Application of SMART series analyzer in Refinery Catalysis
Continuous catalytic reformers (CCR) in refineries need to regenerate catalysts with 100% pure nitrogen, and the presence of hydrogen or hydrocarbons in the nitrogen gas needs to be monitored and regulated. Typically the nitrogen will contain up to 1% hydrogen or up to 15% organic gas mixture, which typically consists of 10.5% propane (C3H8) and 4.5% butane (C4H10). At this point there will be 2 curves, 1 curve for up to 15% organic gas mixture and 1 curve for up to 1% hydrogen (H2). A special linearization of the 2 curves is carried out to set the pure nitrogen midpoint to 50% of the instrument range (12 mA), the full range 100% (20 mA) for nitrogen N2 with 1% hydrogen, and the zero point 0% (4 mA) for 15% organic gas mixture, to achieve SMART-TCD (thermal conductivity) for monitoring and measuring of catalytic processes.