Method for Salt Content

Analysis
 Principle
• Conductivity of a solution of crude oil when
subjected to an electrical stress
• Conductivity due to the pressure of inorganic
chlorides, and other conductive material
 Purpose
• This test method is used to determine the
approximate salt content present in crude oils,
knowledge of which is important in deciding
whether or not the crude oil needs desalting.
• Efficiency of the process desalter.
• To know the detrimental effects on catalyst
used in refinery.
 ASTM Method

• 0 to 500 mg/kg (ASTM D3230)

• 2 to 1500 mg/kg (ASTM D6470)
 Procedure (Sample preparation)
Add 15 mL of xylene and pipet in 10 mL
of the crude oil sample. Rinse the pipet
with xylene until free of oil. Make up to
50 mL with xylene. Stopper and shake
the cylinder vigorously for approx. 60 s.
Dilute to 100 mL with mixed alcohol
solvent, and again shake vigorously for
approximately 30 s. After allowing the
solution to stand for approx. 5 min, pour
it into the dry test beaker.
 Working of conductivity meter
• The electrodes are usually made of platinum
metal.
• An alternating current is applied to the far part of
the electrodes.
• The potential between the inner pair is
measured.
• Conductivity is determined using the distance
between the electrodes and their surface area.
• Ohm's law
k = Specific conductivity of liquid, in Siemens per centimeter
G = Conductance, in Siemens (S)