Evaluation of calibration transfer methods using the ATR-FTIR technique to predict density of crude oil

Multivariate calibration combined with infrared technique is an alternative to traditional methods of determination of physicochemical parameters in crude oil. However, a multivariate model can only be applied for the instrument in which the spectra were measured. In case of equipment upkeep or change of instrument, transferring the calibration model is necessary for the new instrumental condition or new instrument. In this study, Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) were measured in the mid-infrared region (MIR) in two different instruments for 96 crude oil samples with API gravity ranging from 11.2 to 54.0. Multivariate calibration models by PLS (Partial Least Squares) and OPLS (Orthogonal Projections to Latent Structures) were developed and forefront techniques in the calibration transfer area were tested, namely SBC (Slope and Bias Correction), DS (Direct Standardization) and PDS (Piecewise Direct Standardization). The OPLS method stands out for not requiring transfer samples, although it compromises the accuracy of prediction. Applying spectra transferred by PDS to the OPLS model resulted in accuracy statistically equal to that of the PLS original model.