14-03-2016

New digital analytical tool for the continuous monitoring of corrosion in refineries

Continuing its transformation into the world’s leading digital industrial company, GE today introduced a new online continuous monitoring system designed to improve corrosion protection in oil refineries. GE’s newly upgraded TrueSense* for Process - Crude Overhead Monitoring System (COMS) reduces corrosion and fouling, which increases the efficiency of refinery operations.

TrueSense for Process COMS provides real-time continuous on-stream measurements reliable enough to consistently control chemical injections. It was developed to improve corrosion protection of crude unit overhead systems by providing online continuous measurement of critical parameters such as pH, chlorides and corrosion probes. The digital system also automates chemical injection control in response to these measurements. By using GE’s TrueSense for Process COMS, refineries can reduce corrosion, extend equipment life and prevent the unexpected release of hydrocarbons into the atmosphere and environment.

Upgrades to the TrueSense platform include automated chloride measurement testing and corrosion probe readings, which previously were only available manually. In addition to increasing the frequency of the readings, now chloride and corrosion probe measurements are continuously uploaded to GE’s InSight* knowledge management solution.

“Since its introduction in 2010, GE's TrueSense digital platform has monitored, automated and optimized chemistry that has enabled our industrial customers to protect their assets. Our latest incarnation, TrueSense for Process COMS, is ideal for oil refineries and petrochemical plants where reduction of system corrosion and fouling is critical to a successful operation,” said Amy Ericson, global leader, chemical and monitoring solutions—water and process technologies for GE Power.

GE’s TrueSense for Process COMS can protect a crude overhead system from corrosion and help refineries reduce the risk of unscheduled shutdowns and maintenance expenses. The system can increase the life of equipment and improve reliability, profits and operational flexibility. When used in conjunction with GE’s cloud-based LoSALT* ionic equilibrium model, refineries can obtain greater quantification of system performance by automating system salt and dew point temperature calculations.