This paper will discuss how a multipoint thermocouple assembly provides a complete temperature profile that allows operators to know precisely where most of the acid gas removal is taking place and will showcase a refinery case study. With that information, operators can make adjustments to the flow rate to minimize the unit’s energy consumption and maximize efficiency. Our multipoint thermocouples are easily retrofitted into existing amine contactor columns, often through an unused nozzle or old thermowell location. The array is threaded through the contactor trays and sized so that there is a measuring junction at specific tray heights. Typically 18 trays are instrumented for temperature; this is enough to give a clear picture of how the amine column is performing and whether any adjustments are needed to keep the exothermic reaction at the right column level.
A miniature multipoint thermocouple uses a linear multipoint design with multiple junctions inside a single sheath. This allows for a larger number of thermocouples in a small cross-sectional area and minimum interference with the process flow in the contactor. The thermocouples are ungrounded and available in a variety of types and sheath metallurgies. The sheath passes through contactor trays and is supported by specialized hardware that is easily assembled in the field and does not require any welding or hot work during installation.
Alina Green is a Market Segment Manager responsible for the US Market in the chemical industry. She has been in the industry for more than 10 years, working in operations, project management and business development, providing technical solutions for major Oil & Gas operators. She has worked for Schlumberger and WIKA and is experienced in application and product technical support. Alina has published multiple case studies and has been a speaker at the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). Alina is a professional member of AIChE, Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and Project Management Institute (PMI).
Source: Alina Green of WIKA Group