SICK Offers Analyzer Solutions for the Petrochemical Sector

The oil and gas sector holds a significant position in the global and Turkish economy. Demand for petrochemical-derived products is increasing daily in Turkey. The petrochemical sector consists of petrochemical facilities where all processes of chemicals derived from oil and its derivatives (such as naphtha and LPG) are conducted, involving highly complex processes. Different chemical reactions occur in each process, and products formed in one stage can become inputs for the next stage. Therefore, achieving efficient reactions in every chemical process ensures the efficiency of the entire system. SICK continuous gas analyzers enable fast and reliable results in chemical processes and allow for adjustments to reactions based on these results. In this regard, SICK, as a manufacturer producing both in-situ and hot and cold extractive technologies, holds the distinction of being the only analyzer manufacturer offering such comprehensive solutions.

Inerting Applications

If there is an explosion risk in the process due to contact with air, nitrogen inerting is applied. The basic application here is replacing oxygen with nitrogen to eliminate the explosion risk. In such a case, oxygen concentration must be monitored; the final product tanks are a primary example of this application.

Ideal and Compact Solution from SICK for These Applications: TRANSIC100 Laser Oxygen Analyzer!

Using TDL technology, the analyzer allows oxygen concentration to be measured from 0 to 100%, and the analyzer can be used both in-situ and extractively.

Most Suitable Analysis Technology for Chlor Alkali-VCM Process

In the chlor alkali process, where chlorine and caustic soda are obtained through the electrolysis of salt, the products generated are used in the VCM process for vinyl chloride production. PVC, which we frequently encounter in daily life, is produced as a result of this reaction sequence. Unwanted hydrogen diffusion in the electrolysis cell can adversely affect the membrane. For this reason, continuous measurement and maintaining it at a certain level is desired. Particularly in the wet chlorine process, TCD (thermal conductivity) is not preferred due to corrosion risk and insufficient sensitivity. In this process, we measure both hydrogen and HCl using the NDIR principle with the hot extractive MCS300P analyzer, which measures samples directly without cooling. Additionally, due to the advantage of not absorbing sample moisture, it is possible to measure H2O in the EDC with the same analyzer. This prevents corrosion risk in the reactor column, avoids clogging problems, and increases the speed and efficiency of the reaction cycle.  

Most Suitable Analysis Technology for Ethylene Process

In processes from ethane, a two-carbon alkane, through to ethylene production, more efficient production can be achieved through continuous gas analysis. Naphtha and LPG are cracked with steam and separated into their components, and during this process, CO2 (carbon dioxide) removal is carried out in the cracking furnace. To monitor the removal of CO2 in the environment, the SICK GMS820 cold extractive gas analyzer is used. In the C2 fraction separation process, ethylene and ethane content can be measured with the GMS820 cold extractive analyzer and MCS300P hot extractive analyzer respectively, allowing process control.

The final product, ethylene polymer, is used in the production of low and high-density polyethylene, propylene, rubber, and many other applications. Measurement of Polymer Dust

Dust analyzers can be used to monitor leaks in bag filters containing polymer dust. SICK is the oldest manufacturer of dust analyzers that measure using both transmission and scattered light principles. There is extensive experience and accumulated knowledge regarding dust analyzers and their applications.

Measurement and Reporting of Stack Emissions

For measurement of dust and gas emissions in stack gas and flow rate measurement, SICK selects the most suitable system from its wide product range by evaluating process conditions. Additionally, the systems selected for this purpose have approved certificates in accordance with European standards EN14181 and EN15267-3 applied in Turkey. Hot/cold extractive gas analyzers, in-situ gas analyzers, optical dust measurement systems, and ultrasonic flowmeters constitute emission measurement systems. The correct selection is made from these technologies considering the properties of the gas to be measured, temperature and pressure, and maintenance requirements, and SICK's engineering experience combines with the most suitable measurement system. For CO2, a greenhouse gas, the Greenhouse Gas Measurement System consisting of the in-situ gas analyzer GM35 and the ultrasonic flowmeter Flowsic100 is used for measurement and reporting at the low uncertainties required by regulations. CO2 concentration is measured directly in contact in the stack, eliminating uncertainties that could arise from sample collection lines and sample transport. For reporting greenhouse gas on a mass basis, two ultrasonic flowmeters are used to construct the system to increase accuracy. With this solution, greenhouse gas can be reported through direct measurement, which is much easier and more practical than complex calculation methods.

Özlem Yavuz Aydınlık - Product Manager, SICK Analyzers - Process Automation - SICK A.Ş.