Precise temperature monitoring for efficient amine processes

Process in focus

Gas treatment is one of the most energy-intensive steps in refinery production. In Pascagoula over 350,000 barrels of crude oil are processed daily – any inefficiency in the amine contactor column has an immediate impact on energy consumption, CO₂ emissions and product quality. To ensure stable reaction conditions, temperature profiles must be recorded precisely and monitored continuously.

Lack of transparency

Until now, engineers could only capture individual temperature values from the contactor column. These spot measurements did not allow any conclusions about the actual reaction zone. Whether the absorption had proceeded evenly or energy had been lost remained unclear. Without a complete picture of the heat distribution, precise process control was hardly possible – efficiency potential remained untapped.

Background: The amine column

• In the amine column, acidic gases such as CO₂ and H₂S are removed from the process gas.
• The chemical reaction releases heat and creates the “temperature bulge”, the temperature maximum in the column.

• An even temperature distribution indicates stable absorption.
• Deviations indicate process disturbances or energy losses.

Making efficiency visible together

Chevron sought a solution that would capture temperature profiles in the amine column, fully and continuously, without intrusion into the existing plant. Together with WIKA, a system was created that unites precise sensor technology and process understanding. The customised model TC96-M miniature multipoint thermocouple was tuned precisely to pressure, medium and temperature gradients – a solution that could be integrated directly into the ongoing operation.

Innovation in detail

The developed system consists of a 20-metre-long stainless steel tube with 16 type K thermocouples, distributed across 14 measuring points along the column. The system was inserted through an existing nozzle with minimal installation effort and was thus ready for use in no time. The precise signals are transmitted to the process control system (PCS) and visualised there in temperature profiles – a direct view into the interior of the process.

• Full process transparency: Precise temperature profile across the entire column.
• Higher efficiency: Reduced steam consumption by around 1,500 kg per hour.
• More safety: Real-time data enable early intervention.

• Sustainability: Lower CO₂ emissions and stable processes in the long term.
• Low-maintenance: Robust design for long operating periods and low costs.