Not passing copper strip tests at truck offload stations? 

When delivering NGLs, field stabilized liquid products, or even plant processed purity products, H2S and mercaptans can still cause problems for on spec deliveries. Copper strip testing in the oil and gas industry, a measurement of the corrosion potential found in different liquids, has been a testing staple for decades. Metallurgical analysis and failure procedures has been an area of study since the beginning of modern chemistry.  

A requirement that jet fuel must pass the copper strip corrosion test ensures that organic sulfur compounds are not present in the product that could corrode or impede copper-based alloys that may be present in certain jet engines or components that make up jet turbine systems. As an approved ASTM method, test D130/IP 154 states that a polished copper strip coupon be immersed in a sample for 2 hours at 100C/212F and then removed and washed. It is then visually inspected and compared to an agreed upon standard chart (an example chart depicted above). If sulfur compounds are present, the coupon will tarnish going from a shiny copper penny sheen to a bluish/purple distortion, often in wavy or swirl type stains, to increasingly black/dark and pitted conditions on the sample.  

With Q2 Technologies’ Pro3 NGL, a non-amine/non-triazine based and highly engineered dry catalyst, the afflicted product is routed through a set of fixed reactor units allowing for the truck LACT location to accept and treat on-demand. Treatment can occur prior to or after the LACT intact, the fixed reactors do not use moving elements and the system is not contingent on continuous flow. This system is designed with flexibility in mind and will ensure that product meets copper strip testing and other UOP or ASTM methods also approved for merchantability.  

Want to learn even more? Feel free to reach out to us.  

Interested in a liquid chemical solution to treat H2S or mercaptans in crude oil? Check out our solution here! 

Q2 Technologies, is a leading provider of chemical treatment solutions. Unlike traditional oilfield chemical companies and oilfield chemical suppliers, Q2 Technologies offers innovative products such as the Pro3 NGL catalyst. Contact Q2 Technologies today to learn more about this revolutionary approach to oilfield chemical treatment.