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Petrochemical Applications

Petrochemical Applications

Monitoring of syngas and other gas processes for safety, quality assurance and process optimization with PTR-MS.

PTR-MS for Petrochemical Applications

PTR-MS trace gas analyzers can detect a variety of organic, metallo-organic and inorganic volatile compounds in real-time and in very low concentrations. Examples are HCN, H2S, RSH, Carbonyls, Acids, Amines and others in a variety of gas matrices, such as syngas, flue gas or air. In the past years, IONICON analyzers have been employed for an increasing number of applications in the petrochemical industry, in e.g. Gas-to-Liquid (GTL) or amine treatment processes. 
IONICON offers PTR-MS based monitoring solutions customized for petrochemical applications. Built-in dilution and multiplexing allow for monitoring at different sampling points in parallel and over an extensive range of concentrations. Any metallic surfaces of the sampling system are SulfiNert2000®-treated to optimize sample transfer. 
IONICON’s experts have gathered a broad expertise in trace gas monitoring in petrochemical processes and applications. We provide consulting and analytical services deploying our specialists and providing instruments on loan.

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IONICON PTR-MS in use – Fischer-Tropsch Process

Filter Efficacy in a Fischer-Tropsch process

Beside the main constituents of syngas, which typically appear in percent concentrations, also trace gas impurities at much lower concentrations can play a crucial role. The catalytic activity of most transition metals is drastically reduced by the presence of sulfur-containing compounds at extremely low concentration, resulting in poisoning of the catalyst. Furthermore, when large amounts of off-gas are being released, also trace concentrations of compounds of extreme toxicity constitute an environmental risk.

IONICON PTR-MS instruments are ideal to monitor filter efficacy. In the figure, we show sampling at two points, before and after syngas passes through a filter. The break-through of the filter can already be detected in its early onset, which can be used to protect sensitive parts in the process and to prevent poisoning of a catalyst.

Read a study by Shell and IONICON or download it directly.

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Gas-to-liquid (GTL) process monitoring

Real-time monitoring of volatiles in a gas-to-liquid (GTL) process provides inside into the process in real-time without complex sampling and analysis steps. The figure shows the concentration of a volatile compound at four steps (multiplexed) in a Fischer-Tropsch Process. Changes in the volatile concentration can directly be attributed to alterations in the process parameters. The use of PTR-MS for real-time monitoring of trace contaminations in syngas enables better process understanding and advanced process optimization.

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