John Maurer, Valero, convener.

Each week for one year, two samples of “Domestic Sweet” are to be collected at Cushing , OK , and shipped to Ardmore , OK .  There, Valero’s laboratory will perform the testing and absorb the cost.  The analyses to be performed are:

ASTM D5307 High Temp Simulated Distillation 20% point       (ºF)

ASTM D5307 High Temp Simulated Distillation 50% point       (ºF)

ASTM D5307 High Temp Simulated Distillation 1020 ºF+        (volume%)

ASTM D664 Acid Number                                                                  (mg KOH/g)    

ASTM D287 API Gravity                                                                    (ºAPI)

ASTM D2622 (or alternate) Wt% Sulfur                                              (wt %)

Trace Metal Analysis – Nickel (Ni) and Vanadium (V)              (ppm wt%)

The group decided to add MCRT Carbon Residue (ASTM D4530)

Several issues need to be resolved prior to commencing sample collection.

●          Where will samples be collected?  There are a number of pipelines going into and leaving Cushing.  The consensus was that samples should be collected from several pipelines over the course of the study.  Teppco indicated during this meeting that they will check with management for approval, but expect they will be able to supply samples.

●          A sampling protocol needs to be developed adhering to ASTM D4057.  Two 1 L samples should be collected, with one for tests and one for retain.  In this respect, the ASTM tests to be used need to be identified.  Also, it will lend credibility to the results if the Ardmore laboratory participates in the ASTM Crude Oil Interlaboratory Crosscheck Program.

●          How will sample collection and shipping be paid for?  Any company able to provide funding is encouraged to do so.

 

●          Should samples be analyzed on receipt or in monthly batches?  The consensus was that samples should be analyzed on receipt to minimize changes in quality.

●          Once the study is complete, how can Nymex be approached about including additional quality parameters in their specification?  The group recommended that the person from Nymex, who presented to COQA a few years back, be contacted.  Tish or Harry would research the archives to locate the contact person and would either pass the information on to John Maurer or contact them directly.  Subcommittee members commented that it may be interesting for Nymex to present to the COQA again as well

It is planned to begin sample collection and analysis in June 2006.

Meredith Earley of Sunoco indicated she has approximately one year of data on the Cushing “Common Stream” that she can provide to the group in support of its activities.  Others having relevant data they can share are encouraged to submit it to the group, with proprietary or sensitive information removed.  Clifford Mills volunteered to assist in the handling and evaluation of all of the data.

The Subcommittee will next meet in conjunction with the November 2006 COQA meeting.