Chemical industry processes produce process gases that, depending on their composition and whether or not there is a demand for them, are disposed of as waste or can or should be used as an energy source or raw material. This is the case in particular in industrial parks where the principle of an economical interconnected operation includes the supply and use of combustible gases among different areas, such as between a chemical plant and a gas-fired power plant. For fiscally correct accounting between the areas, the supplied energy quantity and, if necessary, the composition of the gases must be determined on a continuous basis.

UNION Instruments uses its continuously operating EMS2005 energy quantity measurement system, which is approved for fiscal measurements, for this application. It consists of a calorimeter of the proven CWD2005 series with additional moisture sensor, gas quantity meter, and calibrated energy converter. The measured value that is extracted in an intrinsically-safe manner across an explosion-protection barrier corresponds to the energy quantity delivered in each case. If required, a gas analyzer from the INCA device series can also be used.

The measurement technology shown enables owners of integrated plants to supply each other with process gases on a fiscally explicit basis. This is a critical requirement for an energy-efficient, economical integrated system and contributes to energy saving and cost reduction.

In chemical plants, combustible gas (waste gas) is released and combusted in flares. The quality of the waste gases varies widely. To ensure that the flare burns continuously, the gas must contain a minimum amount of combustible gases. Natural gas is added as necessary.

UNION Instruments offers an optimally equipped version of its CWD online gas analyzer as a solution for this. This determines the heating value and the Wobbe index of the gas. The measured values serve as a control variable for any needed natural gas addition. The special method of the CWD can process all combustible and non-combustible gases. For physical reasons, there are no errors due to overlaps (such as oxygen). The device is characterized by very high accuracy and is approved for custody transfer in Germany.

The composition of the combustion gas influences the combustion characteristics and efficiency. The use of the CWD assures optimal operating conditions for the flare and prevents problems that can lead to a total shutdown. For auxiliary-fired flares, an optimal control of the auxiliary firing is achieved.