Optimize steam cracking with online NIR analysis
- BP Chemicals S.N.C., Lavera (France)
- Naphtachimie, Lavera (France)
- AMS Conseil, Martigues (France)
At Lavera, the steam cracker of Naphtachimie (a 50/50 subsidiary of BP Chemicals and Elf Atochem) was the first equipped with online NIR analysis of naphtha feedstock. The 24 furnaces of the plant produce more than 670,000 tpy of ethylene. Since 1991, these furnaces have been controlled by an in-house, online process control model that uses the 13 naphtha properties provided by the online NIR analyzer to adjust the furnaces` operating conditions in real time. The naphtha represents between 70% and 95% of the unit feedstock. With the high level of NIR spectroscopy repeatability and the robustness of in-house models based on more than 15 years of experience, optimization of steam cracker operations allows a substantial induced benefit in the range of $1 million/yr. Other NIR online applications have been installed at BP Lavera on major industrial units such as motor gasoline blending optimization and crude oil distillation monitoring. The paper describes the principle of operation, online NIR analysis, and advantages and benefits.
- OSTI ID:
- 163261
- Journal Information:
- Hydrocarbon Processing, Vol. 74, Issue 12; Other Information: PBD: Dec 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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