Applications of Low-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Technology in Petroleum Refining Processes

Abstract

The extreme complexity of petroleum products makes the detection and monitoring of their physicochemical properties a persistent challenge in petroleum refining. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) technology, particularly time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR), is a rapid and non-destructive technique for characterizing fluid states and properties and has become a valuable tool for detecting and monitoring state changes during petroleum refining processes. Because it is simple, cost-effective, and requires minimal sample preparation, LF-NMR is well suited to the determination of composition, content and other key physicochemical parameters when ultra-high resolution analysis is not required. This review summarizes the applications of LF-NMR in petroleum refining processes, including physical property determination, chemical composition analysis, mixture analysis and porous material characterization. Current methodological limitations are also discussed, and future directions are proposed to support safer and high-quality refinery operations.