Topics: distillation column, Distillation Column Performance, Column Performance, distillation column maintenance, gamma scanning distillation columns, distillation column scan, distillation column scanning, baseline scan, column troubleshooting

Fuel laundering, fuel adulteration and fuel smuggling combine to create a global problem for governments around the world. Not only does it deprive them of hundreds of millions of dollars of taxation revenues, it poses a burden to the environment and also to innocent motorists whose vehicles incur long-lasting damage. The cost in terms of policing, dismantling discovered plants, clean-up operations and the safe disposal of dumped toxic sludge — a by-product from such illegal operations — is also considerable.

Topics: authentication, consumer protection, product quality, revenue protection, fiscal tax recovery, adulterated fuel, brand security, counterfeit detection, product protection, product authentication, fuel fraud, brand protection technology, brand authentication, brand protection, safeguard brand quality

The loss of catalyst through reactor or regenerator cyclones is a fairly common problem. Identifying the reason for the loss is often difficult.

In this latest blog, Tracerco, part of Johnson Matthey Plc, discusses how a Tru-Scan™ can be a powerful tool for gathering much needed information regarding the loss of catalyst.

Topics: Gamma Scanning, Tru-Scan, fcc unit, fcc, fcc diagnostics, fccu process, fccu studies, cracking unit, fcc troubleshooting, fcc units, fcc unit process, fluid catalytic cracking diagnostics, fluid catalytic cracking services, fluid catalytic cracking unit, Catalytic cracking, fcc cracking, reactor cyclone, gamma scan, fcc additives, fcc services, reactor distributor, riser reactor, fcc reactor, reactor riser, reactor stripper, regenerator cyclone, catalyst loss, Intercat, fcc addition systems

Flowrate and leak testing applications, pipe scanning and meter proving services are fast, accurate and cost-effective methods to determine the flow of vapour, carryover of liquid, build-up of sludge and fouling materials in piping, as well as the calibration of flow meters.

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Topics: process systems, Process Diagnostics, process diagnostics technologies, tracerco diagnostics, flare gas flow meter, flare gas meter, gas flow meter proving, Flow Study, flowrate, flare study, flare flow measurement, flare system tracers, gas flow meter prover, flare flow, flare gas flow measurement, excessive flare flow, flare flow meter, flare gas measurement, flare flowrate data, flare lines, Process Diagnostics Technology, process diagnostics systems, flare measurement, flare gas meters, gas meter proving techniques

Scanning technology can provide a valuable insight when critical process equipment is experiencing problems and producing off-spec product. Based on the results provided, the best course of action to correct the problem can be identified in the least amount of time in order to save valuable process system downtime.

Topics: Process Diagnostics, Tru-Scan, Tray Damage, tower scan, process diagnostics technologies, tower scanning, trayed columns, flooded trays, beer column, process equipment, fouled trays, Process Diagnostics Technology, process diagnostics systems, tray fouling, mechanical integrity

Every refinery invests a tremendous amount of time and money in planning a unit turnaround. Scheduling of the tasks, manpower and equipment has to be detailed and thorough. In order to plan, information is needed about the process system so that critical tasks can be planned to meet turnaround time constraints. Some of this condition-based information is gathered using tools such as gamma scans, radiography, ultrasonic probes, vibration monitors, acoustic sensors, and other non-destructive techniques whilst the process is still operating. It is vital to be aware of any internal damage to distillation columns, heat exchangers, reactors, and other vessels to avoid surprises that can disrupt the turnaround schedule. Each day of downtime is a day of lost production, so it is critical that a turnaround is not extended due to unexpected repair work.

Topics: process vessels, Process Diagnostics, process diagnostics technologies, tracerco diagnostics, refractory depth, shutdown planning, refractory loss, process pipes, coke buildup, InDepth, turnaround schedules, refractory measurements, shutdowns, turnarounds, refractory lined pipes, coke deposits, Process Diagnostics Technology, turnaround planning, refractory lined vessels

In FCC Units (Fluidised Catalyst Cracking Units), the atmospheric residue from the distillation is cracked to LPG, naptha and other components. This sometimes leads to “invisible” deposits inside the riser.

Topics: optimising plant processing, plant processing, Process Diagnostics, process diagnostics technologies, tracerco diagnostics, optimising plant production, fcc unit, fccu unit refinery, fcc, fcc diagnostics, fccu process, fccu studies, cracking unit, fcc riser, fcc troubleshooting, fcc units, fcc unit process, fluid catalytic cracking diagnostics, fluid catalytic cracking services, fluid catalytic cracking unit, Process Diagnostics Technology, Catalytic cracking, fcc cracking, fcc process

Tru-Scan™ and Tru-Grid™ scans are powerful tools that give you valuable insights into packed and trayed towers, tanks, pipes and more. Using this field-proven predictive maintenance technique on distillation columns allows plant personnel to monitor tray or packing hydraulics. A sophisticated monitoring programme can track the effects of fouling or other incapacitating conditions to extend run times and identify maintenance requirements in advance of scheduled turnarounds.

Topics: Process Diagnostics, Distillation Column Performance, distillation tower scanning, distillation column maintenance, tower scan, gamma ray inspection distillation, gamma scan distillationcolumns, gamma scanning distillation columns, process diagnostics technologies, distillation column service, tower scanning, tracerco diagnostics, separation tower scanning, tower gamma scan, distillation tower scan, distillation column scan, distillation column scanning

This post is the second part of the "Diagnosing liquid maldistribution inside packed beds" series.

In the previous blog, we explained how Tracerco’s Tru-Grid™ Scan technologies can be used to diagnose suspected maldistribution in packed beds. In Part 2, we will discuss how we obtain more details on distribution within the packed bed.

A challenge to process engineers is diagnosing liquid maldistribution problems inside packed beds that can cause severe mass transfer efficiency loss. In industrial distillation columns, common examples of the cause of liquid maldistribution are design, manufacture or installation defects of distributors as well as damage, plugging and process disturbance of packed beds.

In this latest blog we will explain how following a Tru-Grid™ Scan, Tracerco’s ThruVision™ technology was able to obtain a more detailed liquid distribution profile of the packed bed.

Topics: optimising plant processing, plant processing, scanning technology, Process Diagnostics, distillation column, Distillation Column Performance, packed column performance, distillation tower scanning, annular liquid distribution, Liquid maldistribution, packed column, Suspected maldistribution, distillation column maintenance, ThruVision scan, Tracerco technologies, Suspected maldistribution in packed beds, ThruVision

This post is the first of the "Diagnosing liquid maldistribution inside packed beds" series.

A challenge to process engineers is diagnosing liquid maldistribution problems inside packed beds that can cause severe mass transfer efficiency loss. In industrial distillation columns, common examples of the cause of liquid maldistribution are design, manufacture or installation defects of distributors as well as damage, plugging and process disturbance of packed beds.

In this latest blog, we will explain using a case study approach how Tracerco's scanning technologies can be used to diagnose suspected maldistribution in packed beds.

The first step to determine liquid maldistribution in a packed column is to perform a Tracerco Tru-Grid™ Scan to provide an initial look at the liquid distribution in the packing.  A Tru-Grid™ scan consists of four equal-distant chords, one through each quadrant of the tower. Under ideal conditions and uniform liquid loadings, each scan plot will overlay closely with all others.

Topics: optimising plant processing, process systems, plant processing, scanning technology, Process Diagnostics, Gamma Scanning, Distillation Column Performance, packed column performance, distillation tower scanning, annular liquid distribution, Liquid maldistribution, packed column, Tru-Grid Scan, distillation column maintenance, Tracerco technologies, optimising plant production, Suspected maldistribution in packed beds