Temperature profile monitoring of the catalyst bed optimises process performance

Iplom SpA is an Italian oil refining company located near Genoa that needed to optimise its refining process, extend catalyst life, and increase safety in a hydrodesulfurization (HDS) application.

The main challenge Iplom faced was that an uneven temperature distribution (hotspots) meant that the catalyst degraded faster than necessary, and the process was not running at its peak capacity.

They thus looked for ways to increase process efficiency and product quality to strengthen their position within the market.

To ensure safe and efficient chemical reaction control, operators depend on critical insights and data from the process as well as state-of-the-art instruments that provide additional safety barriers against extreme process conditions.

The harsh process conditions of approximately 75 bar and 430°C under which the HDS reactor is operating, as well as the presence of corrosive chemicals such as sulfur and hydrogen, called for a robust and long-lasting solution.

Endress+Hauser provided a tailormade 3D temperature profile measurement solution consisting of an iTHERM MultiSens Flex TMS02 multipoint assembly, in a configuration carrying 20 measuring points, as well as expert guidance from configuration to installation.

This solution has led to considerable improvements by optimizing process performance, extending catalyst life and increasing plant safety. It enables Iplom to establish a precise temperature profile to maximise process efficiency and to yield a high-quality product according to strict industry specifications.

Iplom produces bitumen, diesel oil for automotive and fuel oil with a very low sulfur content.

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