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Distillation
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Distillation of crude oil
Typical of the processing facilities of a refinery are the distillation columns in which crude oil is decomposed into individual distillation products. The previously desalinated crude oil is heated up to 350°C (662°F) and fed into the distillation columns. The various fractionated products are generated from the crude oil through multiple stages and different distillation methods. Beside temperature measurement, which serves as the most important control variable for regulating distillation, pressure monitoring in the column and level measurement in the extraction vessels are of great significance.
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Contactless, maintenance-free level measurement with VEGAPULS 66
In the past, level measurement in distillation columns was mainly accomplished with displacers. But displacers require large expenditures for maintenance. Modern radar sensors, like VEGAPULS 66, with ceramic materials implemented in their antenna system, are well adapted to the extreme conditions in the distillation column. The sensors can be mounted on existing reference vessels and used in temperatures up to 400°C (752°F). Especially for the
measurement of the built-up residue, contactless measurement with radar has a considerable advantage over displacers.
For temperatures up to 150°C (302°F), VEGAPULS 63 is the ideal solution. Thanks to the encapsulated antenna system, the sensor itself stays completely outside the measuring environment.
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Column pressure with VEGABAR 61
An important value to monitor in the distillation process is the top pressure at the upper end of the column. Depending on the type of distillation, the systems operate under vacuum or extremely high pressures. The pressure transmitter VEGABAR 61 with its wide temperature range is particularly suited for this application - even extreme temperature fluctuations during the start-up phase in the column do not cause it any problems. The sensor version with isolator can even be implemented in temperatures up to 400°C (752°F).
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Cost-effective innovation for level measurement - VEGAFLEX 66
The implementation of guided microwave sensors in the reference vessels of distillation columns is an interesting alternative to non-contacting radar sensors. Together with the tube of the reference vessel, the rod version of VEGAFLEX 66 constitutes an ideal system for signal guidance. The microwaves travel through it just like in coax cable, and even large lateral equalization holes cause no signal disturbance.
The measurement is independent of temperature, pressure and density changes of the measured medium. Build-up on the vessel wall or on the sensor rod does not influence the measuring result.
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VEGAPULS 66
- resistant to build-up
- process temperatures from -40 ... +400°C (-40 ... +752°F)
- can be mounted on existing bypass tubes
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VEGAPULS 63
- low min. distance
- high chemical resistance
- small sensor dimensions
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VEGABAR 61
- operating temperatures up to 400°C (752°F)
- high grade diaphragm materials
- low oil volume of the isolated diaphragm
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VEGAFLEX 66
- applicable in existing bypass tubes
- high measuring accuracy
- independent of product characteristics
- independent of pressure, temperature and density
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