After a year of introduction and successful deployments, Turner Designs Hydrocarbon Instruments’ new “no-solvent method” for oil-in-water analysis with the TD-500D handheld oil-in-water analyzer has been declared a success. The no-solvent oil-in-water analysis method is now out selling solvent extraction two to one.

“We are now selling twice as many no-solvent kits as we do the traditional solvent extraction kits,” says Duane Germenis, VP of upstream sales and marketing.

The huge benefits to the end user are, firstly, much higher sampling and measurement consistency between operators than with traditional solvent extraction methods.

Using the proprietary oil solublizing surfactant means the operators do not have to make precision or consistent liquid measurements in the field. They simply fill the sample bottle to about 100ml without regard to accuracy. The oil is solublized without regard to specific volumes.

Secondly, the use of the no-solvent method reduces the operator exposure to chemicals and the problems of disposal. The Turner surfactant is easily flown anywhere in the world without hazard.

Our stocking distributor, Environmental Enterprises, in Slidell, LA, has contributed greatly to the success in the Gulf of Mexico, and our international dealers deployed the method successfully in over 30 countries in 2009. Their ready local inventory makes it an easy decision for customers to try. Safety, stewardship to the environment, and unprecedented repeatability are the signatures of this success.

Turner Designs Hydrocarbon Instruments manufactures both continuous online oil-in-water monitors and analyzers along with the world famous TD-500D handheld oil-in-water monitor.