PEFTEC PEFTEC

PEFTEC - Abstract


Abstract Title: Innovative Solutions for Quality Assurance in Refinery Processing
Abstract Type: Seminar
Session Choice: Process Analytical Technology
Presenter Name: Mr Ger Schmitz
Co-authors:Dr Frederick J. Stubbins
Company/Organisation: Intertek
Country: United Kingdom

Abstract Information :

Intertek possesses a suite of innovations used for a variety of activities throughout the hydrocarbon supply chain. These have been successfully applied online, at-line and in the laboratory for many applications.

This talk will focus on several areas of Intertek innovation, the first part of the talk will focus on the Interpret technology, which is a chemometric modelling software based on near infrared (NIR) spectra and currently used in applications. These cover the full hydrocarbon supply chain from pipeline modelling, through refineries (feedstock quality monitoring and blend optimisation) to fuels blending (gasoline, jet, diesel etc.).

Interpret uses Near Infrared (NIR) spectra to predict crude oil composition and is a very quick method, typically a prediction takes a few minutes and generates full crude assays with many properties including (but not limited to): API gravity, Sulphur, Total Acid Number (TAN), Pour Point, True Boiling Point (TBP) and TBP fraction properties such as specific gravity and molecular weight. This information can then be used for feedstock valuation and realtime economic optimisation.

Second part of this talk is about Process Analytical Technology (PAT). Intertek is an independent system integrator for on line analyzer systems, which are used world-wide for Process Optimization, Asset Control, Automated Process Control (APC), Plant Safety and Environmental Measurements. By using our comprehensive in-house expertise in analyzer systems, our customers are able to monitor their plant operations in the most optimal way.

Since our establishment over 40 analyzer houses and more than 400 analyzer systems were delivered. We supply our products to most industries including power generation, hydrocarbon processing, industrial chemicals, polymer production, waste water treatment as well as emission monitoring. Our products provide our customers with efficient ways to improve performance and expand capabilities.

The services portfolio of Intertek consists of:

  • Turn key projects (Engineering, Procurement and Commissioning of on line analyzer systems)
  • Consultancy
  • Project management
  • Operations and Maintenance of applications (including statistical quality control)
All systems are tailor-made to specific customer requirements from components carefully selected to ensure high quality performance. This (added) value based engineering regards the following criteria:
  • Proven technology
  • Safety requirements
  • Environmental requirements
  • The desired quality of the installation
Examples of PAT installations are:
  • Emission monitoring of NOx, SO2 and CO (According to NEN 14181)
  • Distillation column control with on-line process gas chromatographs.
  • The measurement of rheological properties of polymers at the extruder
  • Measurement of impurities in hydrogen production with an infrared spectrophotometer
  • Measurement of several components in waste water
  • Online ion chromatography