Distillation Analysis: Online Boiling Range Analyzer
Online measurement of the distillation (boiling point distribution) profile of petroleum products: Icon Scientific Di and Tetra distillation analyzer systems.
What is distillation analysis and why is it done?
Distillation (boiling range) analysis shows how much of a petroleum product evaporates at given temperatures. This profile, drawn from the initial to the final boiling point, is a core part of the quality specifications of products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and naphtha. In refineries, setting the cut point correctly in side draw and product streams of distillation columns is directly linked to product yield and quality. Because laboratory analysis can take hours, online analysis speeds up column control.
Where is distillation measured?
- Crude and vacuum distillation units: In side draw streams.
- Product lines and blending units: In gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and naphtha streams.
- Pre-shipment product lines: In quality verification.
How is distillation measured?
An online distillation analyzer automates the laboratory distillation method. The sample is taken from the line and evaporated by heating under controlled conditions; the boiling point distribution is obtained from the relationship between the amount of sample evaporated and temperature. The result is updated at measurement cycle intervals and transferred to the control system. Alongside these analyzers, Tetra prepares distillation and nitrogen analyzers as complete systems for single- or dual-stream, low- or high-temperature applications, together with sample preparation, verification and recovery units.
Choosing a distillation analyzer
- Product type and relevant specification parameters
- Single or dual stream; low or high temperature
- Sampling and conditioning design
- Hazardous area and cabinet requirements
Distillation analysis with Tetra
Tetra supplies the Icon Scientific Di online distillation analyzer and carries out analyzer, sample line and cabinet integration at its own facility. It also prepares distillation and nitrogen analyzers as complete single- or dual-stream systems with sample preparation, verification and recovery units. Installation, commissioning, calibration and service are provided in Türkiye by Tetra.
Frequently asked questions
What do IBP, T50, T90 and FBP mean in distillation results?
IBP is the initial boiling point and FBP is the final boiling point. Values such as T10, T50, T90 and T95 show the temperatures at which 10, 50, 90 and 95 percent of the sample respectively has evaporated or been recovered. Product specifications generally limit some of these points; results are given in °C.
Which laboratory method is an online distillation analyzer compared with?
The most common reference for atmospheric distillation of petroleum products is the ASTM D86 method. Gas chromatography-based simulated distillation (e.g. ASTM D2887) is also used for some products, but its results are not directly the same as D86. The method to which the online analyzer is correlated should be made clear during commissioning.
What causes incorrect results in a distillation analyzer?
Loss of light components in the sample line or contamination of the sample with a heavy fraction shifts the profile. Deviations in the heater and temperature sensor, problems with condenser cooling and residue accumulating in the measurement cell also affect the result. Regular cleaning and checks with a reference sample reveal these errors early.
Can indirect methods such as NIR be used for distillation?
Spectroscopic methods such as NIR can estimate distillation points through a correlation model built on laboratory data. This approach is not a direct physical measurement; the model may need updating when the product type or crude oil changes. Distillation analyzers that measure directly need no model maintenance, but they require sample system and consumables maintenance.
Products measuring this parameter
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