), Polyalkylene glycol (PAG)
- Fuel and lubricant additives
- Deposits: Process and engine
We also undertake atmospheric/nuisance odor monitoring in both production and refining operations. Samples are collected in gas bags, or preferably directly onto thermal desorption tubes, and analysed by Thermal Desorption GC-MS. This technique allows low levels of airborne mercaptans to be identified and quantified.
Find out more about forensic testing services from SGS.