QUARTZ CRYSTAL CHARACTERIZATION OF FRACTIONS DERIVED FROM CRACKED STREAMS

摘要

Methods are provided for characterizing the stability of a distillate fraction using a quartz crystal microbalance apparatus, such as a distillate fraction derived at least in part from a pre-refined crude oil. A sample can be aged for an aging period in a quartz crystal microbalance apparatus, and a frequency value for the sample in the quartz crystal microbalance apparatus can be determined before and after the aging period to determine a frequency difference, This frequency difference can be correlated directly with the ability of a jet fuel fraction to satisfy a stability test standard, such as a jet fuel breakpoint stability. The methods can also include using a temperature profile during characterization that can reduce or minimize operator error during the characterization.

主权项

1. A method of characterizing a kerosene boiling range sample, comprising:
disposing a quartz crystal in a vessel containing a kerosene boiling range sample; heating the kerosene boiling range sample to a baseline temperature; measuring a frequency of the quartz crystal at the baseline temperature during a first sampling period to obtain a baseline frequency; heating the kerosene boiling range sample to an aging temperature and maintaining the sample at the aging temperature for an aging period; returning the kerosene boiling range sample to the baseline temperature; and measuring the frequency of the quartz crystal at the baseline temperature during a second sampling period to obtain an aged frequency, a difference between the baseline frequency and the aged frequency being indicative of a stability of the kerosene boiling range sample.