SS2100 - H2O Catalytic Reformer H2 Recycle Analyzer Solutions

Application Note

Catalytic Reforming Unit
The Catalytic Reformer Unit of a modern refinery is an important process unit for converting lower octane naphtha streams into higher octane aromatic compounds.

These chemical conversions are done in catalytic reactors that transform straight-chain C6-C8 compounds found in the naphtha into light aromatics such as Benzene, Toluene and Xylenes (BTX). This high octane reformate can then be used in gasoline blending or sold to chemical plants.


After the last reactor, a Hydrogen Separator strips out the hydrogen and other light gases from the stream. After the removal of the Hydrogen, the stream enters a Stabilizer Tower (also called a Debutanizer) that removes the Butanes and lighter gases with the Reformate leaving the Bottoms for gasoline blending or sent to a chemical plant.

Critical Control of Moisture
The catalyst in the reactors is very expensive and sensitive to poisoning if exposed to certain compounds; most notably H2 If left unchecked, the moisture damages the catalyst, thus shortening its life and resulting in costly replacement fees. Proper operation of the Reformer needs reliable monitoring of the moisture levels in the Hydrogen Recycle.

Traditional Measurement Solutions
Electrochemical moisture analyzers have been the traditional method for monitoring the levels of H2O in the Hydrogen Recycle stream. However, heavy hydrocarbons and trace HCl present in the stream contaminate electrochemical probes, which must then be replaced resulting in high maintenance costs. It’s not uncommon for moisture probes to be replaced multiple times a year.

SpectraSensors’ Solution
SpectraSensors SS2100 is the ideal solution for this challenging application. Its non-contact sensor is impervious to damage from contaminants. The use of Tunable Diode Laser technology means that measurement interferences from other infrared absorbing compounds are avoided. And being laser-based means there are no wet-up or dry-down delays, resulting in fast updates even when the concentration changes dramatically.

Dual Range / Dual Channel
Refineries normally operate at about 5 – 50 ppm moisture level in the hydrogen recycle stream. During catalyst regeneration moisture can be much higher. A Dual SS2100, with two measurement cells calibrated for different ranges in a single sample enclosure is the answer to this requirement.

The analyzer is supplied as a controller in a NEMA 4X enclosure with the cell and interconnecting cable supplied loose. SSI or a qualified systems integrator can supply sample conditioning system suitable to the application.

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Data Sheet

Performance
Target Components	H2O in Hydrogen Recycle Gas
Typical Measurement Ranges	0-50ppm 0-500ppm 0-1000ppm*
Typical Precision	±2% of full scale*
Measurement Response Time	1 to ~60 sec
Principle of Measurement	Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy Non-differential
Environmental Temperature Range	-20º to 50ºC (-4º to 122ºF) -10º to 60ºC (14º to 140ºF) optional
Sample Inlet Pressure	70 kPag (10 PSIg) typical 210 kPag (30 PSIg) maximum
Cell Temperature	Maintain at 50ºC +/- 0.2ºC
Maximum Cell Pressure	70 kPag (10 PSIg)
Sample Flow Rate	3-4 L/min (6.4 to 8.5 scfh)*
Validation	Certified blend of H2O in pure N2
Electrical
Power	100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz standard
Max Current	Controller: 1 A @ 120 VAC
Controller to Cell Cable Length	1m standard (3m, 5m & 10m available optionally)
Communication	Current Loop Output 4-20 mA Isolated, 1200 ohms @ 24 VDC max load Serial: ASCII Text RS232C standard Modbus RS232C
Digital Outputs	4 ea. 12 VDC for valve operations Scrubber (if required), Process/Val, Val 1, Val 2 5 SPDT (Form C) Dry Contacts Common Fault, Val 1 Active, Val 2 Active, Val Fail Low Sample Flow
LCD Display	Concentration, Cell Pressure and Temperature, Diagnostic Data
Physical
Controller Enclosure	NEMA 4X - Stainless Steel standard
Dimensions	343mm H x 305mm W x 165mm H (13.5" H x 12" W x 6-7/16" D)*
Weight Approximately	13.1 Kg (28.6 lbs)*
Sample Cell Dimensions	0.8m cell for ranges >100ppm 438mm H x 108mm W (17-1/4” H × 4-1/4” W)* 28m cell for ranges <100 ppm 559 mm H × 127 mm W (22” H × 5” W)
Sample Cell Construction	316L Series Polished Stainless Steel standard
Number of Sample Cells	1 (single channel SS2100) or 2 (dual channel SS2100)
Area Classification	CSA Certified for Class I, Division 2, Groups B,C,D Temp Code T3C  ll 2G Ex d llB+H2 T5; Tamb : -20 ÷ +60 °C
Note: The Analyzer scope of supply is the controller and enclosure, the cell and the interconnecting cables. SSI or qualified systems integrator can supply sample conditioning systems appropriate to the applications. * Application specific; consult factory

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