Problem: Valero Energy Corporation needed a safe way of monitoring and measuring hydrofluoric (HF) acid levels in real time. Commonly used in petroleum processing, HF is a highly toxic catalyst. Accurately analysing how much HF is re-circulating within the process contributes to refinery efficiency, but early approaches to monitoring involved taking manual samples and analysing them. This method potentially exposed lab workers to severe toxins and its accuracy was limited.
Solution: Invensys Operations Management has signed a multi-year licensing agreement with Valero Energy Corporation, allowing use of its ACA.HF Advanced Alkylation Measurement Solution. In the first phase, Valero will implement the solution at seven refineries globally.
The Invensys solution monitors and measures hydrofluoric acid levels in real time by analysing differential responses from online sensors, helping to improve the safety, reliability and environmental performance of the refinery and creating new opportunities to reduce operating costs.
By using real-time online sensors instead of people, the measurement solution reduces the possibility of accidental exposure, diminishing the risk to employees and the potential for environmental hazards. And because it replaces conventional manual laboratory sampling and other types of analysis, it can improve the efficiency of the operation while lowering costs.
Invensys Operations Management
T: 01295 526000
