NAME: FONTAR PRIESLY FONYUKA

MAT: Uba19E0137

TOPIC: A REPORT ON PRACTICAL WORK CARRIED OUT AT PAC-

LAB LIMBE
 TABLE OF CONTENT

1 : INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 3
2 ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT .......................................................................................... 4
2.1 DAY 1 .......................................................................................................................... 4
2.1.1 Presentation of departments ................................................................................. 4
2.2 DAY 2 .......................................................................................................................... 5
2.2.1 Glassware ............................................................................................................. 5
2.2.2 Precautions when usisng glass ware .................................................................... 5
2.3 DAY 3 .......................................................................................................................... 7
2.3.1 ASTM D1298....................................................................................................... 7
2.3.2 ASTM D445......................................................................................................... 8
2.3.3 ASTM D86........................................................................................................... 9
2.4 Day 4 ......................................................................................................................... 11
2.4.1 Apparatus ........................................................................................................... 11
2.4.2 Procedure ........................................................................................................... 11
2.4.3 Results ................................................................................................................ 12
2.4.4 Precaution .......................................................................................................... 12
2.4.5 Importance of this test ........................................................................................ 12
A REPORT ON PRACTICAL WORK CARRIED OUT AT PAC-LAB
LIMBE

1 : INTRODUCTION
PAC-LAB Higher Institute of Technology and Management Sciences (PAC-LAB HITMS) is a
private registered Higher Institution of learning located in Mile 4, about a 12-minute drive from
the cosmopolitan city center, Limbe, Cameroon. It was founded in 2003 by the Petroleum
Analysis and Control Laboratory (PAC-LAB), a leading provider of analytical and testing
services to the oil and gas industry in Cameroon.

The laboratory is divided in to the petroleum laboratory, the water and food laboratory,
microbiology laboratory and the workshop/environmental laboratory

This laboratory report describes a four-day practical carried out in PAC-LAB Limbe. The
purpose of this practical is to fulfill course requirements and also to gain hands on industry
experience and skills.

The practical is divided into four parts:

* Day 1: Introduction, PAC-LAB internal rules and regulations, safety, quality hygiene, safety
and environmental protection laboratory health and safety presentation, presentation and view
of Lab equipment, glassware

* Day 2: hardware, cylinder, vacuum pumps and fire extinguishers, preparation of standard
solutions

* Day 3: briefing and analysis on density of crude oil and gasoil (ASTM D1298), atmospheric
distillation of gasoil (ASTM D86), Kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445)

* Day 4: group work on waste water analysis, general discussions and reports
2 ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT
2.1 DAY 1
On day 1 following the provided program, we had the internal rules and regulations of the lab
handed to us which include discipline, punctuality and proper dressing.the laboratory takes
safety and environmental protection seriously this is seen as there is a strict policy on wearing
protective wears for each procedure and making sure that waste from tasseled samples is
properly discarded.

For personal safety, ensuring good housekeeping, no eating in the laboratory, wearing proper
PPE and no eating in the laboratory was implemented.

During this presentation on the health safety and environment, several safety signs including
poisonous chemical, flammable etc. were presented and explained.

2.1.1 Presentation of departments

Maintenance and environmental laboratory: here, we have maintenance and repair works
done on faulty equipment and we also have gas monitoring equipment in the environmental lab
which detect the types of gases present in air.

Water and food analysis lab: here, most analysis is done to determine the quality of water and
food if it’s fit for consumption,

Petroleum laboratory: here analysis such as the Karl filcher water content analysis is carried
out, we have some other analysis such as the viscosity, density and distillation test carried out
and several more carried out.

Microbiology lab: here culturing is done and some other test carried out too.
2.2 DAY 2
2.2.1 Glassware
we use glass ware because they are easy to clean, transparent, can act as storage

There are many different types of glassware used in laboratories, each with its own specific
purpose. Some of the most common types of glassware include:

Beakers: Beakers are cylindrical containers with a flat bottom and a spout. They are used to
mix, heat, and store liquids.

Flasks: Flasks are narrow-necked containers with a flat bottom. They are used to heat liquids,
store reagents, and carry out chemical reactions.

Test tubes: Test tubes are long, cylindrical tubes with a rounded bottom. They are used to mix,
heat, and store small amounts of liquids.

Graduated cylinders: Graduated cylinders are tall, cylindrical containers with markings along
the side to indicate volume. They are used to measure liquids accurately.

Volumetric flasks: Volumetric flasks are pear-shaped containers with a long, narrow neck.
They are used to prepare solutions of a precise volume.

Pipettes: Pipettes are long, narrow tubes with a tip and a bulb. They are used to measure and
transfer small volumes of liquids accurately.

Burettes: Burettes are similar to pipettes, but they have a stopcock at the bottom to control the
flow of liquid. They are used to dispense precise volumes of liquid for titrations.

Other types of glassware used in laboratories include condensers, desiccators, evaporating

dishes, funnels, petri dishes, and stirring rods.

2.2.2 Precautions when usisng glass ware

 Inspect glassware before use. Look for cracks, chips, and other damage. Do not use
damaged glassware, as it may break during use and cause injury.
 Handle glassware with care. Avoid bumping or dropping glassware. Use both hands to carry
heavy or awkward pieces of glassware.
 Use heat-resistant glassware for heating. Not all glassware is designed to be heated. Using
non-heat-resistant glassware for heating can cause it to break, releasing hot liquids and
gases.
 Heat glassware gradually. Avoid heating glassware too quickly, as this can cause it to crack
or break.
 Use a wire gauze or sand bath when heating glassware directly over a flame. This will help
to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the glassware from overheating.
 Do not overfill glassware. Leave enough space at the top of the glassware to allow for
expansion of the liquid when it is heated.
 Wear safety glasses when using glassware. This will protect your eyes from flying glass in
case of breakage.

In addition to glassware, there are a number of other pieces of equipment that are commonly
used in laboratories. Some of the most common types of laboratory equipment include:

 Grinders: Grinders are used to grind solids into smaller particles. They are commonly used
in analytical chemistry to prepare samples for analysis.
 Mixers: Mixers are used to mix liquids and solids together. They are commonly used in
biology and chemistry to prepare solutions and to mix reagents.
 Burners: Burners are used to heat liquids and solids. They are commonly used in chemistry
to heat test tubes and beakers, and in biology to sterilize equipment.
 Pumps: Pumps are used to transfer liquids and gases from one place to another. They are
commonly used in chemistry to transfer liquids between different pieces of equipment, and
in biology to pump air into aquariums and incubators.
2.3 DAY 3
2.3.1 ASTM D1298
ASTM D1298 is a standard test method for determining the density, relative density, or API
gravity of crude petroleum and liquid petroleum products by hydrometer method.
Density is defined as the mass per unit volume at a specific temperature. Density is somewhat
related to viscosity but are differentiated in that density delas with the weight and viscosity
deals with the shape of the molecules

2.3.1.1 Apparatus
The following apparatus is required to perform the ASTM D1298 test:

 Hydrometer
 Hydrometer cylinder
 Thermometer or digital contact thermometer
 Constant-temperature bath (optional)

2.3.1.2 Procedure
 Select a hydrometer with a range that is appropriate for the density of the sample liquid.
 Clean and dry the hydrometer and hydrometer cylinder.
 Fill the hydrometer cylinder with the sample liquid.
 If the sample liquid is not at the desired temperature, place the hydrometer cylinder in
the constant-temperature bath and allow it to equilibrate.
 Carefully lower the hydrometer into the sample liquid.
 Spin the hydrometer gently to remove any air bubbles from the stem.
 Allow the hydrometer to settle for at least 30 seconds.
 Read the hydrometer scale at the point where the liquid surface intersects the scale.
 If the sample liquid is opaque, estimate the reading by taking the average of the upper
and lower menisci.
 Correct the hydrometer reading for temperature using the hydrometer calibration table.

Calculation of Density, Relative Density, and API Gravity

2.3.1.3 Data
Diesel

Temperature:28.4 degrees

Precise hydrometer: 848kg/m3

Research hydrometer: 850kg/m3

Crude oil

Temperature:30.2 degrees

Precise hydrometer: 868kg/m3

Research hydrometer: 872kg/m3

Corrected values

2.3.1.4 Safety Precautions

 Wear safety glasses when handling the sample liquid and the hydrometer.
 Use caution when working with hot liquids.
 Be careful not to overfill the hydrometer cylinder.
 Dispose of the sample liquid properly.

2.3.1.5 Conclusion
ASTM D1298 is a simple and accurate method for determining the density, relative density, or
API gravity of crude petroleum and liquid petroleum products. By following the procedure
outlined in this work manual, you can obtain reliable results.

2.3.2 ASTM D445

ASTM D445 is a standard test method for determining the kinematic viscosity of transparent
and opaque liquids (and the calculation of dynamic viscosity). Kinematic viscosity is a measure
of a fluid's resistance to flow under gravity. It is an important property of many fluids, including
petroleum products, lubricants, and hydraulic fluids.

2.3.2.1 Apparatus
The following apparatus is required to perform the ASTM D445 test:

 Calibrated glass capillary viscometer

 Constant-temperature bath
 Thermometer or digital contact thermometer
 Timer
 Stopcock lubricant

2.3.2.2 Procedure
 Clean and dry the viscometer.
 Fill the viscometer with the sample liquid.
  Place the viscometer in the constant-temperature bath and allow it to equilibrate to the
desired temperature.
 Start the timer when the liquid reaches the upper timing mark.
 Measure the time it takes for the liquid to flow from the upper timing mark to the lower
timing mark.
 Repeat steps 3-5 two more times.
 Calculate the kinematic viscosity of the sample using the following equation:

Viscosity = viscometer constant * time taken

2.3.2.3 Safety Precautions

 Wear safety glasses when handling the sample liquid and the viscometer.
 Use caution when working with hot liquids.
 Be careful not to overfill the viscometer.
 Dispose of the sample liquid properly.

Figure 1: Viscometer
2.3.3 ASTM D86
ASTM D86 is a standard test method for determining the distillation characteristics of
petroleum products. The distillation characteristics of a petroleum product provide information
about its composition and volatility. This information is useful for predicting the performance
of the product in various applications.

2.3.3.1 Apparatus
The following apparatus is required to perform the ASTM D86 test:

 Distillation flask 125ml

 Condenser
 Measuring cylinder 100ml
 Thermometer or digital contact thermometer ASTM 7C/8C
 Distillation Apparatus
 Shield
 Timer

2.3.3.2 Procedure
 Clean and dry the distillation flask, condenser, and receiving graduate.
 Charge the distillation flask with a sample of the petroleum product.
 Adjust the heat source so that the distillation proceeds at a rate of 2-5 drops per second.
 Record the temperature at which the first drop of condensate falls into the receiving
graduate (initial boiling point).
 Continue the distillation until the dry point is reached (the temperature at which no
more liquid condenses in the receiving graduate).
 Vary the flow rate by changing the voltage reading on the apparatus. This also increases
the heat.
 Record the distillation temperatures at which 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%,
70%, 80%, and 90% of the sample has distilled

2.3.3.3 . Safety Precautions

 Wear safety glasses when handling the sample liquid and the distillation apparatus.
 Use caution when working with hot liquids.
 Be careful not to overfill the distillation flask.
 Dispose of the sample liquid properly.
Figure 2: Distillation process

2.4 Day 4
Total dissolved solid (TDS) by conductivity method

2.4.1 Apparatus
 Beaker
 Distilled water
 EC/TDS HI99300
 Water sample

2.4.2 Procedure
 Turn off the meter
 Clean the electrode, beaker and probe with distilled water
 Calibrate using HI703 but if the conversion factor is 0.5 there is no need to calibrate
 Turn on by pressing the ON button
 Press the set/hold button till the ppm appears meaning we have the TDS settings
 Insert electrode to the sample in the beaker and allow for some time till the temperatures
normalize while looking to see if the not stable on the lcd will disappear.
  One it does disappear, long press the hold button till HOLD appears on the screen and
then record your readings

2.4.3 Results
TDS= 121ppm

2.4.4 Precaution
 Insert the probe just above the temperature sensor
 Clean the probe properly with distilled water
2.4.5 Importance of this test
The oil and gas sector deals with a lot of produced water and its necessary to know the number
of solids dissolved in water before disposal into the environment.

Figure 3: TDS meter

Figure 4: Photometer

Figure 5:pH meter