Have you ever wondered what encompasses oil and gas field sampling and analysis? Most of us probably imagine a group of scientists in white lab coats, looking through their microscopes in bright laboratories. Although it might look something like that, the oil and gas process is a lot more complex.

What is Sampling & Analysis?

Sampling and analysis is the process of taking small “grabs” of oil and gas field samples and performing a variety of tests to confirm whether the product is high quality and that they comply with the government regulations such as the analysis procedure, and what the resulting compositions are to be recorded. Accurately sampling natural gas, crude oil, and condensates on-site for laboratory analysis is crucial to generating quality data.

The results from these tests will determine the state of your equipment and your overall operation, as well as allow you to troubleshoot and prevent future errors. This process must be done by thoroughly trained industry professionals to avoid re-sampling and inaccurate results. It’s crucial to ensure the best representative sample is collected in the field and safely delivered to the laboratory. Inaccuracy can result in major revenue losses and production issues.

Oil & Gas Sampling Methods

Oil or Gas sampling methods may include tank, pipeline, tap, dipper, tube, boring and grab sampling, addressing locations and associated hazards as well as safety and environmental compliance and concerns.

Some routine sampling and analysis tests can include:

• Compositional gas
• Liquid hydrocarbon
• Crude oil
• Produced water
• Trace Sulphur
• Trade H2S

When are Sampling and Analysis services required?

In order to comply with The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), companies must follow the specific rules set out for oil, gas, and related hydrocarbon sampling and analysis.

Each governing body has different sampling requirements and frequencies. Below are Alberta’s Sampling frequencies defined as follows:

Initial

An analysis is required within the first six months of operation only, with no subsequent updates required.

Monthly

An Analysis is required at least once per calendar month.

Quarterly

An Analysis is required at least once per calendar quarter.

Semi-annually

An Analysis is required at least once every two calendar quarters.

Annually

An Analysis required at least once every four calendar quarters.

Biennially

An Analysis required at least once every eight calendar quarter.

Calendar quarters

January to March, April to June, July to September, and October to December.

Sampling & Analysis Services by Intricate

It is important to keep track of scheduled frequencies to ensure you remain compliant and your company needs are met.  Intricate provides sampling and analysis services that can be scheduled and customized to meet your needs. Completed by certified and highly trained industry professionals, we ensure each sample is representative and accurate, reducing your costs.

Sampling and Analysis is a crucial factor in the energy sector for keeping companies compliant, and accurate so that any oil and gas operation runs smoothly and safely.

Contact us at sales@intricategroup.com or 1-587-760-1616.

Interested in more? Check out our blog “Why Turnarounds are so Valuable”