ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with on-stream analyzers which measure a physical property of a process stream. Prior to the introduction of on-stream analyzers, analyses were done in the laboratory on grab samples at intervals, and the results were reported to the process unit operator at some later time, permitting setpoint adjustments of parameters such as flow, temperature, pressure, and level. Distillation analyzers were introduced to provide data on the volatility characteristics of process streams and separation efficiency of distillation units. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Method D 86-IP-123 is the accepted laboratory standard for determining the boiling characteristics of petroleum products distilled at atmospheric pressure. Analyzer readouts are compared with laboratory determinations of the spot samples by ASTM Method D 86-IP-123. The standard laboratory procedure for measuring the flow characteristics of petroleum oils is given in ASTM Method D97–87. Plant analyzers are intended to correlate with ASTM Method D 56–90 and ASTM Method D 93–90-IP-34/85.
