Description
The Olefins production process converts hydrocarbon feedstocks into key light olefins primarily ethylene, propylene, and butylenes which serve as fundamental building blocks for the petrochemical industry. As illustrated in the process scheme, olefins derived from steam cracking and refinery streams are routed through multiple catalytic and chemical pathways to produce a wide range of derivatives, including polyethylene, ethylene oxide, styrene, acrylonitrile, propylene oxide, butadiene, and various alcohols and solvents. This integrated network enables flexible product slates to meet downstream polymer and chemical demand.
Accurate analytical and process instrumentation are critical to maintain cracker severity, protect catalysts, and ensure consistent product purity across the olefins value chain. Typical monitoring objectives include hydrocarbon composition, oxygen and moisture control, hydrogen and carbon monoxide measurement, and process condition verification. Our solutions support olefins complexes with advanced online analyzers and instrumentation helping operators optimize yields, safeguard process units, and maintain reliable, high-efficiency plant operation
Parameter
Potential Technology
Ethylene / Propylene / C₄ composition
TCD, TDL, FID
BTU / Wobbe Index (fuel gas)
Residual Oxygen
Oxygen (O₂) in process
Paramagnetic or Zirconia O₂ analyzer
Trace oxygen (ppm)
Paramagnetic or Zirconia O₂ analyzer
Moisture in olefin streams
Fabry Perot Interferometer
Hydrogen purity
TCD
CO / CO₂ in process gas
TCD, TDL, FID
Ethylene oxide reactor O₂ safety
Paramagnetic or Zirconia O₂ analyzer
Combustible gas leak (HC/H₂)
IR, TDL
Toxic gas monitoring (CO, HCl etc.)
IR, TDL
Mercury in feed gas (if NGL feed)
CVAAS
Cooling/boiler water DO
Optical luminescence
Wastewater TOC/COD
Thermal combustion, UV persulfate, super critical water oxidation
Oil-in-water monitoring
Capacitance
Chemical concentration (glycol, solvents)
Ultrasonic concentration
Sample handling / dosing
Peristaltic pump
Water quality packages
colorimeter, ISE(Ion-selective electrode)