Pre-handling and analysis

Pre-handling and analysis of oils from Year One

The samples of Alpine crude oil and the two refined diesel oils were measured for water content and densities upon arrival, and were further homogenized prior to the testing of the chemical composition and physical properties related to the weathering study. An overview of the results and comments are given in Table 3.1, Table 3.2, and Table 3.3.

Neither Alpine nor the two refined products showed high level of water content, therefore no extra distillation /topping was required. The original barrels containing the Alpine crude were dented upon arrival at the laboratory; however, the damage did not influence on the quality of the crude oil for the physical and chemical properties and conducting the weathering study.

Pre-handling and analysis of oils from Year Two

Samples of the two crude oils (Kuparuk and Northstar) and the refined WRG were measured for water content and densities upon arrival, and further homogenized prior to the testing of chemical composition and physical properties related to the weathering study. An overview of the results and comments are given in Table 3.4, Table 3.5, and, Table 3.6.

Some free-water was observed in the bottom of all the barrels of Kuparuk as described in the table below. It was decided to remove water/oil from the bottom of each barrel prior to homogenization to avoid any free-water from being incorporated into the whole sample. High water content is not beneficial for topping/distillation due to a HSE (Health, Safety and Environmental) aspect.

Neither Northstar crude oil nor the WRG showed any significant level of water content upon arrival, and no extra precaution prior to topping/ distillation were required. The original barrels containing the Kuparuk crude were dented upon arrival; however, the damage did not influence the quality of the crude oil for the physical and chemical properties and conducting the weathering study. The color appearance of Northstar was light brown and translucent, and the visual inspection indicated a low content of asphaltene. In addition, no visual precipitation of wax in a sample of Northstar crude oil, stored at a lower temperature (5 °C), was observed.

10

Table 3.1

Pre-handling and analysis of water content and density of Alpine crude oil.

Barrel Water content

1 of 4 <0.01 0.835 The original barrel was highly dented upon arrival, but no leakage. The sample was transferred to a separate jerry can.

2 of 4 < 0.01 0.831 The original barrel was highly dented upon arrival, but no leakage. The sample was transferred to a separate jerry can.

3 of 4 < 0.01 0.831 The original barrel was highly dented upon arrival, but no leakage. The sample was transferred to a separate jerry can.

4 of 4 < 0.01 0.832 The original barrel was highly dented upon arrival, but no leakage. The sample was transferred to a separate jerry can.

*Measured with KF: Karl Fisher titration methodology

Table 3.2

Pre-handling and analysis of water content and density of ADO diesel oil

Barrel

*Measured with KF: Karl Fisher titration methodology

Table 3.3

Pre-handling and analysis of water content and density of MGO diesel oil

Barrel

Comments MGO (Marine Gas Oil) (SINTEF ID: 2015-0492)

1 of 2 < 0.01 0.849 None

2 of 2 < 0.01 0.849 None

*Measured with KF: Karl Fisher titration methodology

11

Table 3.4

Pre-handling and analysis of water content and density of Kuparuk crude oil Barrel Water content

1 of 4 0.1 0.918 The original barrel was dented upon arrival, but had no leakage.

Some free-water was observed. Approx.400 mL was removed from the bottom of the barrel. The barrel was further

homogenized and the water content was quantified

2 of 4 0.1 0.917 The original barrel was dented upon arrival, but had no leakage.

Some free-water was observed. Approx.400 mL was removed from the bottom of the barrel. The barrel was further

homogenized and the water content was quantified

3 of 4 0.1 0.917 The original barrel was dented upon arrival, but had no leakage.

Some free-water was observed. Approx.400 mL was removed from the bottom of the barrel. The barrel was further

homogenized and the water content was quantified

4 of 4 0.1 0.917 The original barrel was dented upon arrival, but had no leakage.

Some free-water was observed. Approx.400 mL was removed from the bottom of the barrel. The barrel was further

homogenized and the water content was quantified

*Measured with KF: Karl Fisher titration methodology

Table 3.5

Pre-handling and analysis of water content and density of Northstar crude oil Barrel Water content performed carefully and pre-heating at 50 °C was not considered necessary.

2 of 4 0.23 0.778 The barrel was filled up with oil, and the homogenization was performed carefully and pre-heating at 50 °C was not considered necessary.

3 of 4 0.31 0.778 The barrel was filled up with oil, and the homogenization was performed carefully and pre-heating at 50 °C was not considered necessary.

4 of 4 0.1 0.779 The barrel was filled up with oil, and the homogenization was performed carefully and pre-heating at 50 °C was not considered necessary.

*Measured with KF: Karl Fisher titration methodology

12

Table 3.6

Pre-handling and analysis of water content and density of WRG

Barrel

Comments WRG (Wide Range Gasoil) (SINTEF ID: 2016-0106)

1 of 1 0.07 0.892 The 1000 litres container of WRG was stored upon arrival in room temperature for some weeks before an aliquot of 200 Liters was transferred to a separate barrel. The barrel was stored in room temperature prior sampling of 25 Liters.

*Measured with KF: Karl Fisher titration methodology