Increased Revenue by On-line Spectrometric Process Analysers in Crude Distillation

The challenge of each refinery is to increase its yield of high value distillates. Optimisation of process conditions, especially upon crude switching, can only be achieved by comprehensive and adequate real time monitoring of physical properties of the crude oil and its resulting distillates.

Modcon’s (Israel) spectrometry based multi-property process analysers provide an effective tool to achieve full control of the crude distillation unit.

The BEACON-3000, a NIR based process analyser, is located in the central control room. The analyser is connected by optical fibers to its field units, up to 3 km away. Instantaneously, eight process streams are analysed.

NIR technology is applicable to transparent distillates only, and is affected by crude switching.

The MOD-8000, NMR based process analyser is applicable to any refinery stream, transparent, dense and opaque alike. Determination and quantification of substances, present in crude oils and distillates, enables accurate assessment of physical properties of the process streams, without being influenced by crude switching.

Integration of NIR and NMR process analysers is inevitable for optimised operation of the crude distillation unit, to produce high value distillates. The result is a definite increase of its revenue.