Providing an example of challenging situation you have encountered in your petroleum chemistry studies and how you succeed to resolve
During my petroleum chemistry studies, one challenging situation I encountered was when I was tasked with analyzing a crude oil sample that had an unusually high sulfur content. This was a problem because high levels of sulfur in petroleum products can have negative environmental impacts and can also decrease the effectiveness and efficiency of refining processes.
Initially, I was unsure about the most effective method to accurately measure the sulfur content in this specific crude oil sample. I conducted extensive research and consulted with my professors and industry experts to explore different techniques and approaches.
After careful consideration, I decided to use a combination of advanced spectroscopic techniques, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). XRF provided elemental analysis, including sulfur content, while FTIR helped to identify and quantify different sulfur compounds present in the crude oil.
However, during the analysis, I encountered another hurdle. The high sulfur content resulted in complex spectra with overlapping peaks, making it challenging to accurately determine the sulfur compound composition. To overcome this, I collaborated with my colleagues and sought guidance from experienced researchers in the field.
We employed a deconvolution technique to separate overlapping peaks and reveal the individual sulfur compounds. This allowed us to determine the major sulfur species in the crude oil sample and quantify their concentrations accurately.
As a result of this collaborative effort and perseverance, I was able to successfully resolve the challenge of analyzing the high sulfur content crude oil sample. The findings of my study provided valuable insights into the composition of the sample, which could help in refining processes to minimize the environmental impact and enhance the efficiency of petroleum-based products.
This experience taught me the importance of research, collaboration, and seeking guidance from experts when faced with challenging situations. It also highlighted the significance of being adaptable and open to exploring different approaches to find the most effective solution.