Distillation of crude oil products

Production of Gasoline & Co

After crude oil has been desalinated and cleaned, it is fractionated into its constituent parts in distillation columns. Under temperatures up to 400°C (752°F), the mainly gaseous crude oil is transported to the distillation column and then condensed in intermediate stages at varying temperatures. The lower the boiling point of the product, the higher the condensate ascends. For optimum operation of the column, accurate temperature, pressure and level measurement is of paramount importance.

Level measurement with VEGAPULS 66

In the past, displacer systems in bypass tubes have been used for level measurement in distillation columns. This maintenance intensive principle is being replaced more and more with non-contact radar sensors. Existing bypass tubes can usually be used for the measurement, so no mechanical modifications are necessary. The high product temperatures in the lower part of the column require special sensor types. The VEGAPULS 66 is an optimum solution for this application because of its operating temperature of up to 400°C (752°F) and its pressure capability of up to 160 bar (2320 psig).

Column pressure with VEGABAR 61

An important value to monitor in the distillation process is the top pressure at the upper end of the column. Depending on the type of distillation, the systems operate under vacuum or extremely high pressures. The pressure transmitter VEGABAR 61 with its wide temperature range is particularly suited for this application – even extreme temperature fluctuations during the start-up phase in the column do not cause it any problems. The sensor version with isolator can even be implemented in temperatures up to 400°C (752°F).

Level measurement with VEGAFLEX 66 in a bypass tube

As an alternative to non-contact radar sensors, the level can be measured with a guided microwave sensor in a bypass tube. In this measuring principle, microwaves are guided down a rod. The bypass tube together with the rod measuring probe form a coaxial system. With it even products with a dielectric constant less than 1.7 can be reliably measured. And, as an added plus, the connecting tubes between vessel and bypass cannot cause false echoes. VEGAFLEX 66 is the ideal solution for operating temperatures up to 250°C (482°).

VEGAPULS 66

	resistant to build-up
	process temperature range of ‑40 … +400 °C (‑40 … 752 °F)
	mounting capability onto existing bypass tubes

VEGABAR 61

	operating temperatures up to 400 °C (752 °F)
	high grade diaphragm materials
	simple position correction directly on instrument

VEGAFLEX 66

	applicable in existing bypass tubes
	operating temperatures up to 250 °C (482 °F)
	for use in pressures between ‑1 … 100 bar (‑14.5 … 1450 psig)