Refinery Gas Analysis by Gas Chromatography

UOP Method 539-97: Refinery Gas Analysis by Gas Chromatography

In the dynamic world of petroleum refining and petrochemical manufacturing, precise compositional analysis of gaseous streams is not just beneficial – it's essential. UOP Method 539-97 stands as an industry-leading standard, providing a proven and authoritative approach to refinery gas analysis using gas chromatography. This comprehensive method ensures laboratories and process engineers have a reliable framework for understanding the complex mixtures that drive critical industrial operations.

What is UOP Method 539-97?

UOP Method 539-97, published by UOP and available through ASTM International, details an automated procedure for determining the molecular composition of refinery gas samples and expanded liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Its primary purpose is to equip professionals with a standardized, high-accuracy gas chromatographic technique for quantifying light hydrocarbons, non-condensable gases, and specific sulfur compounds.

Scope & Purpose

This standard governs the quantitative analysis of refinery gas streams, expanded LPG, and samples from natural gas sources. It specifies the determination of components such as hydrogen, helium, C1-C4 hydrocarbons, and C5 paraffins individually, while C5 olefins and C6+ hydrocarbons are reported as a composite. The method is designed for quantitative results ranging from 0.1 to 99.9 mol-% for most components, with specific allowances for hydrogen sulfide. It does not cover the separation of oxygen from argon.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Chemical Engineers, Laboratory Technicians, Analytical Chemists, and Process Engineers involved in the operation and quality control of refining, natural gas processing, and petrochemical facilities.
• • Industries affected: Petroleum Refining, Natural Gas Processing, Petrochemical Manufacturing, and related analytical service providers.
• • Compliance nature: While often adopted as a best practice, compliance with UOP methods can be a contractual requirement or a recommendation for achieving specific quality standards.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically verified through internal quality assurance programs, client audits, and potentially by regulatory bodies if specified by contract or local regulations.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires the use of a dedicated, automated gas chromatographic system capable of multi-column, multi-detector operation. Professionals must ensure the system is configured to perform the specific separations outlined, utilizing appropriate columns and carrier gases. Key provisions include the injection of samples via dual sampling valves and the application of thermal conductivity detection for component quantification. The method also mandates the use of calibrated gas blends to establish response factors and ensure accurate, normalized results.

Related Standards & References

UOP Method 539-97 is often used in conjunction with other analytical standards. For instance, ASTM D1945 provides a complementary method for the analysis of natural gas by gas chromatography, while ASTM D2593 details the analysis of liquified petroleum gases (LPG) by gas chromatography. These standards, along with UOP Method 539-97, form a robust suite for comprehensive hydrocarbon stream analysis in the industry.