--> Abstract: Petroleum Hydrocarbon Fingerprinting Quantitative Interpretation: Development And Case Study For Use In Environmental Forensic Investigations, by J. W. Wigger, D. D. Beckmann, P. E. Dee, B. E. Torkelson, and A. X. Narang; #90928 (1999).

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WIGGER, JOHN W.1, DENNIS D. BECKMANN2, P. E. DEE2, BRUCE E. TORKELSON3, and ATUL X. NARANG4
1P. E. Environmental Liability Management, Inc., Tulsa, OK
2Amoco Corporation, Tulsa, OK
3Torkelson Geochemistry, Inc., Tulsa, OK
4Amoco Corporation, Naperville, IL

Abstract: Petroleum Hydrocarbon Fingerprinting Quantitative Interpretation: Development and Case Study for Use in Environmental Forensic Investigations

Hydrocarbon Characterization (fingerprinting) is a technique that uses gas chromatograms to identify petroleum hydrocarbons as to type of product based on boiling range and other definitive characteristics. Identifying and comparing samples is not straightforward: the composition of a single product type can vary, the composition of samples can change after release into the environment (weathering), and multiple releases can form complex mixtures. Hydrocarbon characterization is typically done by visual examination and comparison of chromatograms, and the outcome is dependent on the expertise and experience of the interpreter(s).

This paper reports on work to establish a more quantitative and less subjective process. First, a database was created of over 60 known hydrocarbon samples representing streams such as gasoline, kerosene, naphtha, reformate, jet fuel, diesel, fuel oil, hydraulic oil, lubricating oil, crude oil and other refinery intermediates. Second, a statistical correlation algorithm has been developed to evaluate and compare chromatography characteristic numerically. The techniques were used effectively in a case study involving an investigation of released hydrocarbon products at a refinery process unit. The techniques were instrumental in helping differentiate multiple sources and characterize the subsurface extent of the hydrocarbons.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90928©1999 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas