Qa3

Analytical Services & On-site Chemistry

Qa3 Limited is an independent company providing quality analytical solutions, training and method development to all sectors and specialise in the delivery of technical advice, consultancy services and on site chemical analysis to the oil and gas industry, both onshore and offshore, in the UK and throughout the World.

Qa3 have become recognised global experts in the determination of mercury in produced hydrocarbon fluids and have extensive experience in conducting cross plant mercury surveys and in monitoring of mercury removal bed performance.

Qa3 have developed a portable at–line analyser capable of determining oxygen in hydrocarbon gas down to low ppm levels (1 ppm LOQ) which complies with ASTM D7607-11 and to our knowledge Qa3 are the only company able to offer this service on site both onshore and offshore.

Qa3 currently offer on site determination of sulphur species including hydrogen sulphide, mercaptans and carbonyl sulphide in gases and liquids.

Qa3 perform Radon activity determinations on site. Whilst the quantification of radon activity provides an indication of potential NORM levels within the system, in order to draw firm conclusions, analysis is usually carried out in conjunction with sampling of liquids for subsequent NORM determination.

If gas (containing moisture) is cooled, water will condense in the form of liquid or ice if cooled sufficiently. Under pressure, water may also form solid hydrates. In addition, water combines with gases such as H2S and CO2 to form corrosive acids. Qa3 determine the moisture content of gas on site.

Qa3 are internationally recognised experts in the provision of on-site analytical services with particular focus on trace component analysis of non-combustible, non-hydrocarbon constituents including, but not limited to;

Sulphur compounds (hydrogen sulphide, mercaptans, carbonyl sulphide etc.)
Non-combustible gases (nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium, argon etc.)
Mercury
Other heavy metals
Radionuclides
Moisture (in gas phase)
Formation water
Chemical compounds arising from chemical injection (methanol, glycol, scale inhibitors etc).

Mercury analytical applications include, but are not limited to;

Mercury in produced fluids during well testing
Mercury in gases and produced liquids at offshore installations
Mercury mass balance across gas and oil processing plants
Mercury Removal Unit (MRU) bed performance
Atmospheric monitoring during plant shutdowns
Facility assessment survey for desorption and decontamination applications