Simultaneous use of neutron transmission and reflection techniques for the classification of crude oil samples

Neutron attenuation and reflection characteristics of three crude mineral oil samples from West Africa were determined using 37 GBq 241Am–Be source in a single set-up and compared with those of paraffin (oil) and benzene, an aromatic compound. Based on the trends of measured data which are similar to those exhibited by paraffin but different from those associated with benzene, the crude oil samples could be classified as paraffinic. The total hydrogen content and weight ratios (O+C)/H and C/H determined for the crude oil samples using the transmission and reflection techniques are not only independent of the technique but are also consistent with literature values of thermal reflection technique.