Hydrogen monitor improves refinery isomerisation efficiency

Paul Boughton

The HY-OPTIMA 2700 is the latest development in the H2scan advanced range of accurate hydrogen leak detection and process gas monitoring analysers, which have recently been included in the Honeywell UOP Schedule A list.

Designed primarily for hazardous environments in the oil and gas, hydrogen production and chemical industries, the HY-OPTIMA 2700 is available as a standalone instrument or as part of a complete, integrated process monitoring system providing a wide measurement range from low concentrations (0.5 per cent) up to 100 per cent.  

The solid-state sensor does not incorporate any consumables or moving parts and provides a 10 year expected lifespan.  Mounted in an explosion-proof housing, there is no requirement for additional protection, and up to one year of data logging capacity is included.[Page Break]

At the California refinery, the analyser provides crucial information on the partial pressure of hydrogen across the catalyst. If the partial pressure were to drop below 125 psi, rapid coking of the isomerisation catalyst would occur. This makes the H2scan analyser a vital tool for confirming the condition of the catalyst and detecting any potential problems, ensuring the proper operation of the isomerisation reactors.

Explaining the advantages of being able to monitor in-process hydrogen continuously, the refinery supervisor of maintenance and instrumentation, said: “Our first H2scan sensor has been in service for four months. It has added significant efficiency to the process and is helping to extend catalyst life, which enables longer runs between regenerations or change-out.  The analyser offers a much simpler installation, better functionality and significantly less maintenance in comparison with the thermal conductivity analyser which was used previously. We are extremely happy with the performance of the HY-OPTIMA 2700 and are actively looking for further opportunities to exploit the advantages of this technology.”

For more information, visit www.quantitech.co.uk

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