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TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Services for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries
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Page 1: TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Services for the Refining and ... · PDF fileServices for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 1. The measurement of flow around an oil or chemical process

TRACERCO Diagnostics™Services for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries

Page 2: TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Services for the Refining and ... · PDF fileServices for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 1. The measurement of flow around an oil or chemical process

It’s the experience thatmakes the difference

Page 3: TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Services for the Refining and ... · PDF fileServices for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 1. The measurement of flow around an oil or chemical process

Contents

TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Flow study 2

TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Residence study 6TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Distribution study

TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Leak study 8

TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Helium Leak study 10

TRACERCO Diagnostics™ FCCU study 11

TRU-SCAN® 12

TRACERCO Diagnostics™ RapidScan 13

Tru-Grid™ Scan 14

TRACERCO Diagnostics™ ThruVision 15

TruTec™ Pipe Scan 16

TruTec™ Neutron Backscatter 17

TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Maximizer 18

TRACERCO™ Monitors 20

TRACERCO™ Monitor Calibration Services 21

TRACERCO™ Instruments 22

The TRACERCO Profiler™ 23

TRACERCO™ Specialty Applications 24

Services for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 1

Page 4: TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Services for the Refining and ... · PDF fileServices for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 1. The measurement of flow around an oil or chemical process

The measurement of flow around an oil or chemical process is

often required where no metering is present to measure flow

distribution between main headers and branch headers, or to

verify existing flow measurement devices. The use of the

TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Flow study technology offers a

rapid, accurate and cost effective method of determining flows

of solid, gas and liquids. The results from such measurements

can play a key role in:

• Predictive maintenance

• Process optimization

• Reduced downtime

Tracerco engineers will study the process system to determine

the most suitable injection point and detector layout to gain

optimum information about the process. Consideration will then

be given to the choice of tracer to ensure process compatibility

and the required concentration. The tracer material is then

injected into the process stream via the identified point.

Measurement of the injected pulse through the system is made

using a combination of either external detectors or sampling

with no affect on process operations.

TRACERCO Diagnostics™

TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Flow study

Typical systems that can be measured include:

• Flare line systems.

• Cooling water towers and systems.

• Compressors and turbines.

• Relief valves.

• Effluent streams.

• Process material systems for mass balances.

Unit 2

Unit 1 Unit 3

Low Flow

D-1

High Flow

Unit 5 Unit 7

Unit 4 Unit 6

Flow Meter

D-1 D-1 D-1 D-1 D-1

The following Tracerco service applications are applied to the investigation of industrial processes to allow plant engineering and

operations staff to quickly troubleshoot and resolve operational issues. Better knowledge about the problems you are experiencing

will reduce the cost of making corrections and reduce downtime.

TRACERCO Diagnostics™ performs on-line investigations using radioisotope and chemical tracers to identify leaking exchangers,

measure the distribution of feed into catalyst beds, and conduct flare flow studies to measure and locate sources of emissions.

Would you like to be able to determine flow relationships through flare lines and piping systems?Are you experiencing off-spec effluent from your feed/effluent exchangers?Do you suspect maldistribution is affecting efficiency in your reactor?

2 TRACERCO Diagnostics™

Page 5: TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Services for the Refining and ... · PDF fileServices for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 1. The measurement of flow around an oil or chemical process

Pulse Velocity Technique

Reservoir ofRadioisotope Injection

Detector #1 Detector #2 Detector #3

Distance 1 Distance 2

InjectionDetector #1 Detector #2 Detector #3

In-situ velocity measurement technology used to verify and calibrate meters can be done using the Pulse Velocity technique.

These results can serve as an independent verification that data reported for environmental purposes is correct.

Pulse Velocity Technique to Verify orCalibrate a Flow Meter In-Situ

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

010 15 200 5 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145

Dete

cto

r R

esp

on

se

Time (s)

Example Flow Rate

T2T1

Detector #1

Detector #2 Detector #3

D1

T1= Velocity

Services for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 3

Page 6: TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Services for the Refining and ... · PDF fileServices for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 1. The measurement of flow around an oil or chemical process

Sometimes the Pulse Velocity Technique is not a suitable flow

measurement procedure, such as very short line length and

unusual conduit shapes, sewers and open channels, pipelines

containing solid deposits or on multiphase flow lines. In these

cases the Dilution Flow Technique can be used.

The Tracerco engineer will study the process system to

determine the most suitable injection and sample points in

order that optimum measurements can be made.

Consideration will then be given to suitability of the tracer to

ensure process compatibility and also the concentration to be

used to ensure accurate detection. The tracer material is then

injected into the process stream via the identified point.

Measurement of dilution of the injected tracer through the

system is then made by taking samples from the downstream

point over a suitable time period. Analysis can be performed

onsite or in our specialist lab depending on tracer type.

TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Flow study

4 TRACERCO Diagnostics™

Page 7: TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Services for the Refining and ... · PDF fileServices for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 1. The measurement of flow around an oil or chemical process

Typical systems that can be measured include:

• Process gas systems.

• Compressors.

• Instrument air systems.

• Relief valves.

• Ventilation and extraction systems.

• Water and chemical sewers.

• Water outfalls to the river.

These are only a few examples of the use of this flexible and

accurate measurement service. We would be pleased to

discuss your operational problems and deliver a cost

effective solution tailored to your needs.

Dilution Flow Technique

Q1 + Q2

Tracer

Injection rate = Q1

Concentration = C1

Line flow = Q2

Sample

concentration C2

From a tracer balance Q1C1 = (Q2+Q1) C2Q2 >> Q1

Hence Q2 = Q1C1

C2

Services for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 5

Page 8: TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Services for the Refining and ... · PDF fileServices for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 1. The measurement of flow around an oil or chemical process

The time and distribution of material through mixing, reaction or

separation vessels can be critical to industrial processes.

A TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Residence study can offer a

rapid, on-line, cost effective method of determining these

process parameters. A tracer is injected into the inlet of a

vessel and its exit is measured using an external detector or

sampling. This information is used to determine Mean

Residence Time and Number of Stirred Tank Equivalents (STE)

or the Inverse Peclet Number (IPN) through the vessel.

A TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Distribution study is performed

when a ring of detectors is placed around a vessel to determine

what percentage of the tracer passes through each segment of

the vessel.

For example when a radioactive gas tracer is injected into a

vessel, the size of the response from each detector will be

directly related to process flow close by its location. For a

normally operating system, all of the detectors should see

similar amounts of tracer, producing similar responses.

However, when tests show that some detectors have much

larger responses than others maldistribution is indicated.

TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Residence and Distribution

Studies can be used to measure a number of operational

parameters on the following equipment:

• Reactors

• Oil/Water Separators

• Packed Bed Distillation Towers

• Driers

• FCCU Systems

TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Residence studyTRACERCO Diagnostics™ Distribution study

Detector

Process vessel

Injection point

Detector

Flow

Response

Inlet Pulse

Time

Response

Time

Exit pulse

Residence Time Study

6 TRACERCO Diagnostics™

Page 9: TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Services for the Refining and ... · PDF fileServices for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 1. The measurement of flow around an oil or chemical process

Distribution Study

This is an example of a TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Distribution

study using an array of radiation detectors at key locations on a

vessel. Tracerco has the ability to conduct studies with up to

100 detectors to allow for process conditions to be determined

throughout an entire process unit. A highly detailed analysis of

process flow through FCC Units and the possibilities for mixing

or distribution studies in contactors and reactors with a single

injection are now possible.

The Tracerco team of experts will work with plant operations to

select a suitable radioisotope based on properties of the

stream to be studied. Tracers are available in liquid (organic

and aqueous), gas and solid forms. Our engineers have years

of tracer experience determining the best methods to collect

vital on-line process information to meet your test objectives.

TIME

COUN

TS

INJECTIONINLET

LIQUIDOUTLET

GASOUTLET

Services for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 7

Page 10: TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Services for the Refining and ... · PDF fileServices for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 1. The measurement of flow around an oil or chemical process

Leaks on a heat exchanger usually result in off-spec material

being produced. If the system has a “bank” of exchangers then

it is very difficult to identify which one (s) is leaking using client

laboratory sampling analysis alone.

The use of tracer materials offers a rapid and unambiguous

on-line method of detecting leaks within process vessels.

This can greatly reduce plant down time and yield savings in

operating costs.

A TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Leak study has a wide range of

applications as an aid to process diagnostics and inspection.

These include:

• Reboiler/condenser leaks in distillation towers.

• Leaks on banks of heat exchangers.

• Leaks through by-pass valves.

• Vent and relief valve leakage.

• Compressor “Ring” leakage.

• Ammonia syn gas loop and converter leakage.

The site requirements include a suitable injection point on the

primary inlet line into which the pulse of appropriate tracer can

be injected.

TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Leak study

8 TRACERCO Diagnostics™

Page 11: TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Services for the Refining and ... · PDF fileServices for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 1. The measurement of flow around an oil or chemical process

There are two methods employed to determine leakage, the

sampling technique and the external detection technique. The

first requires a sample point on the downstream line of the

secondary stream from which to draw material over a short time

period. The samples collected are delivered to a local Tracerco

laboratory where they are analyzed for tracer content.

The second method uses external detectors mounted on the

lines to monitor the passage of the injected tracer. Any leakage

would be indicated as a “peak” on the detector mounted on the

secondary stream exit line.

For example a client had a problem with a feed-effluent

exchanger system consisting of 5 exchangers in series.

A diagram showing detector positions is shown below. A sharp

pulse of liquid tracer was injected into the feed. The passage

through the system was monitored by the odd numbered

detectors. The even numbered detectors were the leak

detectors. Detector 2 (Green) indicated a leak of 2.5% on

the A exchanger.

Therefore only one exchanger needed to be removed from

service and repaired. This minimized loss of production and

reduced the maintenance expense.

Heat Exchanger Leakage

B

A

D

C E

Reactor

Feed Pump

Product

D1

D4

D8

D5 D9

D3

D7 D11

D2 D6D10

2000

1800

1600

1400

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

0

0 5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

75

80

85

90

95

100

105

110

115

120

125

130

135

140

145

Injection Detector 1

Injection Detector 3

Leak Detector 2

Rad

iati

on

Inte

nsi

ty

Time(s)

Exchanger Leak Test

Leakage detection

Services for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 9

Page 12: TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Services for the Refining and ... · PDF fileServices for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 1. The measurement of flow around an oil or chemical process

Areas of application include:

• Heat Exchangers.

• Storage Tanks.

• Vacuum Polymerisers.

• Refrigeration Units.

Heat Exchange Leak Detection (off-line)

Each tube is examined for the presence of helium

Shell-side pressurized with helium gas

Tube plate

Helium mass spec

Individual tubes blocked with rubber bungs

Leaks within process vessels and systems are disruptive to

operations and are often small, making detection difficult.

The use of the TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Helium Leak study

offers the most stringent of leak test methods available and is

applicable to both pressure or vacuum units.

For units under pressure the helium is added to the component

under investigation at a suitable test pressure. Sampling and

measurement at locations within the system into which the

helium may leak is then carried out using a helium specific

Mass Spectrometer.

For vacuum systems the helium is sprayed around the external

flanges, joints etc. to identify positions of air ingress. Sampling

is then conducted usually at the ejector area.

Precise location of the leak position allows maintenance efforts

to be concentrated in the appropriate area reducing downtime.

This yields a saving in operating costs.

Offline testing of exchanger tubes will identify each leaking

tube so it can be repaired or plugged.

TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Helium Leak study

10 TRACERCO Diagnostics™

Page 13: TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Services for the Refining and ... · PDF fileServices for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 1. The measurement of flow around an oil or chemical process

The Fluidized Catalytic Cracking Unit (FCCU) is the economic

heart of today’s refinery. Small increases in yield can bring

significant gains in productivity and revenues. TRACERCO

Diagnostics™ FCCU studies have diagnosed operating

problems and helped improve the performance of all major

components of FCC units.

Each project is customized to provide the information needed

to optimize or troubleshoot your specific process. All testing is

performed while the unit is online and will not interfere with

normal unit operations or production scheduling. Data

collected can be used to identify operating parameter changes

to improve unit productivity, or gauge the accuracy of process

modeling and simulation. Tracerco’s experience involves

numerous studies performed on units worldwide allowing a

better understanding of the integrated processing components

of today’s FCCU’s.

A TRACERCO Diagnostics™ FCCU study utilizes our

diagnostic capabilities with both sealed source and tracer

technologies. These are used to measure the velocity,

distribution and residence time of the catalyst or vapor phase

through any part of the system. This includes testing to

determine the efficiency of riser termination devices, cyclones

or distribution devices.

A typical study may employ upwards of 50 detectors,

inspecting almost the entire system from a common injection

point. The tagged process stream can be followed completely

through either the reactor vessel or the regenerator.

For example, tracer material injected into the riser can provide:

• catalyst and vapor traffic velocities and slip through the riser

• determination of efficiency of the riser termination device

• flow distribution through the reactor and stripper

• cyclone distribution/operating characteristics

• reactor/stripper residence times

Vapor traffic is usually tagged using an inert gas. The catalyst

traffic may be tagged using system native catalyst, E-Cat,

Fines, or any specific particle size distribution which has been

activated by Tracerco.

For additional information on FCCU services provided by

Tracerco please reference our FCCU brochure that can be

found on our website at www.tracerco.com or contact an office

in your area to request a copy.

TRACERCO Diagnostics™ FCCU study

Services for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 11

Reactor

Cyclone Operation and Distribution Study

Catalyst Bed Level Measurement

Efficiency of Riser Termination Device

Residence Time

Spent Catalyst & RegeneratedCatalyst Standpipes

Catalyst Slugging Study

Catalyst Density Profile

Regenerator

Cyclone Operation

Cyclone Distribution Study

Catalyst Bed Level Measurementand Extent of Bed Dilute - Phase

Catalyst and Air Distribution Study

Residence Time

Stripping Section

Density Profile

Catalyst and VaporFlow Distribution &Residence Time

Reactor Riser

Riser Density Profile

Catalyst and VaporDistribution

Catalyst and VaporVelocities (Slip Ratio)

Page 14: TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Services for the Refining and ... · PDF fileServices for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 1. The measurement of flow around an oil or chemical process

Tracerco’s TRU-SCAN® technology is used to evaluate the mechanical integrity and hydraulic performance of trayed columns by

measuring froth levels on tray decks, liquid backup in downcomers, and clarity of liquid/vapor disengagement zones. Damaged

or missing trays, plugged downcomers, feed issues, and tray fouling are examples of problems with columns that can be

diagnosed with a TRU-SCAN®.

TRACERCO TruTec™ Scanning ServicesTRU-SCAN® Application

The Tracerco TruTec™ Scanning Services technique’s have a proven track record in over 40 years of operation in assisting with

plant start-ups, pre-shutdown planning and operational trouble-shooting. A TRU-SCAN® is generally performed without any

preparation to the tower i.e. no insulation is removed. Tracerco’s TRU-SCAN® service has proven to be cost effective by reducing

off-spec production and equipment downtime. In today’s highly competitive refining, petrochemical, and chemical processing

markets, more customers are using TRU-SCAN® information to spot plant bottlenecks and to optimize performance.

TRU-SCAN® Features Identified

• Verify placement of trays.

• Evaluate tray froth heights.

• Foaming and fouling.

• Detect tray damage and flooding.

• Detect mechanical, rate or process related problems.

0‘

2’

4’

6’

8’

10’

12’

14’

16’

18’

20’

22’

24’

100 1000 10000

x-Axis 100 -10000

Clear Vapor Bar

Active Area Scan

TruTec™ Scanning Services

(800) 288-8970

Tray Damage

Trayed Tower Diagnostics

TrayDamage

Do you have problems with the operation of your stripper/absorber or fractionation tower?Is this limiting production?Do you want to reduce your operating costs?Do you want to reduce your shutdown time?

12 TRACERCO Diagnostics™

Page 15: TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Services for the Refining and ... · PDF fileServices for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 1. The measurement of flow around an oil or chemical process

TRACERCO TruTec™ Scanning ServicesTRACERCO Diagnostics™ RapidScan

To meet the changing needs of our customers Tracerco has

designed an enhanced technique to conventional tower

scanning. The TRACERCO Diagnostics™ RapidScan

technology combines sophisticated wireless detector capability

with an easy to install permanent scanning guide wire system.

Now columns with limited or zero access do not pose an

obstacle following installation of a TRACERCO Diagnostics™

RapidScan system. Eliminating the high costs of scaffolding or

cranes for column access results in a significant saving for

Tracerco’s customers.

TruTec™ Scanning Services used for Pre/Post Turnarounds and Baselines

Tracerco’s TruTec™ Scanning technologies are a tool used to

postpone shutdowns, predict shutdown timing, and prepare

turnaround planners for critical path decisions. A baseline

scan, obtained when a column is assumed to be operating

without any problems establishes a reference point of normal

hydraulic conditions for comparison with future scan results.

The information provided from a baseline scan is immediately

useful to plant engineers interested in knowing hydraulic

loadings on trays, liquid distribution in packing, liquid levels

on chimney trays, and bottoms liquid level.

Services for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 13

Page 16: TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Services for the Refining and ... · PDF fileServices for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 1. The measurement of flow around an oil or chemical process

TRACERCO TruTec™ Scanning ServicesTru-Grid™ Scan Applications

A Tru-Grid™ Scan is one of the most common and cost

effective methods of identifying liquid maldistribution and other

problems affecting packed column performance. A Tracerco

Tru-Grid™ Scan is a series of four conventional column scans

performed using a 2 x 2 orthogonal grid scanline orientation.

The objective of the Tru-Grid™ Scan is to measure the degree

of bias (or coincidence) among all four scans under identical

scan conditions. A Tru-Grid™ Scan of a bed that has uniform

liquid distribution throughout will show little variation (implying

little density difference) from one scan to another with all four

scanlines overlaying one another. Non-uniformity among the

scans implies density differences which can normally be

attributed to an imbalance in liquid and vapor traffic.

A Tru-Grid™ Scan can show discrepancies in liquid level on

orifice-type distributors, liquid overflowing vapor risers on

chimney trays, or disparities in irrigation rates for spray-type

distributors. Tru-Grid™ Scans can also detect evidence of

problems such as fouling and crushed or corroded packing

which often results in distribution problems.

Tru-Grid™ Scan Features Identified

• Verify placement of packed beds, distributors and collectors.

• Evaluate the quality of liquid phase distribution.

• Detect problems such as fouled orcrushed packing, overflowing distributors and collector trays, flooding or foaming.

14 TRACERCO Diagnostics™

Page 17: TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Services for the Refining and ... · PDF fileServices for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 1. The measurement of flow around an oil or chemical process

TRACERCO TruTec™ Scanning ServicesTRACERCO Diagnostics™ ThruVision Scan Applications

A TRACERCO Diagnostics™ ThruVision scan is used at one

elevation and generates a high resolution cross-sectional

density profile inside a process system. This can be a packed

distillation column or a fluidized catalyst riser or piping where

flow distribution of the process fluids or solids is vital to

performance. The technique is most easily explained by

visualizing a gamma scan where the source and detector

remain at a fixed elevation. A series of density measurements

are taken by rotating the source and detector around the outer

circumference of the vessel on a horizontal plane.

Application of the TRACERCO Diagnostics™ ThruVision scan

technology has provided a new “window” for observing phase

distribution inside industrial process units in real time at an

economical cost. The ThruVision scan has been successfully

applied to diagnosing the liquid distribution in packed columns

and catalyst distribution in fluidized catalytic cracking risers

and has made it possible and practical to collect much more

vital on-line process information.

ThruVision Scan Features Identified

• Map or profile liquid maldistribution inpacked columns.

• Profile catalyst distribution in fluidized catalytic reactors.

• Identify integrity problems with column andreactor internals (packing, demister pads, catalyst beds, etc.).

Services for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 15

Page 18: TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Services for the Refining and ... · PDF fileServices for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 1. The measurement of flow around an oil or chemical process

TRACERCO TruTec™ Scanning ServicesTruTec™ Pipe Scan

Level was detected15 - 17 inches above thebottom tangent of vessel

No hydrogenous materialdetected above the liquidlevels on the inside walls

No hydrogenousmaterial detected

1 - 3”

Build-up

20”7 - 9”Build-up

1 - 3”Build-up

4 - 6”Build-up

3 - 5”Build-up

15ft

Flare Stack

Skirt

Tracerco’s TruTec™ Pipe Scan technology offers solutions to a variety of process problems by:

• Measuring the presence, extent and position of solids within a process pipe

• Locating an ice/hydrate deposit within agas flare line

• Establish the extent, duration and frequency of slugging

• Measuring liquid/gas interface passage during pipeline purging operations

• Confirming the presence of liquid carryover or gas undercutting within avapor/liquid separator

The use of Tracerco’s TruTec™ Pipe Scan technology offers a non-invasive

method to examine the contents of a pipe in a wide range of process industries.

The technology uses a small hand held device that is positioned across the

section of pipe under investigation. A measurement is taken of signal intensity

and a direct interpretation of pipeline contents is made. The most common

applications of this technique include the determination of solids build-up within

a pipe, slugging of process gas, liquid or solid over a period of time through a

transfer pipeline and the confirmation of liquid carry over or gas carry under

within a gravity separator.

16 TRACERCO Diagnostics™

Page 19: TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Services for the Refining and ... · PDF fileServices for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 1. The measurement of flow around an oil or chemical process

TRACERCO TruTec™ Scanning ServicesTruTec™ Neutron Backscatter

Do you have problems with your tank inventory?Are the liquid interfaces where your instruments say they are?Is sludge reducing capacity?

These and other process control problems can be addressed

using the TruTec™ Neutron Backscatter technology. This is a

non-invasive, rapid, and accurate technique usually performed

without any preparation to the vessel. Results are instantly

available allowing any process changes to be made.

This technology has a wide range of applications in

industrial processes including:

• Level and Interface Measurement in Storage Tanks.

• Deposit/Vapor Profile in Pipelines.

• Foam Heights in Tower Downcomers.

• Levels in Tower Distributors/Chimney Trays.

• Interface/Emulsion band in Separators.

• Water Ingress under Insulation.

• Levels in Reboilers/Heat Exchangers.

These are only a few examples of the use of this flexible and

accurate measurement tool. All processes are different so

please seek our advice if you have a problem that appears

to be suitable for investigation.

Storage Tank Scan

Vapor

Foam

Water

Deposition

Organic

Vapor

Organic

Water

Deposition

Typical response

Services for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 17

Page 20: TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Services for the Refining and ... · PDF fileServices for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 1. The measurement of flow around an oil or chemical process

Ab

sorb

ent

densi

ty

2000 8000 10000 6000 4000

Elevation (mm)

Top bed Bottom bed

ZnS I/F ZnO ZnO

x

x x x x x

x

x xx

x x

xx

x

x

xx x x

x

x

x

x x x x

x x x

x

xx

Results of scanning sulphur absorption profile in a HDS Vessel

Would you like to maximize the operational life ofyour sulfur absorbent?Tracerco has developed a new non-intrusive technique for

measuring the amount of used and remaining fresh zinc oxide

absorbent in sulfur removal systems (patent pending).

The method builds on experience with TRACERCO Diagnostics™

techniques and uses external scanning of the absorber vessel to

identify a difference associated with the conversion of zinc oxide

to zinc sulphide.

The technique allows consumption of the absorbent to be

monitored and the remaining life to be predicted, thus ensuring

maximum absorbent utilization. Tracerco’s direct experience with

this technique has identified the following benefits:

• Non-intrusive, on-line testing.

• Advice on remaining life.

• Rapid feedback of results.

• No need for insulation removal.

• Service provision can be linked to absorbent replacement.

The new scanning method also prevents downstream poisoning

if the absorbent has been unexpectedly consumed by slugs of

sulphur in the feed. This method is suitable for vessels up to 8 ft.

in diameter with 2 in. wall thickness.

TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Maximizer

18 TRACERCO Diagnostics™

Page 21: TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Services for the Refining and ... · PDF fileServices for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 1. The measurement of flow around an oil or chemical process

A Hydrogen plant operator obtains a further twoyears absorbent bed life.

The HDS vessel in a refinery hydrogen plant had been

operating for seven years. A planned shutdown was due in six

months’ time and the operating company wanted to know

exactly how much of the absorbent was still unused. The vessel

contained two zinc oxide beds, and the scanning results would

help the decision whether to change-out the top bed or both

beds during the shutdown, or delay the change-out for a further

two years.

The TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Maximizer was used to scan

the vessel. It identified that the bottom 30% of the bed still

consisted of fresh zinc oxide absorbent, and an estimated

remnant life of three years was calculated. The operator

therefore decided to delay the change-out until the next

shutdown in two years, and not open up the HDS vessel during

the forthcoming shutdown. The scanning results are shown on

page 18.

TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Maximizer

Services for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 19

An Ammonia customer minimizes the amount ofabsorbent needed during a planned shutdown.

The HDS vessel on an Ammonia plant had been running for

three years and the zinc oxide absorbent bed had a design life

of four years. The actual sulphur content of the gas was much

less than design, but as a planned shutdown was due, the

operating company wanted to know how much of the absorbent

had been used.

The TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Maximizer was used to scan

the vessel and identified that only the top 12% of the bed had

been used. The remaining 88% consisted of fresh zinc oxide

absorbent. The operator therefore decided to order a small

amount of absorbent and replace the top part of the bed during

the shutdown. Samples of the absorbent were taken during the

discharge and subsequently analysed for sulphur content.

The analysis of the samples confirmed the accuracy of the

scan measurements.

Page 22: TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Services for the Refining and ... · PDF fileServices for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 1. The measurement of flow around an oil or chemical process

Tracerco provides an award winning range of monitor products

and services accredited to ISO9001:2008 and EN 13980:2008

international standards. Our range is designed to be lightweight,

easy to carry and operate in the most demanding of

environments.

Our radiation contamination monitors conform to Standard

EN 60325:2004 and our radiation dose rate monitors to

EN 60846:2004.

Radiation MonitorsWe offer a number of monitors which includes a range of

intrinsically safe monitors, which are suitable for use in a

potentially explosive environment. Our range includes hand held,

personal and probing monitors.

• Tracerco™ Monitors – Intrinsically Safe

T201 Radiation Contamination Monitor,

T202 Radiation Dose Rate Monitor and

T404 Personal Electronic Dosimeter (PED)

• Tracerco™ Monitors – Non-Intrinsically Safe

T401 Contamination Monitor,

T402 Dose Rate Monitor

TRACERCO™ Monitors

20 TRACERCO Diagnostics™

TRACERCO™ ContaminationMonitor

TRACERCO™ RadiationMonitor

Intrinsically Safe Monitors

TRACERCO™ PED

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Services for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 21

TRACERCO™ Monitor Calibration Services

Monitor Calibration, Retest, Servicing & RepairCurrent legislation requires that all radiation monitors used in

service are subject to regular inspection and testing. Tracerco

provides a professional service for the repair, testing and

re-calibration of gamma dose rate and alpha/beta

contamination monitors to ensure compliance. Radiation

monitors are retested, and where necessary calibrated, in

accordance with required standards. Key features of our

service are:

• Typical turnaround within 3 days

• Express service available upon request

• Fast turn-around on repairs

• Calibration of contamination monitors available against a

range of isotopes including Ra-226 and Pb-210

• Full range dose rate calibration facility to 1000 mR/hr

• Testing of instruments to saturation dose rates in excess of

1000 mR/hr

• Calibration and repair of neutron monitors by approved third

party facilities

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Nucleonic gauges that utilize the unique properties of

radioisotopes to provide measurement and control are

widespread throughout industry.

TRACERCO™ Instruments provide a wide range of specialist

measurement solutions, measuring key parameters such as

level, density and interface.

These instruments are all non-wetted devices, allowing them

to be used in the harshest of process conditions such as high

temperatures, slurries or corrosive materials.

Benefits of TRACERCO™ Instruments:• Mechanical failure eliminated

• No fouling issues

• Easy to retrofit

• Greater control

• Reduced maintenance costs

TRACERCO™ Instruments

TRACERCO™ PhaseFinder

TRACERCO™ DensityGauge

TRACERCO™ LevelFinderPlus

Typical level measurement system

Sand

Water

Oil

Emulsion

Gas

Foam

Typical separator interface control

TRACERCO™ PhaseGauge

22 TRACERCO Diagnostics™

TRACERCO™ TankGauge

TRACERCO™ InterfaceGauge

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Services for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 23

Tracerco has developed an award winning instrument,

The TRACERCO Profiler™, that is used in the oil and gas

industry to measure the vertical distribution of various materials

contained in separation process vessels.

The TRACERCO Profiler™ has now been designed to

withstand the elevated operating temperatures typically

experienced within a Desalter vessel. The instrument is

non-contact, has no moving parts and requires minimal

maintenance. The vertical measurement of the various phases in

the Desalter provides information on the extent of inter-phase

mixing that can be monitored to optimize fluid throughput while

providing costs savings on chemical additives.

If you would like to learn more about any of the TRACERCO™

Instruments contact a technical advisor today for additional

information or to schedule an on-site presentation.

TRACERCO™ InstrumentsThe TRACERCO Profiler™

The TRACERCO Profiler™ for Desalters

Typical Applications for The TRACERCO Profiler™

Include:•Oil/water/gas Separation vessels•Heavy Oil Separation vessels•Vertical cyclonic separators•Desalters•HP/LP Production & Test Separators•Electrostatic coalescers/treaters, Degassers•Multiphase settling tanks•Inclined plate separators - Oil sands•Primary separation vessels - Oil sands•Froth Tanks - Oil sands•Deepwater sub-sea phase separators

Benefits of The TRACERCO Profiler™ •Increased production throughput•Real time process optimization•Reduce shutdowns and chemical additive costs•Improves asset environmental compliance•Low maintenance

100%

00 1

Density

Oil

2

Emulsion Water

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24 TRACERCO Diagnostics™

Tracerco works with some of the worlds leading companies to

assist them with special applications to solve non-standard

measurement and monitoring problems. Relying on our vast

knowledge and experience with nuclear and chemical-based

process measurement and monitoring systems, Tracerco

provides custom instrumentation and process monitoring such

as acquiring real-time process density data for special process

or research projects, custom designed nuclear instrumentation

to tailor fit applications, or unique chemical tagging techniques

for process characterization.

Our experienced application specialists will work closely with

you to develop project parameters, to perform on-site job

walks, and to design and execute experiments testing the

technical feasibility – all to find the best solution for your special

application.

A good example is The TRACERCO Profiler™. This

instrument is commonly used in the upstream oil and gas

industry to measure the vertical distribution of various materials

contained in separation process vessels. At the request of a

major North American oil refiner Tracerco redesigned

The TRACERCO Profiler™ instrument to withstand the

elevated operating temperatures typically experienced within a

Desalter vessel.

This patented specialist measurement instrument is used by

refineries to measure phase interface position optimizing

separation performance and provide cost savings on

chemical additives.

TRACERCO™ Specialty Applications

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Page 28: TRACERCO Diagnostics™ Services for the Refining and ... · PDF fileServices for the Refining and Petrochemical Industries 1. The measurement of flow around an oil or chemical process

www.tracerco.com [email protected]

North American Headquarters:4106 New West DrivePasadena, TX 77507 USATel: 281 291 7769Fax: 281 291 7709Toll Free: 800 288 8970

Field Office Locations:Corpus Christi, TX 78408 USATel: 361 888 8233

Concord, CA 94520 USATel: 925 687 0900

Paramount, CA 90723 USATel: 562 633 8800

Newark, DE 19702 USATel: 302 454 1109

Merrillville, IN 46410 USATel: 219 945 0400

Baton Rouge, LA 70820 USATel: 225 761 0621

West Valley City, UT 84119 USATel: 801 478 0736

Edmonton, AB, T6E 6A6 CANADATel: 780 469 0055

Calgary, AB, T2Y 2Z7 CANADATel: 403 931 6705

Sarnia, ON, N7S 5G5 CANADATel: 519 332 6160

Rio de Janerio, RJ, Brasil, CEP 22775-044Tel: +55 21 3535 7600

© 2012 Johnson Matthey Group

XMO149/0/C

TRACERCO and The TRACERCO Profiler are trademarks of the Johnson Matthey Group of companies.

Front cover image supplied by Praxis Technical Group www.praxistech.com

A worldwide network of agents and service partners enable Tracerco to deliver its products and services to ourcustomers anywhere in the world, while still retaining the important aspect of local service.

Tracerco’s operational offices across the world


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