Libyan Petroleum Institute

ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT

Environmental Department is one of the technical departments which provide analysis and assessment of environmental impacts related to oil production and industrial operations, In addition to the evaluation and characterization of contaminated areas to develop a clear picture which helps to choose proper remediation technology.

The Environmental Department Laboratories (EL) provide analytical support and services, advice and research to NOC petroleum companies and to many private and government agencies, and because of the expansion of research activities at LPI and the recognition of new challenges in a variety of national environmental problems, advanced analytical technologies have been introduced. 

With these sophisticated analytical facilities and a team of expert researchers, specialists and technicians, the Environmental Department plays a significant role in dealing with various environmental issues.

In order to provide an accurate analytical data for our clients, EL's analytical services are controlled through a quality control and quality assurance, and all analytical methodologies and analysis systems are regularly checked to accuracy, precision and reproducibility by analysis of certified reference standards.

Moreover, a mobile laboratory introduced as a part of the continuous development (improvement) to provide most of the necessary analysis through field visits, such as water, soil and air quality monitoring

The main activities of the Environmental Department are:

• Conduct studies and research related to environment issues. 
• To carry out and preview pollutants from industrial activities and control of oil and work on finding procedures and techniques necessary to deal with it.
• Laboratory support and provide technical and scientific consulting the parties to the national oil industry. 

ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT CONSISTS OF TWO MAIN SECTIONS:

1) ENVIRONMENT ANALYTICAL SECTION

Gas Chromatograph Laboratory: 

 Gas chromatography instruments were totally renewed in 2004, the lab has 13 chromatography instruments serving many test method applications for different type of samples that include but not limited to:          

• Natural gas analysis according to ASTM D 1945.
• Hydrocarbon distribution.
• Determining oxygenates in according to ASTM D 4815.
• Boiling range distribution of petroleum fractions ASTM D 2887.
• Detailed hydrocarbon analysis by ASTM D 5134.

Water Laboratory: 

 The water laboratory receive various water samples such as drinking water, well water, sea water, water associated with crude oil, processed water, sewage and industrial, chemically treated water for different chemical analysis such: 

• Measuring the amount and distribution of particle sizes in different fluids by laser technology.
• Physical analysis (pH, type, color, etc.)
• Full chemical analysis such as Major ions (Na,Ca,Mg,K,Cl,SO4)
• Chemical oxygen demand (COD)
• Biological oxygen demand (BOD)

Analytical Laboratory: 

 Analytical laboratory receives different samples for identification and determination of: 

• Complete analysis of Bentonite, Cement, Clay, Limestone and Soil.
• Determination of Sodium and Potassium in Water, soil samples.
• Determination of )Phosphate ,Nitrate , Nitrite, sulphate, Phenol, etc)
• Determination of TOC in water and soil.
• Scale products analysis
• Water compatibility studies
• Detergents analysis

2 ) Environment Monitoring & Remediation Section 

 This section monitors pollution by conducting tests on all types of pollutants, whether in the soil, water or air, as the proposed techniques to overcome the problems of pollution issues in addition to conducting research and environmental studies, such as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), in addition to mobile laboratory, division has the following laboratories: Pollution Monitoring Laboratory Pollution Remediation Laboratory 

 The main activities of his section which consists of the pollution monitoring laboratory and Pollution Treatment Technologies Laboratory are:

• Conducting environmental monitoring and measurement of pollutants (soil - water - air).
• Follow-up physical, chemical and biological changes that occur on contaminants in soil and water.
• Monitoring the spread of various air pollutants caused by oil industries and power stations to ensure acceptable air quality.
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the existing and proposed oil projects.
• Tracking the contamination resulting from oil spills & leaks from pipes, tanks and fuel stations.

• Study the environmental impacts of produced water on groundwater.
• Monitoring of oil pollution in the sea and land through periodic surveillance.
• Assessment and monitoring of liquid and solid waste resulting from crude oil processing.
•  Evaluating and selecting treatment techniques used for treatment of groundwater contamination.
•  Provide laboratories analysis and technical consultations and environmental studies for oil producing companies.