Gas 2024 Issue

to be adjusted, or the modified Claus unit has some opera - tional concern that needs to be addressed. Looking into the combination of the two previously described sample points, a redundant measurement of H₂ will ensure optimal performance of the TGTU. It should reduce the cost of replacing contaminated amine and min - imise downtime. If H₂S is measured at the quench tower outlet and the absorber outlet, it will be possible to measure and control absorber efficiency online on a 24/7 basis. Process control of the amine recycling/regeneration is also possible based on the H₂S ‘IN’ and ‘OUT’ measurements. The final quality control parameter is the SO₂ mass emis - sion to be measured at the thermal oxidiser outlet. Only mass emission can tell the true rate of sulphur recovery. Knowing the H₂S entering the process and the amount of SO₂ leaving the oxidiser will provide an accurate value. Summary Modern process instrumentation has the potential to help reduce the emissions from an SRU. The initial investment is not negligible, but the application challenges are high with regard to measurement reliability and safety aspects (the SRU has the most toxic gas mix - tures of the entire refinery). Knowledge, understanding, and awareness training are essential to maintain the instru - ments; without the instrument signals, the emission targets are not achievable. To achieve such goals, technical disciplines must work together, starting at the processing unit’s design phase.

Misunderstandings about piping can result in unsafe installations. Choosing the ‘wrong’ instrument may result in not achiev - ing the best possible process performance. Untrained local staff may result in instruments not working. Finally, the average lifetime of an instrument installed in an SRU is 15-20 years. Choosing a supplier under these circum - stances can be challenging. References 1 Molenaar, van Son – Worley, Keep your sulphur recovery unit online and efficient, Sulphur Magazine , No. 408. 2 Design, safety and operational aspects of SRU analysers, CRU Sulphur Magazine , No. 400. Jochen Geiger is Director Sales and Service EMEA and India at AMETEK Process Instruments, based in Cologne, Germany, and specialising in industrial applications and instrumentation (process analysers) in the chemical industry. He has provided training courses on chemical plants, refineries, and oil and gas production sites around the globe. He holds a Masters in electronics and is Process Analyser Specialist. Email: Jochen.geiger@ametek.com Michael Gaura is Senior Product Manager, USA at Ametek Process Instruments USA/Canada. He holds a BS in biology and chemistry from Purdue University and a Masters from Oklahoma State University. Anantha Kukkuvada is Regional Sales Manager India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Africa, at Ametek Process Instruments India. He has 20 years of experience in sales and marketing in the field of analysers and field instruments. He holds an MBA in business administration and management from Indian Institute of Management Bangalore.

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Gas 2024