Hydrocarbon processing 

Spectroscopy is an industry-proven tool for the real-time monitoring of reaction conditions and subsequent grading of finished petrochemical products in a refinery. Both our Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, Ultraviolet and Visible (UV-VIS) wavelength spectroscopy are utilized for inline and at-line measurements.  NIRS or Near-Infrared Process Spectroscopy is the process of transmitting light through a sample, portions of the light are absorbed by various compounds in the sample, with the remaining transmitted light being sent to either a Dispersive Grating spectrometer (DG-NIR) or a Fourier transforms spectrometer for analysis. For practical purposes, the difference between FT-NIR and DG-NIR analyzers only lies in the underlying technology. Both methods produce comparable readings which a technician or area manager can use to make informed decisions. The spectrometer measures the difference between the pure spectrum of the light source and the light which passed through the sample, resulting in an absorbance spectrum. By varying the known concentration of specific chemicals between samples a calibration curve can be generated using chemometrics. 

Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is used to monitor the hydrocarbon composition of various streams in the Petrochemical and Refining Industries. As shown in the above infographic, a sample interface can be installed in each processing stage of a refinery to provide real-time data and actionable information. At each stage of the refinery, NIR spectroscopy is used to monitor specific traits such as the Research Octane Rating, Benzene content, and Butane content.  Near-Infrared Spectroscopy or NIRS has been successfully installed in oil refineries for years. NIR process spectroscopy can be used to detect multiple parameters of interest in only a matter of seconds. The real-time information provided by monitoring the fuel blending process with NIR provides refineries with enormous cost savings.

Finding alternative ways to improve production processes such as ammonia, ethylene and ethylene oxide is of key concern for chemical manufacturers. Leaders in hydrocarbon processing use our Mass Spectrometers for fast, accurate gas analysis.  Our EXTREL™ MAX300-RTG 2.0 Mass Spectrometer real-time flare gas analysis for BTU/Net Heating Value, H2S, total sulfur & full vent gas speciation for EMACT, MONMACT, RSR & Subpart Ja compliance.

• Reports the Net Heating Value (NHV) for high-precision RSR flare control in seconds
• 24-7 automated flare monitoring with >99% demonstrated uptime
• Extreme resistance to high hydrogen sulfide
• No carrier, detector or dilution gases required
• Outdoor install and no shelter required

Our COSA XENTAUR™ ESS™ dew point extractive sampling system is ideal for hydrocarbon processing with its modular design and easy configuration to accommodate almost any measurement requirement for dew point analysis.

FLARE GAS

Quadrupole Mass Spectrometers (QMS) and BTU Wobbe Calorimeters are two types of analytical instruments that can be used to monitor flare gas emissions and ensure compliance with regulations.

QMS instruments measure the mass-to-charge ratio of ions that are generated from the ionization of gas molecules in a vacuum chamber. In the context of flare gas monitoring, QMS instruments can be used to detect and measure the concentration of a variety of gases that may be present in the flare gas stream, including hydrocarbons, sulfur compounds, and nitrogen oxides. QMS instruments provide high sensitivity and selectivity, allowing for accurate measurement of trace amounts of impurities in the flare gas stream.

BTU Wobbe Calorimeters measure the heating value of natural gas, which is defined by its energy content and is typically expressed in British Thermal Units per cubic foot (BTU/ft3). The Wobbe Index is a measure of the interchangeability of fuel gases and is used to ensure that natural gas being supplied to a process meets the required heating value. In the context of flare gas monitoring, BTU Wobbe Calorimeters can be used to measure the heating value of the flare gas stream and ensure that it is within the required range. This is important because flare gas with a low heating value may not be able to sustain the flare flame, while flare gas with a high heating value may produce excessive heat and emissions.

Together, QMS instruments and BTU Wobbe Calorimeters provide a comprehensive approach to monitoring flare gas emissions. The QMS instrument can detect and measure trace impurities in the gas stream, while the BTU Wobbe Calorimeter can measure the heating value of the gas and ensure that it is within the required range. By using these instruments in combination, operators can ensure that the flare is operating safely and efficiently, while also complying with environmental regulations.