Squeezing More Fuel from a Barrel of Crude
and the Measurement Problem
Processor Situation
Modern refineries must contend with broadly
varying crude oil feedstock and changing
product demands. In addition, “local”
variability due to regional and national
regulatory requirements, high margin
boutique fuels opportunities, and other “value
chain issues” impact process models.
Quickly and accurately characterizing the
crude and more importantly its various boiling
range fractions is necessary to establish
optimum operating conditions and to control
the processes to those conditions.
and the Measurement Problem
Processor Situation
Modern refineries must contend with broadly
varying crude oil feedstock and changing
product demands. In addition, “local”
variability due to regional and national
regulatory requirements, high margin
boutique fuels opportunities, and other “value
chain issues” impact process models.
Quickly and accurately characterizing the
crude and more importantly its various boiling
range fractions is necessary to establish
optimum operating conditions and to control
the processes to those conditions.
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Falcon Analytical Solutions
For Refining Fuels
For Refining Fuels
The Solution
microFASTTM GC simulated distillation
gas chromatography combines fast, low
thermal mass and easy operation in a
rugged, shoe-box-size equipment package.
The microFASTTM GC allows the processor
to utilize the same equipment, methods
and, where appropriate, the same
chemometric models in the lab, at line or
on line. With analysis cycle times of less
than 5 minutes -- more than 10 times faster
than traditional simulated distillation GCs --
the microFASTTM GC brings near realtime,
information rich results to online
process control.
microFASTTM GC simulated distillation
gas chromatography combines fast, low
thermal mass and easy operation in a
rugged, shoe-box-size equipment package.
The microFASTTM GC allows the processor
to utilize the same equipment, methods
and, where appropriate, the same
chemometric models in the lab, at line or
on line. With analysis cycle times of less
than 5 minutes -- more than 10 times faster
than traditional simulated distillation GCs --
the microFASTTM GC brings near realtime,
information rich results to online
process control.
Processor Requirements
Laboratory and process gas chromatography
(on-line, at-line and near-line) have been
employed for this work. However, analysis
times (60 minute or more cycle times) and
in-plant equipment environment limitations
have often forced processors to rely on less
frequent lab and near-line lab measurements
to confirm process operating models. While
these methods work reasonably well, they
provide limited opportunity for improving any
process. Rapid, on-line and at-line simulated
distillation measurements are one example of
a solution that would enhance the
characterization of feedstocks and product
streams, and ultimately improve yield.
Laboratory and process gas chromatography
(on-line, at-line and near-line) have been
employed for this work. However, analysis
times (60 minute or more cycle times) and
in-plant equipment environment limitations
have often forced processors to rely on less
frequent lab and near-line lab measurements
to confirm process operating models. While
these methods work reasonably well, they
provide limited opportunity for improving any
process. Rapid, on-line and at-line simulated
distillation measurements are one example of
a solution that would enhance the
characterization of feedstocks and product
streams, and ultimately improve yield.
