Total Chlorine Analysis

Total Chloride, Total Chlorine or Total Halogens, stand for the sum parameter of organic as well as inorganic Fluorine (F), Chlorine, (Cl), Bromine (Br) and Iodine (I). Trace levels of Total Chloride are measured with an elemental combustion analyzer according to Microcoulometric detection technique / Microcoulometry. Organic chlorines do not occur naturally in crude oil. When present, they result from contamination in some manner, such as disposal of chlorinated solvent used in many dewaxing pipeline or other equipment operations. Organic Chlorine species are potentially damaging to refinery processes. Hydrochloric acid can be produced in hydrotreating or reforming reactors and the acid accumulates in condensing regions of the refinery. Unexpected concentrations of organic chlorides cannot be effectively neutralized and damage can result. Organic chlorides are not known to be naturally present in crude oils and usually result from cleaning operations at producing sites, pipelines, or tanks. It is important for the oil industry to have common methods available for the determination of organic chlorides in crude oil, particularly when transfer of custody is involved. Common ASTM methods for chloride testing include: ASTM D5194, ASTM D4929, D5808, D6721, and D7457. The Nexis TX total chloride analyzer provides a reliable and robust solution for labs.