Distillation

Distillation of crude oil

Typical of the processing facilities of a refinery are the distillation columns in which crude oil is decomposed into individual distillation products. The previously desalinated crude oil is heated up to 400°C and fed into the distillation columns. The various fractionated products are generated from the crude oil through multiple stages and different distillation methods. Beside temperature measurement, which serves as the most important control variable for regulating distillation, pressure monitoring in the column and level measurement in the extraction vessels are of great significance.

VEGAFLEX 67 – level and interface measurement in one sensor

In the distillation column, it is not uncommon for water to appear under the mineral oil product. It often accumulates in the lower area of the reference vessel and must be pumped out from time to time so that it doesn’t pollute the distillate. VEGAFLEX 67 is mounted on the existing reference vessel (bypass) without any alterations being necessary. The instrument continuously registers both the total level and the height of the water layer without the bypass having to be completely flled. The process temperature can be up to 400 °C and the pressure up to 400 bar. Neither lateral inlets, welded seams nor buildup or corrosion in the tube have any efect on the guided microwave measurement.

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.

VEGAFLEX 66 – a real alternative to displacer measurement

Guided microwave technology is an interesting alternative to displacer systems in the reference vessels of the distillation column. The rod version of VEGAFLEX 66 forms together with the tube of the reference vessel an ideal signal guidance system. Its high functional reliability and availability encompasses everything from the actual detection of levels to the process ftting. The measurement is independent of temperature, pressure or changes in density of the measured medium. Deposits or welded seams on the wall of the reference vessel or buildup on the rod probe also do not infuence the measurement. The process temperature can be up to 400 °C and the pressure up to 400 bar.

VEGAFLEX 67

	Easy mounting
	Setup without medium
	Independent of the process infuences
	Wear and maintenance-free

VEGABAR 61

	Operating temperatures up to +400°C
	High grade diaphragm materials
	Low oil volume of the isolated diaphragm

VEGAFLEX 66

	Applicable in existing bypass tubes
	High measuring accuracy
	Independent of product characteristics
	Independent of pressure, temperature and density