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Introduction

Process instrumentation for Air Separation Units (ASUs)

Air separation units (ASUs) separate air into nitrogen and oxygen. The process relies on cryogenic distillation, which capitalizes on the different boiling points of these gases at low temperatures. ASUs supply nitrogen for ammonia synthesis and this nitrogen is subsequently combined with green hydrogen in a reactor. Accurate process measurement equipment is vital to minimize safety risks and ensure efficient operations and high-quality industrial gases.

Parameters

Focus on key process parameters

Monitor pressure in the compressor reliably

Monitoring pressure is essential to ensure ideal intake conditions and to protect the compressor from damage due to low or fluctuating pressure.

Measure temperature precisely

Accurate temperature measurements ensure both efficient liquefaction and effective separation of nitrogen, oxygen and argon.

Keep track of the liquid level in the reboiler

Ensuring sufficient liquid for vaporization is crucial for stable operations. Reliably monitoring the liquid level in the reboiler also avoids damage.

Pressure measurement

Maintain compressor safety with Endress+Hauser pressure transmitters

Pressure measurement in ASU compressors faces significant challenges due to extreme operating conditions. High pressures, often exceeding 100 bar, demand specialized sensors. Pressure pulsations and vibrations caused by compressor operation can damage sensors and skew readings. Cerabar PMP71B provides:

  • Robustness and longevity.
  • Simple indication of device status - display changes from green to red when diagnostic messages occur.
  • Reduce systematic failures thanks to error-free SIL commissioning and instrument guided proof testing.
Temperature measurement

Enhance process safety with robust temperature sensors

Temperature measurement in ASU distillation columns presents unique challenges due to the cryogenic environment. Maintaining accuracy and stability at such low temperatures can be difficult, as sensor drift and calibration issues become more prevalent. iTHERM TM131 ensures:

  • Second process barrier with failure indication offering valuable health status information.
  • iTHERM StrongSens: unsurpassed vibration resistance (> 60g) for ultimate plant safety.
  • International certification: explosion protection according to ATEX, IECEx, CSA C/US and NEPSI.
Level measurement

Reliable level measurement with guided wave radar for enhanced reboiler efficiency

Level measurement in reboilers of ASU distillation columns poses challenges due to the cryogenic temperatures and multiphase flow conditions. The extreme cold can affect the accuracy of traditional level sensors, while the presence of both liquid and vapor phases can lead to inaccurate readings. Specialized level measurement with Levelflex FMP54 offers:

  • Reliable measurement even for changing product and process conditions.
  • Highest reliability due to new Multi-Echo Tracking evaluation.
  • Hardware and software developed according to IEC 61508 up to SIL3.

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