BQCIS

Assurance for Processing and Product Quality

Refineries and petrochemical plants convert crude oil and natural gas into high-value fuels, plastics, and industrial feedstocks. Maintaining quality, yield, and catalyst performance is vital for safe, efficient, and profitable operations.

BQCIS laboratories provide a full suite of analytical and certification services for process streams and finished products. We evaluate feedstocks, intermediates, and petrochemical outputs in accordance with ASTM, ISO, and API standards to ensure specification compliance and market readiness.

Our experts perform simulated distillation (SIMDIS), true boiling point (TBP) analysis, octane/cetane rating, and trace contaminant detection—including metals and sulfur—to safeguard catalysts and maximize unit performance across all refining processes.

Core Refining & Petrochemical Testing Activities

Feedstock Evaluation & Product Certification

Testing of crude, naphtha, gas oil, and other streams to determine processing suitability, yield potential, and contaminant risks. Certified laboratories conduct SIMDIS and TBP analysis and verify finished fuel compliance to ASTM/ISO standards (e.g., D86, D975, D4814) for trade and export certification.

Catalyst & Contaminant Performance Testing

Specialized analysis of fresh and equilibrium catalysts for surface area, activity, and contamination. Feedstock and gas stream testing detects poisons (e.g., arsenic, vanadium, nickel, silicon) that could deactivate reforming or cracking catalysts—preserving uptime and conversion efficiency.

Key Benefits of Refining & Petrochemical Testing

Optimization

Optimized Process Efficiency

Accurate distillation and compositional data enhance refinery modeling, improving yields and process economics.

Catalyst Protection

Catalyst Protection

Early detection of contaminant metals and sulfur prevents premature catalyst deactivation and loss of conversion efficiency.

Compliance

Product Quality Compliance

Independent certification ensures that all refined products meet ASTM, ISO, and regional market specifications.

Assurance

Operational Assurance

Reliable laboratory data supports informed decision-making, enabling continuous improvement and regulatory confidence.

Success Story

Feedstock Analysis Prevents Catalyst Poisoning

The Challenge:

A refinery experienced an unexpected decline in platinum catalyst activity in its reformer unit. The suspected cause was trace contamination in incoming naphtha feedstock, threatening multi-million-dollar losses.

Our Solution:

BQCIS performed ultra-trace ICP-MS analysis on retained feed samples, identifying elevated arsenic and silicon levels in one supplier’s batch. Detailed reporting provided defensible proof for supplier quality claims.

The Result:

The refinery immediately isolated and rejected the contaminated batch, replaced the catalyst under warranty, and instituted continuous contaminant monitoring. The intervention prevented further losses and secured long-term feedstock control measures.

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