Petrochemical · Ammonia Detection · Catalyst Protection

Ammonia in Ethylene/Propylene Monitoring

Critical monitoring of ammonia contamination in ethylene and propylene streams to protect valuable catalysts and ensure consistent polymer production quality.

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< 0.5 ppm Detection Limit
< 30s Response Time
Reliable Operation
20+ Years Experience

Protecting Polymer Production from Catalyst Poisoning

Ammonia contamination in ethylene and propylene feedstreams poses a critical threat to polymer production processes. Even trace levels of ammonia can cause irreversible catalyst deactivation, leading to reduced polymer quality, increased production costs, and extended downtime.

Impact of Ammonia Contamination

  • Catalyst Deactivation: Irreversible poisoning of Ziegler-Natta and metallocene catalysts
  • Product Quality: Reduced molecular weight, altered polymer properties
  • Economic Impact: High catalyst replacement costs per incident
  • Production Loss: Extended downtime for catalyst replacement and system cleaning
  • Off-Specification Product: Material that must be downgraded or recycled

⚠️ Critical Detection Levels

Sub-ppm Detection Required

Catalyst poisoning can occur at ammonia levels well below 1 ppm

Ethylene Streams < 0.5 ppm NH₃
Propylene Streams < 0.3 ppm NH₃
Response Time < 30 seconds
Accuracy ±2% Full Scale

Sources of Ammonia Contamination

Understanding contamination sources is essential for implementing effective monitoring strategies and preventive measures.

🏭 Upstream Process Sources

  • Steam Cracker Operations: Nitrogen-containing feedstock impurities
  • Catalyst Regeneration: Ammonia formation during catalyst treatments
  • Amine Treatment Units: Carryover from acid gas removal systems
  • Water Contamination: Ammonia in process water systems
  • Nitrogen Purge Systems: Contaminated utility gases
Primary Risk Process upset conditions
Detection Point Post-separation units

🚛 Distribution & Storage

  • Pipeline Cross-Contamination: Shared infrastructure with ammonia products
  • Storage Tank Residues: Previous ammonia storage in tanks
  • Transfer Operations: Loading/unloading contamination events
  • Equipment Cleaning: Inadequate purging after maintenance
  • Valve Leakage: Cross-contamination through valve seats
Primary Risk Batch contamination
Detection Point Storage outlets

🌍 External Sources

  • Supplier Contamination: Contaminated feedstock from suppliers
  • Atmospheric Infiltration: Environmental ammonia ingress
  • Utility Systems: Contaminated nitrogen or instrument air
  • Adjacent Facilities: Cross-contamination from nearby plants
  • Transport Vessels: Ship/truck contamination
Primary Risk Episodic events
Detection Point Receiving terminals

Advanced Detection Technology Solutions

Purpose-built technologies optimized for ultra-sensitive ammonia detection in hydrocarbon matrices.

🔬 Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS)

Advanced IMS technology optimized for ammonia detection in hydrocarbon matrices with exceptional selectivity and sensitivity.

Detection Limit 50 ppb NH₃
Measurement Range 50 ppb to 100 ppm
Response Time < 30 seconds
Accuracy ±2% Full Scale
Repeatability < 5% RSD

Key Advantages

  • No interference from hydrocarbons
  • Continuous real-time monitoring
  • No consumable gases required
  • Minimal maintenance requirements
  • Fast response for process protection

Comprehensive Monitoring Strategy

Strategic implementation ensuring complete protection across all critical process points.

📍 Critical Monitoring Points

  • Feedstock Receiving: Incoming ethylene/propylene verification
  • Storage Tank Outlets: Product withdrawal monitoring
  • Reactor Feed Lines: Final protection before polymerization
  • Transfer Operations: Loading/unloading quality control
  • Catalyst Feed Systems: Protect catalyst preparation areas
Priority Reactor feed protection
Coverage Multi-point monitoring

🔧 Sampling Considerations

  • Sample Conditioning: Pressure and temperature regulation
  • Line Heating: Prevent condensation in sample lines
  • Material Selection: Inert materials to prevent contamination
  • Purge Systems: Maintain representative sampling
  • Calibration Access: Easy calibration gas introduction
Materials 316SS, Hastelloy
Heating 120°C trace heating

🚨 Response Actions

  • Early Warning: Alert at 50% of action limit
  • Feed Diversion: Automatic switching to backup tanks
  • Process Shutdown: Protect catalyst from contamination
  • Root Cause Analysis: Investigate contamination source
  • Corrective Actions: Implement preventive measures
Response Time < 30 seconds
Integration DCS/PLC systems

Complete Solution Package

Comprehensive implementation including hardware, software, training, and ongoing support for maximum value realization.

🔧 Hardware & Installation

  • Analyzer systems and enclosures
  • Sample conditioning systems
  • Calibration gas systems
  • Communication interfaces
  • Professional installation and commissioning
  • Performance validation testing
Installation Time 2-4 weeks
Certification ATEX/IECEx available

🎓 Training & Support

  • Operator training programs
  • Maintenance procedures
  • Remote diagnostics capability
  • Preventive maintenance contracts
  • Application engineering support
Training Duration 3-5 days on-site
Support Response < 4 hours

📋 Validation & Documentation

  • Performance validation testing
  • NIST-traceable calibration certificates
  • Complete documentation packages
  • Compliance reporting tools
  • Quality assurance protocols
  • Method validation support
Calibration NIST-traceable
Documentation Complete IQ/OQ/PQ

Protect Your Polymer Production Investment

Don't let ammonia contamination compromise your valuable catalysts and production capacity. Our proven monitoring solutions provide the early warning capabilities you need to protect your process and maintain consistent product quality.

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Sub-ppm Detection · Catalyst Protection · Process Integration · Proven Performance