Oil in water monitoring using mass spectrometry
Worldwide, millions of barrels of oil are lost each year due to imperfect recovery of oil from the water produced through oil drilling operations.
This project set out to develop a novel oil-in-water analyser, using portable mass spectrometry technology. This would provide the highly sensitive monitoring and analysis needed for extraction.
Who took part?
The project was a partnership between the Department of Electrical Engineering & Electronics (University of Liverpool), British Gas (BG), British Petroleum (BP), Chevron, Conoco-Philips and ENI (Italy).
Tests were conducted at the North Sea Test Facility in Flotta (Orkney Islands).
What were the key challenges?
The solution had to provide capabilities never before achieved in oil-in-water analysis, whilst being resilient enough to operate in the harsh environment of North Sea oil platforms.
To meet the challenge we had to adapt, develop and improve on existing mass spectrometry technology and then rigorously test it, first in the laboratory and then in a production environment.
How far has the project progressed?
Trials are complete and patents have been licensed to industry. The new product will enter beta testing in January 2012.
This project has resulted in new applications and capabilities when it comes to taking underwater mass spectrometry measurements.
Further work is being planned with Proudman Oceanographic Labs at the University of Liverpool.