Not passing copper strip tests at truck offload stations?

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Q2 Technologies Team

Experts in H2S Scavenging Solutions

With decades of combined experience, the Q2 Technologies team specializes in innovative hydrogen sulfide (H2S) scavenging solutions for the oil and gas, wastewater treatment, and industrial sectors.

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.

Why Do Truck Offload Stations Require This Test?

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.

How the Copper Strip Test Works (ASTM D130)

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.

How Pro3 NGL Ensures Copper Strip Compliance

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.

Where to Learn More or Request a Treatment Solution

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. Discover why quality chemicals matter to ensure optimal treatment performance. Contact Q2 Technologies today to learn more about this revolutionary approach to oilfield chemical treatment.

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.

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.

Why Do Truck Offload Stations Require This Test?

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.

How the Copper Strip Test Works (ASTM D130)

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.

How Pro3 NGL Ensures Copper Strip Compliance

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.

Where to Learn More or Request a Treatment Solution

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. Discover why quality chemicals matter to ensure optimal treatment performance. Contact Q2 Technologies today to learn more about this revolutionary approach to oilfield chemical treatment.

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.

When introduced into a stream afflicted with H2S, the hemiformal decomposes to release formaldehyde, which then reacts with hydrogen sulfide to form stable, non-volatile byproducts such as thiomethylene glycol.  The reaction is typically fast and efficient, particularly in aqueous or mixed-phase environments. Unlike some traditional scavengers, hemiformal can maintain activity across a broad pH range and is less likely to generate problematic solids. When considering if hemiformal is the right product, certain operating conditions are reviewed, such as pH and temperature.

Heading 1

When introduced into a stream afflicted with H2S, the hemiformal decomposes to release formaldehyde, which then reacts with hydrogen sulfide to form stable, non-volatile byproducts such as thiomethylene glycol.  The reaction is typically fast and efficient, particularly in aqueous or mixed-phase environments. Unlike some traditional scavengers, hemiformal can maintain activity across a broad pH range and is less likely to generate problematic solids. When considering if hemiformal is the right product, certain operating conditions are reviewed, such as pH and temperature.

Heading 2

When introduced into a stream afflicted with H2S, the hemiformal decomposes to release formaldehyde, which then reacts with hydrogen sulfide to form stable, non-volatile byproducts such as thiomethylene glycol.  The reaction is typically fast and efficient, particularly in aqueous or mixed-phase environments. Unlike some traditional scavengers, hemiformal can maintain activity across a broad pH range and is less likely to generate problematic solids. When considering if hemiformal is the right product, certain operating conditions are reviewed, such as pH and temperature.

Heading 3

Heading 4

When introduced into a stream afflicted with H2S, the hemiformal decomposes to release formaldehyde, which then reacts with hydrogen sulfide to form stable, non-volatile byproducts such as thiomethylene glycol.  The reaction is typically fast and efficient, particularly in aqueous or mixed-phase environments. Unlike some traditional scavengers, hemiformal can maintain activity across a broad pH range and is less likely to generate problematic solids. When considering if hemiformal is the right product, certain operating conditions are reviewed, such as pH and temperature. 

Key Benefits:

  • Controlled formaldehyde release 
  • Lower vapor pressure and improved safety profile 
  • Broad applicability across liquid and gas-phase systems 
  • Reduced scaling in sour water stripping and other high-temp operations 
  • Hemiformal can make the scavenger safe for transport as it is a very stable compound 

Heading 5

Hemiformal is used in a variety of upstream and midstream applications, including: 

  • Gas sweetening systems 
  • Produced water treatment 
  • Crude oil storage and transport 
  • Sour water stripper overheads 
  • Temporary H2S mitigation during maintenance or turnaround

Its adaptability makes it especially useful in operations where system conditions fluctuate or where traditional triazine-based products may underperform. 

Heading 6

While hemiformal offers many advantages, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The rate of formaldehyde release can vary depending on formulation and environmental conditions. Additionally, while safer than raw formaldehyde, hemiformal must still be handled with care and appropriate PPE. 

For optimal results, formulation expertise and application-specific customization are key—something we at Q2 Technologies excel at delivering. 

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