Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Applied to Elemental Analysis Using Samples of Crude Oil from Adaril Oilfield

Abstract

Aim: In this work Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) has been used to identify the constituents of certain type of Sudanese crude oil. Study Design: This study was designed to use LIBS technique to analyze the emission spectral lines and to evaluate this technique in identifying the constituents of certain type of Sudanese crude oil. Place and Duration of Study: Department of laser system, institute of laser in Sudan university of Science and Technology – Republic of the Sudan and department of analytical chemistry, Malaga University – Spain, between June 2011 and July 2012. Methodology: Q-switched Nd: YAG laser was used to irradiate the samples and produce its plasma. The emission spectra of the plasma were collected via optical fiber and analyzed by a miniature Czerny–Turner spectrograph attached to CCD camera. Samples: Three crude oil samples collected from, Adaril Oilfield in south of Sudan were included in this work. Results: Characteristics elements in this crude oil, such as C, H, N, O, Ca, and Na were detected. The use of intensity ratios of the emission lines and bands in the samples allowed better characterization of the samples than the simple use of peak intensities. Conclusions: The analysis of crude oil samples led to efficient detection of different constituents in these samples. Using LIBS technique in the oil industry can make a real addition because of its countless benefits, (e.g. real time, precision, sensitivity, selectivity and high speed).