Cloud Point Process Analyzers
Cloud Point Process Analyzer is intended for use in the petrochemical industry. It serves for fully automatic determination of the cloud point of transparent, liquid hydrocarbons in the production process.In many petrochemical production facilities it is necessary to determine the cloud point of mineral oil products . A sample is cooled under defined conditions and the cloud point of the product is monitored. The temperature at which a cloud of paraffin crystals first precipitates leading to clouding of the product is known as the cloud point.Determination of the paraffin concentration in liquid hydrocarbons is highly important for further processing as well as for the usability of mineral oil products. Moreover, determination of the cloud point can also be used for internal purposes such as checking the parameters for process optimization or checking sales standards.
Application
The cloud point process analyzer is an analyzer for the fully automatic determination of the cloud point (CP) of liquid, transparent mineral oil products. The cloud point process analyzer operates online. It serves to monitor or maintain product quality for the in-spec production of mixtures such as diesel fuel and heating oil.
Measurement principle
The product sample is cooled under defined conditions and its turbidity is observed. The temperature at which a cloud of paraffin crystals first appears, is known as the cloud point. The low- temperature behavior of liquid mineral oil products is very important for their usage, as it affects their ability to be pumped, transported and filtered. The cloud point is used as an internal process control parameter, or to test standard products offered for sale. The cloud point process analyzer uses a photometric measurement principle. The cloud point is determined by light scattering (diffuse reflection) caused by finely dispersed colloids which are formed when the product sample in the measuring cell is cooled. The degree of crystallization of the paraffins in the product correlates with the cold energy delivered to the sample. The crystals are finely divided particles which scatter and absorb light or other electromagnetic radiation. The scattering depends on the number of particles, the difference in refractive index between the liquid and solids, and the wavelength of the light. The measured cloud point is the temperature at which a set limit for the scattering is exceeded. The complete analysis procedure is controlled, monitored and visualized by the cloud point process analyzer system software. It offers a user interface for local analyzer operation. At the end of the analysis cycle, in addition to the standard analog 4 - 20 mA CP signal, a digital output signal can be generated (programmable). During the analysis, an optional, galvanically separated 4 - 20 mA signal can also be used.