Intertek labs test crude oils and other petroleum products for mercury (Hg), providing Hg tracing back to the wellhead to identify any crude oil and condensate production streams contributing mercury contamination. Intertek has the analytical expertise and laboratory network to provide accurate and reliable mercury analysis for E&P production.

See a typical mercury project testing and monitoring schematic below.

Understanding mercury levels and the functional form of mercury in petroleum production and processing can help with structural design requirements, HSE planning and mitigation strategies. Mercury testing helps clients understand mercury content in petroleum production streams and functional mercury speciation mass balance.

Trace amounts of mercury in crude oil affect quality, price and can cause processing issues. Mercury exists in crude oil in several chemical forms. The presence of trace level mercury in crude oil presents a challenge to petroleum field gathering and the storing of crude oil, and the processing of crudes in refineries.

Mercury Detection in Refined Products and Condensates:

Crude oil streams in certain regions of the world contain high levels of mercury. Mercury levels can be tested and detected in various hydrocarbon products and streams by Intertek laboratories. Intertek helps clients monitor mercury levels down to trace levels in petroleum feedstocks, petroleum refined products, LPG, LNG, natural gas, and cracked naphtha.

Mercury Species in Crude Oil:

The operational speciation of mercury types performed at Intertek assists engineers designing mercury mitigation techniques, including mercury guard beds (MGB). The knowledge of specific forms of mercury in a hydrocarbon or waste water systems directly impacts the design for its removal. Mercury forms of particular interest are elemental, mono and dialkyl mercury, ionic and particulate mercury. The selection of sampling techniques, sample containers, and analytical equipment for a particular program will depend on your particular project objectives. Intertek is pleased to consult with you to establish a mobilization plan that will optimize asset utilization and will satisfy mutually agreed performance criteria.