MULTIPOINT THERMOCOUPLE UPGRADE
CATEGORY: Petrochemical Industry
PRODUCTS: Multipoint Temperature Assemblies
DATE: August, 2021
Background
The petrochemical industry demands high levels of precision, efficiency, and safety, especially in catalyst tank operations. Accurate temperature monitoring is essential for ensuring optimal reaction conditions and product quality. At one specific facility, the existing single-point thermocouple system presented limitations in monitoring temperature variations within the tank. These limitations led to inefficient reactions and posed safety risks due to the inability to detect temperature anomalies. The situation highlighted the pressing need for a more advanced temperature monitoring system capable of providing real-time, multi-point data.
SOLUTION
Addressing the facility’s challenges required a comprehensive approach. Thermo Electric Instrumentation were approached due to our highly specialised capabilities and experience in advanced temperature monitoring solutions. Our team worked in partnership with the engineering contractors who performed a meticulous site audit. From this, we recommended transitioning to a multipoint thermocouple system. This system was custom-engineered to fit the tank’s dimensions and operational requirements, thereby providing a full, three-dimensional temperature profile of the entire tank.
Using advanced simulation tools, the thermocouples were optimally placed within the tank to capture the most relevant temperature data. A significant addition was the real-time data analytics and reporting feature, enabling instant access to temperature profiles and facilitating immediate adjustments to process variables such as reactant flow rates and stirrer speeds.
To ensure the system’s optimal use, comprehensive staff training was offered, covering everything from system operation to data interpretation, enabling the onsite engineers to make more informed operational decisions.
Customised Services
From the initial consultation to final implementation, we provided a highly personalised service. The multipoint thermocouple system was not just an off-the-shelf solution; it was meticulously tailored to meet the facility's specific challenges and requirements. Continuous customer engagement and updates ensured that the system was not just technically robust, but also perfectly aligned with the facility's operational objectives.
ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE
Our engineering excellence played a significant role in the project's success. Utilising state-of-the-art design software and simulation tools, the thermocouples and their corresponding placements were optimised to an extraordinary level of precision. This commitment to engineering excellence was further evident in our emphasis on staff training, ensuring not just the robustness of the system but also its optimal utilisation.
RESULTS
The upgrade to the multipoint thermocouple system resulted in several significant operational improvements:
- Enhanced Safety: The new system’s ability to detect temperature variations substantially reduced the risk of overheating and other hazardous conditions.
- Improved Efficiency: The richer data set enabled more precise control over the reaction process, leading to a more efficient use of resources.
- Cost Savings: Better process control and efficiency reduced the need for corrective actions, thereby saving both time and money.
- Operational Excellence: The staff’s ability to make data-driven decisions significantly improved, courtesy of the training provided.
- Compliance and Sustainability: More precise temperature control resulted in a process more in line with environmental regulations.
In summary, the multipoint thermocouple system upgrade has not just resolved the immediate challenges but has also set a new standard for operational efficiency and safety across the plant.
