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Propane Odorization
To efficiently handle the distribution of propane from a single pipeline across a
wide geographical area, pipeline storage terminals are built along the pipeline.
At periodic intervals, propane is withdrawn from the pipeline and stored in
large horizontal cylinders. The delivery window to withdraw from the pipeline is
fixed, and it is critical that all delivery equipment be in good operating
condition to take the delivery. Any equipment failure can interrupt or stop
delivery. Lost propane deliveries equals lost sales . . . resulting in lost profits
for the terminal operator.
Propane is odorized as the propane is withdrawn from the pipeline. Odorant
injection equipment operating perfectly is critical to the terminal operation's
financial health. This is the primary reason why a propane terminal operator in
the upper Midwest invested in a more accurate, reliable and consistent
propane odorization system.
Positive displacement dosing pumps have been the traditional method for
metering odorant into propane. A flowmeter measures the propane delivered
to the terminal, and a control system commands the metering pump to
periodically inject a known quantity of mercaptan in the propane at a
frequency to meet the desired dosing rate. The stroke detector on the pump
sends a signal back to the control system as confirmation that odorant is
being injected.
If after a number of commands to stroke the pump there is no signal indicating
stroking, the terminal control system will stop delivery of propane. Problems
with the injection pump might put the delivery of propane into jeopardy.
Metering pump system seals must be replaced on a periodic basis. Pumpbased systems are typically set to overdose to compensate for any
inaccuracies, with the result being higher operating costs to purchase odorant.
A better solution was sought that would provide the following benefits:
The key technology in the liquid mass flow controller is the Coriolis sensor
tube. Coriolis sensor technology has been used in process flow metering
since the 1970s, but only recently has the technology been reduced in size to
meet the lower flow requirements for injection of chemicals like odorant.
Coriolis mass flow measurement technology is simply a momentum metering
device to determine fluid mass flow rate. A vibrating tube acts as the sensor.
The momentum of the fluid flowing through the tube will change the shape of
the tube as it vibrates. Detectors are used to measure the change in shape
and, when calibrated, a linear relationship exists between the degree of tube
twist and the fluid's mass flow rate.
Coriolis devices accurately measure fluid mass flow independent of fluid
properties such as viscosity and density. Water is used as the calibrating fluid
at the factory, and there is no change in accuracy when measuring
mercaptans. The measurement accuracy is better than 0.5 percent of rate,
and calibration can be NIST traceable. The controller system contains an
integrated control valve, which is sized to control the flow of odorant over the
range of delivery rates from summer to winter, 0.25 to 25 pounds of
odorant/hour.
To drive the fluid through the injector system, the mercaptan must be
pressurized to at least 60 psig above line pressure. Nitrogen gas
pressurization is not acceptable due to the volume of gas required and the
difficulty of disposing the mercaptan saturated gas during odorant tank
refilling.
Conclusion
The business results for the new system are positive. There have been no
propane delivery stoppages due to odorization equipment failures since
installation. The injection rate of odorant has been reduced from 1.5 to 1.2
pounds per 10,000 gallons due to the higher accuracy of the system. This has
resulted in chemical savings. The system provides a high level of
documentation that can be used to prove propane was odorized to meet DOT
minimum standards. Finally, the pump pressurization system has saved the
purchase cost and handling of nitrogen cylinders.
The basic design of this mass-based chemical injection system could be
applied to any application that requires critical dosing of a trace chemical into
a continuous flowing fluid.
Pumps & Systems, October 2010
About the Author
Wesley Sund is a marketing manager for Brooks Instrument LLC. Contact him
at wesley.sund@brooksinstrument.com.