Crude Assay Tests

Tailored crude oil assay services for feedstock evaluation, refinery optimization, and commercial decisions—delivered by certified labs and global experts.

Intertek Caleb Brett delivers tailored crude oil assay services to support feedstock evaluation, refinery optimization, and commercial decisions. With laboratories strategically located across North America, Europe, MEA, and APAC, and equipped with ASTM, ISO, and IP certification, our specialists use state-of-the-art technology and modeling tools.

Intertek Caleb Brett’s crude oil assay services provide a comprehensive profile of whole crude and boiling-range fractions through both physical and simulated distillation—up to 565 °C. Our assays measure all critical quality parameters, including sulfur, nitrogen, metals, acidity, viscosity, cold properties, and potential contaminants.

We offer advanced molecular insights such as GC-based hydrocarbon speciation, SARA fraction analysis, and trace detection of mercury and other elements. Clients receive customizable reporting formats compatible with leading refinery modeling tools and linear programming systems. For fast decision-making, Caleb Brett’s Rapid Yield Assay delivers near-real-time quality data using ASTM D7900 and D7169 methods, making it ideal for quick turnaround from wellhead to refinery.

Core Assay Methods & Standards

Test Type	Standard	Scope
Atmospheric Distillation	ASTM D2892	Stabilized crude to ~400 °C, true boiling-point distillation
Vacuum Distillation	ASTM D5236	Boiling cuts up to ~565 °C, prevents cracking
Simulated Distillation	ASTM D2887, D7169	Alternative monitoring via GC
API Gravity	D5002, D4052, D287	Density estimations used in NYMEX criteria
Sulfur, Nitrogen, Metals	D4294, D5453, D4629, etc.	Chemical contaminant analysis
Cold Properties	D2386, D2500, D97	Pour point, cloud point, freeze point
Viscosity & Vapor Pressure	D445, D7042, D323, D5191	Flow characteristics and volatility
SARA Fractionation	IP143, IP469	Heavy oil component analysis
TBP Curve	ASTM true boiling point	Yield-based modeling input

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A crude oil assay is a detailed evaluation of crude feedstock using physical and chemical tests—including distillation, viscosity, sulfur content, contaminant levels, molecular profiles—that characterizes quality and refinery suitability.

Standard assays may take days; Intertek Caleb Brett’s Rapid Yield assay delivers near-realtime results, often within 24 hours of sample receipt.

Atmospheric (ASTM D2892) for cuts up to ~400 °C; vacuum (ASTM D5236) extends to ~565 °C; simulated distillation via GC (D2887 or D7169) offers alternatives.

Yes—Intertek offers trace-level analysis of mercury, methanol, chlorides, and other contaminants critical to processing and catalyst performance.

Absolutely—Reports are available in formats directly compatible with linear programming and optimization software tailored to refinery operations.

Yes—Labs adhere to ASTM, ISO, and IP standards with ISO 17025 certification and regional approvals such as UKAS.

SARA profiling evaluates crude’s saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes—especially useful for heavy oils to predict deposition and performance traits.

Crude Oil Assay Endorsement

“Superb support from Intertek allowed crude oil samples to be analyzed and approved in 24 hours while the cargo was still at sea, enabling the crude oil to be optimally utilized by our refineries and enabled the purchase of a second cargo only 4 days later.”

Crude Oil Assay ASTM D2892

Caleb Brett Cargo Inspection & Analytical Assessment Services

Unlock enhanced quality control, minimize losses, and reduce financial risks with our diverse range of services. Explore our offerings further by downloading our informative brochure.

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