Ethylene Oxide

Process Mass Spectrometry for Ethylene Oxide

To maximize the production of Ethylene Oxide (EO), producers use our EXTREL™ MAX300-RTG™ 2.0 Industrial Process Mass Spectrometer to calculate and control several parameters within the process. Accuracy, stability and very quick measurements are crucial to meet and even exceed EO Licensor requirements.

Most Common Products derived from Ethylene Oxide

Ethanolamines: used to manufacture detergents, and purify natural gas
Ethoxylates: used to manufacture detergents, dispersants, surfactants, and emulsifiers
Ethylene glycols: used to produce antifreeze, coolants, polyester, and PET
Glycol ethers: used to produce brake fluids, hydraulic fluids, detergents, paints, lacquers, and solvents

The process is typically challenging. Process control must ensure the catalyst maintains its activity for as long as possible. This is also very costly and time consuming. A typical analysis involves up to eight components at percent level and an option for the chlorinated hydrocarbons at low PPM levels. All of these analyses are performed by our MAX300-RTG Industrial Process Mass Spectrometer in a matter of seconds and provides a complete stream analysis. The system provides a typical analysis time at 400 milliseconds per compound. The total analysis cycle, including sample switching time, is less than 10 seconds per stream. Analysis of one inlet stream, three reactor outlet streams and the CO₂ absorption column overhead are accomplished in less than one minute.

Accurately measure the components in the reactor inlet stream (feed plus recycle) and multiple reactor outlet streams
Quickly analyze inlet and outlet streams in order to calculate oxygen and carbon balances, ethylene conversion and efficiency
Provide data to maintain catalyst activity and prevent bed overheating