Microwave monitoring of water in crude oil mixtures in the K-band. Part 1. Initial investigation

Abstract

Both single and swept frequency microwave measurement systems are suitable for the determination of water in crude oil mixtures. Data for the attenuation caused by up to 22%V/V of water in Forties North Sea crude oil and spindle oil over the range 14–26.5 GHz show that attenuation increases with both frequency and water concentration. Additional measurements at 23.9 GHz for these oils, together with an Abu Dhabi crude (Umm Shaif) and gas oil (DERV) show little sensitivity towards oil type below 5%V/V water.