In petrochemistry, excess hydrocarbon gases can be profitably turned into high-quality alkylate petrol through refinement and cracking – for use for example in modern engines. The first part of the procedure involves isomerising the n-butane (alkane) by dehydrogenation. This creates an approx. 50/50 mixture of isobutane and isobutylene, which is further processed by way of olefin pretreatment, followed by an alkylation process, through which the gaseous olefins are obtained catalytically using concentrated sulphuric acid or fluoric acid at low temperatures. Downstream treatment of the process cooling water takes place outside of the explosive area. Compared to direct alkylation of isobutylene, this technology offers cost advantages to the operator, as the output of alkylate petrol is doubled. Moreover, as the supply of butane is increasing across the globe, it is often worthwhile for operators to convert their existing MTBE plants to this type of process.

Thanks to many years of experience in the area of petrochemistry, KROHNE has a wide range of suitable measuring equipment for use in piping and tanks for oil and gas applications. This includes, for example, flowmeters and level transmitters for use in explosive areas in processes involving hydrocarbons, as well as corrosive liquids such as sulphuric acid. Our level transmitters allow continuous, non-contact measurement in both very small and very large storage and process tanks – even at difficult to access measuring points. Conductivity sensors (both conductive and inductive) and sensors for other water parameters complete the extensive range for cooling water treatment in olefin processing.