The oil industry in perspective: A brief review of the Argus Americas Crude Summit

There are four key takeaways regarding the Argus Americas Crude Oil Summit that will help you make more informed decisions…
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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.

If you are an active participant in the oil industry, it is highly likely that you attended the Argus Americas Crude Summit Jan 22-24th. and that we had a chance to catch up. However, it is always convenient to stop and think about what we learned at a conference. Whether you were there or you missed it this time, there are four key ideas that will be helpful for us all as 2019 continues to evolve:

Regarding the production of oil in the US and its role as an exporter

It is well known by now that the nation has become a major player in oil production and export. What is new? Though China did stop buying US oil, exports continue to grow as seen on Figure 1 and new markets in South Asia are being developed. This area is where most new oil demand will be located.

Regarding the pipeline network in America

Regarding the infrastructure challenges faced by US producers to reach the market, there have been great advances. The bottle necks that kept prices down for WTI have mostly been removed and the continued expansion of the pipeline network has brought more players, more competition and new opportunities. Some of the new developments are the building of offshore oil loading terminals and the adaptation of facilities to serve supertankers. This is needed as pipelines from the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale are nearing completion to move record amounts of crude oil and natural gas liquids to destinations along the Gulf Coast. Figure 2 shows the existing Gas Transmission and Hazardous Liquid Pipelines in the US, as can be seen, there is an extensive network which will continue to grow and adapt to market needs.

Figure 2

Regarding US refining capacity

There are important MARPOL VI implications for oil markets, mostly disruptions in the market, though most US refiner margins will improve. However, sour products and crudes will fall in value. Q2 Technologies can help sour crude producers to increase the value of their barrel with the Pro3® non amine H2S scavenger. In addition, US refined products export growth is expected to continue. Mexico and the rest of Latin America have increased their demand of US gasoline and diesel as you can see in Figure 3.

Figure 3

Regarding volatility drivers

It is important to consider the expectations in the current climate of instability within the US and elsewhere. The trade tensions with China, the instability and risks in Venezuela, and the power balance with Russia, another key worldwide oil exporter who has acquired a larger role in the geopolitical arena, bring uncertainty. Similarly, the glitches in developing infrastructure in the US, the governmental and regulatory possibilities, as well as the potential slowing global growth contribute to the wealth of variables that impact the oil industry. With so many variables, it continues to be valuable to attend to events like the Argus Americas Crude Summit to gain insight and better plan our own business strategies.

Let’s Talk: Improve the Value of Your Barrel

Contact us to discuss how we can help you navigate current times increasing the value of your barrel.

If you are an active participant in the oil industry, it is highly likely that you attended the Argus Americas Crude Summit Jan 22-24th. and that we had a chance to catch up. However, it is always convenient to stop and think about what we learned at a conference. Whether you were there or you missed it this time, there are four key ideas that will be helpful for us all as 2019 continues to evolve:

Regarding the production of oil in the US and its role as an exporter

It is well known by now that the nation has become a major player in oil production and export. What is new? Though China did stop buying US oil, exports continue to grow as seen on Figure 1 and new markets in South Asia are being developed. This area is where most new oil demand will be located.

Regarding the pipeline network in America

Regarding the infrastructure challenges faced by US producers to reach the market, there have been great advances. The bottle necks that kept prices down for WTI have mostly been removed and the continued expansion of the pipeline network has brought more players, more competition and new opportunities. Some of the new developments are the building of offshore oil loading terminals and the adaptation of facilities to serve supertankers. This is needed as pipelines from the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale are nearing completion to move record amounts of crude oil and natural gas liquids to destinations along the Gulf Coast. Figure 2 shows the existing Gas Transmission and Hazardous Liquid Pipelines in the US, as can be seen, there is an extensive network which will continue to grow and adapt to market needs.

Figure 2

Regarding US refining capacity

There are important MARPOL VI implications for oil markets, mostly disruptions in the market, though most US refiner margins will improve. However, sour products and crudes will fall in value. Q2 Technologies can help sour crude producers to increase the value of their barrel with the Pro3® non amine H2S scavenger. In addition, US refined products export growth is expected to continue. Mexico and the rest of Latin America have increased their demand of US gasoline and diesel as you can see in Figure 3.

Figure 3

Regarding volatility drivers

It is important to consider the expectations in the current climate of instability within the US and elsewhere. The trade tensions with China, the instability and risks in Venezuela, and the power balance with Russia, another key worldwide oil exporter who has acquired a larger role in the geopolitical arena, bring uncertainty. Similarly, the glitches in developing infrastructure in the US, the governmental and regulatory possibilities, as well as the potential slowing global growth contribute to the wealth of variables that impact the oil industry. With so many variables, it continues to be valuable to attend to events like the Argus Americas Crude Summit to gain insight and better plan our own business strategies.

Let’s Talk: Improve the Value of Your Barrel

Contact us to discuss how we can help you navigate current times increasing the value of your barrel.

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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