Published 12.02.

2014

PT.Clora.14.001

Abstract
Since its launch in 2007, the Clora Benchtop Analyzer has been widely accepted for testing chlorine
in the petroleum industry. With nearly 200 systems in the field, XOS customers know they can trust
the Clora for testing products from crude oil to naphtha cuts and VGO. The newest addition to the XOS
line of chlorine analyzers is the Clora 2XP, designed for lower, sub-ppm detection limits as well as
precision across the dynamic range
range.
Applying the most recent technical advances in XOS doubly curved crystal (DCC) x-ray optics,
the Clora 2XP provides enhanced detection down to 0.07 ppm in hydrocarbon-based samples. This
allows the ability to quantify at roughly 0.25 ppm for total chlorine. The lower limit of detection enables
the user to better understand and manage the most demanding samples, including desalted crude and
aromatics.

Process Control
In the refining world
world, understanding chloride levels can directly impact the bottom line through a reduction in downtime and
increased process control.
If the desalter is inefficient, the chance of corrosion shutdowns will increase. If chlorides get past the desalter, it becomes
more difficult to determine/control where problems may occur further downstream in the process. While chloride levels may
become much lower downstream, the negative impact on the process can remain substantial.
Traditional technology does allow for sub-ppm measurements in petroleum products, but the sample preparation and analysis
can be tedious and time consuming. Recent advances in MWDXRF technology allow for quick, quantitative measurements at
0 5 ppm and
0.5
db
below
l
iin products
d t ranging
i ffrom crude
d oilil tto fifinished
i h d products
d t such
h as gasoline
li and
d aromatic
ti petrochemicals.
t h i l

Methodology
XOS performed testing on three sample types using a standard Clora 2XP Analyzer. The three sample types were:
Gasoline sample taken from the pump at a local station
LMH VGO sample from a North American refiner
A 0.3 ppm chlorine in mineral oil check sample used for typical validation testing
The samples were pipetted into typical XRF sample cups and analyzed for either 300 or 600 seconds (s)
(s). The standard
deviation and average was then calculated based on the results of the sample runs, shown below in Table 1.
Table 1: Clora 2XP Test Results

Total
Chlorine in
Gasoline
from the
Pump
(600s)

0.29
0.31
0.30
0.33
0.36
0.40
0.36
0.32
0.32
0.31

Total
Chlorine in
LMH
Vacuum
Gas Oil
(300s)

1.41
1.42
1.44
1.36
1.43
1.35
1.44
1.47
1.39
1.46

Total
Chlorine in
0.3 ppm
Mineral Oil
Standard
(300s)

0.30
0.33
0.31
0.31
0.30
0.27
0.23
0.34
0.32
0.34

Standard
deviation

0.032

Standard
deviation

0.040

Standard
deviation

0.035

Average

0.327

Average

1.417

Average

0.305

All values in ppm.

Conclusion
The advanced optics of the Clora 2XP
enhance the precision at and below 1
ppm. This simple yet sophisticated MWD
XRF technique can be applied wherever
refiners, test labs, and other
petrochemical customers require the
ability to better quantify their products at
sub-ppm levels. The Clora is robust and
can be used easily in industrial settings
without traditional requirements such as
combustion gasses, chemicals, or
detailed sample preparation.
For additional information or a
demonstration of the Clora 2XP,
please contact us at info@xos.com.

15 Tech Valley Drive East Greenbush, New York 12061, USA 518.880.1500 www.xos.com
XOS (2014)