Application 383D-00 - Agilent Refinery Gas Analyzer

Significance of the Topic

Refinery gas analysis is essential for maintaining safe and efficient operation in petroleum refining by monitoring composition of light hydrocarbons and permanent gases.

Objectives and Overview of the Article

This technical overview describes the capabilities and performance of the Agilent Refinery Gas Analyzer, including detection limits for key components and configurable options to meet industry methods.

Methodology

The analyzer employs gas chromatographic separation using backflush technology, combined with sensitive detectors to quantify hydrocarbons and permanent gases in a single run of approximately 15 minutes.

Used Instrumentation

• Flame Ionization Detector (FID) for C1–C7 paraffins and olefins (detection limit 20 ppm)
• Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD) for hydrogen in nitrogen (detection limit 100 ppm)
• Second TCD for CO2, C2–C6 hydrocarbons, H2S, O2/Ar composite, N2, CH4, CO (detection limit 200 ppm)
• Optional modules: Flame Photometric Detector (FPD), Sulfur Chemiluminescence Detector (SCD), methanizer, additional columns, mass spectrometric detector (MSD), high-temperature injection

Main Results and Discussion

The system reliably detects target analytes at low ppm levels within a 15-minute cycle time. Chromatograms demonstrate clear separation of up to 30 components, with customization for trace sulfurs and heavy hydrocarbons (C1–C30).

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Comprehensive profiling of refinery gases in a single analysis
• High sensitivity and selectivity across a wide component range
• Flexible configuration for compliance with ASTM and ISO standards (D2163, D2712, D1945, ISO 7941)
• Modularity enables trace sulfur detection and extended hydrocarbon analysis

Future Trends and Applications

Advances may include integration with mass spectrometry for enhanced specificity, real-time online monitoring, miniaturization of systems, and application of machine learning for predictive process control.

Conclusion

The Agilent Refinery Gas Analyzer offers a robust, versatile solution for rapid and sensitive analysis of refinery gas streams, supporting quality control and regulatory compliance.

Reference

• Agilent Technologies Inc. Application Note 383D-00, December 2002