Total safety
20 Nov 2006
Totalrefinery in Antwerp installs Rosemount Analytical Oxymitter on catalyst regeneration unit.
Improved safety and reduced maintenance are the headline benefits for Total at its refinery in Antwerp following the installation of a Rosemount Analytical Oxymitter on its catalyst regeneration unit.
The Oxymitter is an in-situ probe with the zirconia-based oxygen sensor located within the probe. Its use has avoided the problems Total had previously with an extractive analyser system where the sample lines tended to become plugged with catalyst fines and hydrochloric acid condensation.
Carbon is deposited on the platinum catalyst as the reformers improve the octane rating of gasoline fractions. Consequently, a portion of the catalyst is continuously extracted and routed to the continuous catalyst regenerator where the carbon is removed by burning in an oxidising atmosphere.
Measurement of oxygen in the regenerator is, therefore, key to controlling safety and the rate of burn-off of the carbon. More platinum catalyst can become fused if the oxygen level and the bed temperature are not maintained within set limits.
The Oxymitter has been both accurate and reliable since its installation some eight months ago and Total will be installing another unit at its 360,000 barrels/day refinery, the second largest in Europe, soon.
The Oxymitter is an in-situ probe with the zirconia-based oxygen sensor located within the probe. Its use has avoided the problems Total had previously with an extractive analyser system where the sample lines tended to become plugged with catalyst fines and hydrochloric acid condensation.
Carbon is deposited on the platinum catalyst as the reformers improve the octane rating of gasoline fractions. Consequently, a portion of the catalyst is continuously extracted and routed to the continuous catalyst regenerator where the carbon is removed by burning in an oxidising atmosphere.
Measurement of oxygen in the regenerator is, therefore, key to controlling safety and the rate of burn-off of the carbon. More platinum catalyst can become fused if the oxygen level and the bed temperature are not maintained within set limits.
The Oxymitter has been both accurate and reliable since its installation some eight months ago and Total will be installing another unit at its 360,000 barrels/day refinery, the second largest in Europe, soon.
