Determination of traceability of hydrocarbons in air separation plants

Hydrocarbons can be present in an air separation plant (ASP) due to various factors, including process leaks, system upsets, or external sources.

Here are some common sources of hydrocarbon presence in an ASP

• Feedstock Contamination

The air entering the ASP may contain hydrocarbons due to ambient air pollution or nearby industrial activities. These hydrocarbons can originate from sources such as vehicle emissions, industrial emissions, or natural gas leaks.

• System Leaks

Within the ASP itself, leaks can occur in pipes, valves, fittings, or other equipment. These leaks can introduce hydrocarbons into the system, which can then be carried along with the air stream during separation.

• Contaminated Equipment

In some cases, hydrocarbons can be present in the ASP due to the presence of hydrocarbon residues or contaminants in the equipment. This can happen if the equipment is improperly cleaned or maintenance procedures are not followed diligently.

Ideally, an ASP aims to produce high-purity nitrogen, oxygen, and other separated gases, with minimal or negligible hydrocarbon content. The presence of hydrocarbons in the process can have various implications, such as:

• Hydrocarbons can affect the purity and quality of the separated gases produced by the ASP. Some applications, such as electronics manufacturing or medical gas production, require extremely pure gases without any hydrocarbon contamination.
• Hydrocarbons can impact the efficiency of the ASP process. For example, certain hydrocarbons can act as contaminants that affect the performance and lifespan of process equipment, such as cryogenic systems or separation columns. Controlling hydrocarbon content helps ensure optimal process efficiency and minimize equipment degradation.

To manage hydrocarbon content in an ASP, several measures can be taken, including: