defr Glossar

Oil trace measurement

The most widespread application of the SIGRIST fluorescence instrument is the detection of traces of hydrocarbons in water.

In the laboratory, the hydrocarbons are extracted with a solvent (e.g. pentane or hexane) and determination is carried out by infrared absorption measurement, gas chromatography or gravimetrically. This sample preparation (mixing, separation, drying) is challenging and excludes continuous measurement. A simple substitute solution now in use is the measurement of turbidity. Although it does detect tiny suspended oil droplets, it also reacts to other turbidity substances and fails to detect dissolved hydrocarbons.

For these reasons, the measurement of fluorescence has been adopted as direct detection method. It picks up the fluorescing substances regardless of their form (dissolved, emulsified, etc.) specifically and without requiring the use of reagents.

The most important industrial applications are:

  • oil extraction. The extracted crude oil is mixed with water, which has to be separated from the oil and then cleaned before being discharged to the environment. The tolerable residual oil content of the water is monitored by means of fluorescence measurement.

  • oil tankers. Because the ballast water is badly contaminated with oil, it has to be treated either on board or ashore before being returned to the sea. Here too, continuous fluorescence instruments check the water's residual oil content of 15 ppm. The corresponding SIGRIST process photometer is explosion-proof and certified in accordance with the IMO regulations.

  • heat exchangers. In production processes in the petrochemical industry, large numbers of heat exchangers are used for heating and cooling with steam or water. Leaks in these exchangers cause contamination of the water or condensate, which can have costly and dangerous consequences.

  • wastewater. Industrial wastewater effluents must not be polluted with hydrocarbons. Fluorescence instruments monitor the officially prescribed limits continuously.

  • drinking water. Spring water and surface water used for drinking water supplies can be contaminated with hydrocarbons as a result of accidents or leaks in fuel oil tanks. Continuous oil trace detection ensures clean drinking water.
Index

Contact distribution partner

{{selectedCountry.Name}} {{country.Name}}

Please select your businessarea

{{ba.Name}}

Please select

{{area.Name}}

Please select your businessarea

{{ba.Name}}
{{selectedCountry.Name}} {{country.Name}}
{{vm.getBusinessAreaStringByVendor(vendor)}} {{area.Name}}
{{vm.getBusinessAreaStringByVendor(vendor)}}
René Gehri
Water, Beverages & Food, Industrial Processes
Florian Bodmer
Ihr Businesspartner für Getränke & Lebensmittel:
Für Wasser, Industrielle Prozesse, Verkehr & Umwelt kontaktieren Sie unseren Hauptsitz.

Your distribution partner for beverages & food:
For water, industrial processes, traffic & environment please contact our headquarters

Ihr Businesspartner für Getränke & Lebensmittel:
Für Wasser, Industrielle Prozesse, Verkehr & Umwelt kontaktieren Sie unseren Hauptsitz.

Your distribution partner for beverages & food:
For water, industrial processes, traffic & environment please contact our headquarters

Contact headquarters

Felix Joller
Sales Manager ScrubberGuard
Öffnungszeiten:
Montag–Freitag 08:00–12:00 und 13:30–17:00
Feiertage & Betriebsferien:
Seppitag: 19. März 2024, Ostern: 29. März – 01. April 2024, Auffahrt: 09. Mai 2024, Pfingstmontag: 20. Mai 2024, Fronleichnam: 30. Mai 2024, Bundesfeiertag: 01. August 2024, Maria Himmelfahrt: 15. August 2024, Allerheiligen: 01. November 2024, Maria Empfängnis: 08. Dezember 2024, Betriebsferien: 24. Dezember 2024 – 02. Januar 2025
Opening hours:
Monday–Friday 08:00am–12:00pm und 1:30pm–5:00pm
Public & company holidays:
St Joseph's Day: 19. March 2024, Easter: 29. March – 01. April 2024, Ascension Day: 09. May 2024, Whit Monday: 20. May 2024, Corpus Christi: 30. May 2024, Federal Holiday: 01. August 2024, Assumption Day: 15. August 2024, All Saints Day: 01. November 2024, Conception of Mary: 08. December 2024, Company holidays: 24. December 2024 – 02. January 2025