System for determining the composition of an industrial gas circulating in an installation, installation and associated measurement method

Abstract

System for determining the composition of an industrial gas circulating in an installation, installation and associated measurement method. The system (10) comprises a gas sampling device (32) and an analyzer (38). It is reversibly connectable / disconnectable from a volume (16) of circulating industrial gas. The sampling device (32) includes a detachable fitting (50A, 50B; 50D), a sampling system (34), and a pumping system (36) for conveying at least a fraction of the sampled industrial gas to the sampling system (34). The analyzer (38) includes a measuring cell (130) for a fraction of the sampled industrial gas received in the sampling system (34), at least one measuring probe (170A, 170B) for placement in the measuring cell (130), and an analysis unit (172) for the compounds present in the industrial gas.The analysis unit (172) is offset from the sampling system (34), the analyzer (38) comprising at least one line (174A, 174B) extending between the sampling system (34) and the analysis unit (172). Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 4.

Description

Title of the invention: System for determining the composition of an industrial gas circulating in an installation, installation and associated measurement method

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for determining the composition of an industrial gas circulating in an installation, comprising:

[0002] - a device for sampling industrial gas in a circulating volume of the industrial gas and an analyzer connected to the sampling device, the analyzer being configured to characterize a composition of compounds present in the industrial gas.

[0003] Such a system is intended in particular to identify and quantify the compounds present in an industrial gas circulating in an installation, in particular an industrial gas intended to be discharged from the installation after combustion in a flare.

[0004] The compounds to be identified and quantified in industrial gas are, for example, methane, hydrocarbons, in particular C2 to C5 or C5+ hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, oxygen and / or nitrogen.

[0005] Concerns about environmental protection have contributed to the strengthening of legislation on polluting emissions, particularly in Europe.

[0006] As a result, industrial units, such as those in the oil or chemical industry, must adapt to increasingly demanding environmental constraints.

[0007] In particular, greenhouse gases are emitted during the extraction, transport, refining, and storage of hydrocarbons. These emissions are monitored by operators and are regularly subject to reduction measures.

[0008] In particular, it is necessary to characterize what the sources of greenhouse gases are and what the quantities emitted by these sources are in order to ensure their control and to report the progress made.

[0009] Among the measurements carried out, it is useful to determine the methane destruction efficiency in the gases released from a flare. To this end, WO2021 / 234017 proposes to carry out measurements of the ratios of methane and carbon dioxide concentrations directly in a plume from the flare, as well as a measurement of the emitted carbon dioxide flux, using an instrumented drone.

[0010] By a mass balance of the combustion, carried out from an estimated composition of the industrial gas leaving the flare, it is possible to go back to the flow of methane actually emitted, even if the methane contents in the plume are very low.

[0011] The industrial gas compositions currently used to determine methane destruction efficiencies by combustion mass balance are often derived from compositions determined during the design of the unit or are sometimes obtained from samples taken during operation.

[0012] In any event, in the absence of on-site industrial gas analyzers, there is uncertainty about the composition of the industrial gas actually brought to the flare at the time of the drone measurements, which may affect the uncertainty in calculating the methane destruction efficiency from the drone measurements.

[0013] Furthermore, knowledge of the composition of the industrial gas intended to be flared is also useful in an industrial setting, to consolidate the correlations between the actual molar composition and the estimated molecular weight on the ultrasonic flow meters which already equip a substantial number of flare lines operated in industrial units.

[0014] Such knowledge of the composition also makes it possible to estimate a calorific value of the industrial gas intended to be flared, which is an important operational parameter to ensure good destruction efficiency in the flare.

[0015] This is particularly relevant in units where the molar proportion of carbon is variable in the flared gases. Such variations can exist in a large number of operational situations, including when C2+ contents fluctuate, when the composition of self-produced fuel gas varies, when a leak of unknown origin spills into the industrial gas network intended for the flare, when a nitrogen or steam purge is carried out upstream, or when there are fluctuations in the hydrogen content in the industrial gas.

[0016] In some units, analysis systems are permanently installed. This requires significant investment costs, particularly related to unit shutdown, the installation of permanent sampling lines within the unit, and civil engineering work to house the analyzer. Furthermore, the determination system must be regularly calibrated and maintained, which generates operating costs.

[0017] Installing a permanent analysis system on each industrial site therefore represents a significant investment and significant delays before equipping all sites of interest.

[0018] An object of the invention is to have a system for determining the composition of industrial gases which is simple and inexpensive to implement, and which can be adapted to a large number of industrial installations, in order to obtain more accurate measurement results and / or to reliably calibrate simple measurement systems such as an ultrasonic flowmeter.

[0019] To this end, the invention relates to a determination system of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the determination system is connectable / disconnectable reversibly of the industrial gas circulation volume, the sampling device comprising at least one fitting for sampling industrial gas in the circulation volume, the determination system further comprising a sampling system, and a pumping system, intended to convey at least a fraction of the industrial gas sampled to the sampling system, the analyzer comprising a measuring cell for at least a fraction of the industrial gas sampled received in the sampling system, at least one measuring probe intended to be placed in or opposite the measuring cell, and an analysis unit for the compounds present in the industrial gas from a measurement made by the measuring probe(s) in the measuring cell, the analysis unit being located away from the sampling system, the analyzer comprising at least one line extending between the sampling system and the analysis unit.

[0020] The determination system according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically feasible combination: - it includes a container configured to hold the sampling device, the pumping system, the sampling system, and the analyzer, to move them together in the vicinity of the circulation volume, at least the sampling device being configured to be extracted from the container in order to connect the fitting or each fitting to the circulation volume; - it includes a chassis that is movable relative to the container between a position received in the container and a position extracted from the container, the movable chassis carrying at least one of the sampling device, the pumping system, and the sampling system; - the pumping system includes at least one pumping loop comprising an inlet connected to the removable industrial gas sampling fitting, an outlet, and a pump module, interposed on the pumping loop to pump industrial gas sampled from the inlet to the outlet, the pumping loop being advantageously supported by a pumping loop frame, the pump module being advantageously supported by a pump module frame; - the pumping loop includes a sampler configured to sample a fraction of the industrial gas sampled circulating in the pumping mouth, the sampling system being configured to receive the fraction of industrial gas sampled by the sampler; - the sampling device includes at least one removable fitting intended for returning the sampled industrial gas to the circulation volume; - it includes a removable fitting for drawing industrial gas from the circulation volume, and an additional removable fitting for returning the drawn industrial gas to the circulation volume; - the sampling device includes a common removable fitting for sampling industrial gas in the circulation volume, and for returning industrial gas sampled in the circulation volume, the common removable fitting comprising at least one industrial gas sampling probe connected to an inlet of the pumping system, and a sleeve surrounding at least part of the probe, connected to an outlet of the pumping system to return the sampled industrial gas to the circulation volume, the probe being configured to be positioned protruding from the sleeve; - the analysis unit includes at least one optical analysis unit, at least one measuring probe being an optical measuring probe; - the optical analysis unit includes a Raman spectrometer; - the measuring cell and the measuring probe(s) are disposed at a distance from the analysis unit in the sampling system, the sampling system comprising a sampling loop configured to bring at least a fraction of the industrial gas taken by the pumping system to an inlet of the measuring cell, the sampling loop advantageously connecting an output of the measuring cell to the pumping system, the at least one extending between the sampling system and the analysis unit comprising at least one line connecting the measuring probe(s) to the analysis unit, in particular a fiber optic line; - the measuring cell and the measuring probe(s) are arranged in the analysis unit, the sampling system including a device for sending at least a fraction of the industrial gas sampled to the analyzer, the at least one line extending between the sampling system and the analysis unit including a gas transport line, connecting the sending device to the measuring cell; - at least one line extending between the sampling system and the analysis unit has a length greater than 10 m, in particular a length between 20 m and 100 m; - the system includes at least one gas containment chamber, receiving at least part of the sampling device, the pumping system, and / or the sampling system.

[0021] The invention also relates to an installation comprising at least one industrial unit producing an industrial gas, and at least one circulation volume of industrial gas produced by the industrial unit, the installation comprising a determination system as defined above, movable within the industrial unit, the sampling device of the determination system being configured to connect and disconnect reversibly to the circulation volume.

[0022] The installation according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination: - the industrial unit includes a combustion system, in particular a flare, located downstream of the circulation volume, the combustion system being configured to carry out combustion of the industrial gas, the circulation volume being a conduit or a capacity for circulating the industrial gas towards the combustion system; - the industrial unit includes a first high-pressure industrial gas circulation capacity, and a second low-pressure industrial gas circulation capacity, the determination system comprising a first sampling device connected to the first high-pressure capacity, and a second sampling device connected to the low-pressure capacity, the industrial gas sampled from the first high-pressure capacity and from the second low-pressure capacity being analyzed by the same analyzer.

[0023] The invention also relates to a method for determining the composition of an industrial gas circulating in an installation comprising the following steps:

[0024] - bringing a determination system as defined above into the vicinity of a gas circulation volume;

[0025] - reversibly connecting to the circulation volume of at least one connection removable industrial gas sampling device in the circulation volume;

[0026] - industrial gas sampling in the circulation volume;

[0027] - pumping at least a fraction of the industrial gas collected by the system of pumping to the sampling system, and circulation of the fraction of industrial gas collected in the measuring cell;

[0028] - measurement of the industrial gas fraction by the measuring probe or each probe placed in or opposite the measurement cell and analysis of the measurement by the analysis unit to determine compounds present in the industrial gas.

[0029] The method according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination: - the industrial gas circulating in the circulation volume is sent to a combustion system, in particular to a flare, to be burned.

[0030] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - [Fig.1] The [Fig.1] is a schematic view of an installation on land or at sea comprising a flare and a system according to the invention for determining the composition of an industrial gas circulating in the installation, in particular a flare gas; - [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a detailed view of the determination system according to 1' invention, mounted in a removable manner on an industrial gas circulation volume, in the installation of the [Fig.1]; - [Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a detailed view of an assembly detail of a variant of the determination system according to the invention; - [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a functional diagram describing the main components of the determination system according to the invention; - [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a view of a Raman spectrum obtained by an analyzer of the determination system according to the invention, for the quantification of compounds contained in industrial gas; - [Fig. 6] [Fig. 6] is a functional diagram analogous to [Fig. 4], describing the main components of a variant of the determination system according to the invention;

[0031] A connectable / disconnectable system 10 for determining the composition of an industrial gas is intended to be used in an installation 12 shown in [Fig.1].

[0032] The determination system 10 is intended in particular to qualify and quantify the composition of industrial gas in different gaseous compounds, these gaseous compounds including for example methane, hydrocarbons, in particular hydrocarbons in C2 to C5 or in C5+, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, oxygen and / or nitrogen.

[0033] The installation 12 is located on land or on a body of water, such as a sea, an ocean, a lake, or a river. The installation 12 includes, for example, a production unit 14 generating the industrial gas, and at least a volume 16 for circulating the industrial gas within the installation 12.

[0034] The production unit 14 producing industrial gases is for example an upstream hydrocarbon production unit, in particular natural gas and oil, an energy production unit, in particular a thermal or gas-fired power plant, a biogas and / or landfill gas production unit, a gaseous and / or liquid hydrocarbon refining unit, a hydrocarbon cracking unit, a hydrocarbon liquefaction unit, a chemical compound synthesis unit, and / or a binder production unit such as cement.

[0035] In a particular example, shown in [Fig.1], production unit 14 is an upstream hydrocarbon production unit, generating an industrial gas comprising hydrocarbons, in particular methane.

[0036] The gas circulation volume 16 includes, for example, a capacity and / or a pipe for circulating industrial gas within or outside the production unit 14. With reference to Figures 2 to 4, the circulation volume 16 is generally equipped with at least one connection 17A, preferably several connections 17A, 17B, 17D, each fitted with a flange 17C.

[0037] The gas circulation volume 16 advantageously contains more than 99% by volume of gas, in particular 100% by volume of gas.

[0038] In [Fig. 1], the industrial gas is intended to be treated by combustion, in particular in a flare system 18 or more generally in a combustion system. The flare system 18 comprises a flare 20, at the upper end of which combustion occurs, a low-pressure vessel 16A, and a high-pressure vessel 16B, intended to supply the flare 20.

[0039] The high pressure capacitance 16B generally operates at a pressure in particular between 1 bara and 15 bara, the low pressure capacitance 16A operates at a lower pressure, for example between 1 bara and 2 bara.

[0040] The high-pressure capacity 16B is configured to supply the torch 20 with industrial gas, the combustion of which produces a plume 22.

[0041] In this particular example, the determination system 10 is suitable for being reversibly connected to one or / and the other of the capacities 16A, 16B, to analyze and quantify the composition of the industrial gas intended to be sent to the flare 20, in order to deduce information on the gas present in the plume 22, in particular on the gas emissions present in the plume 22.

[0042] More generally, the determination system 10 is suitable for being brought in one piece into the production unit 14, and for being moved in it or more generally within the installation 12 to be connected reversibly to an industrial gas circulation volume 16.

[0043] The determination system 10 is also suitable for being reversibly disconnected from the circulation volume 16, and then transported back within the installation 12, for example into the production unit 14 to be reconnected at another location, to analyze the gases present in another circulation volume 16, or to be conveyed to another installation 10.

[0044] In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the determination system 10 comprises a container 30. It also comprises an industrial gas sampling device 32, adapted to connect to the circulation volume 16 to sample gas industrial in circulation volume 16, and to return the industrial gas taken, after measurement, to circulation volume 16.

[0045] The determination system 10 also includes a sampling system 34 for the sampled industrial gas, a pumping system 36, connecting the sampling device 32 to the sampling system 34, for pumping sampled industrial gas to the sampling system 34, and an analyzer 38, intended to analyze the sampled industrial gas by the sampling system 34, the analyzer 38 comprising at least one analysis unit 172 disposed at a distance from the sampling system 34.

[0046] The sampling device 32, the sampling system 34, the pumping system 36 and the analyzer 38 are received in the container 30. They are each movable from the container 30 to be extracted from it when the determination system 10 is connected to the circulation volume 16.

[0047] On the contrary, during the transport of the determination system 10 to the production unit 14 or within the production unit 14, the sampling device 32, the sampling system 34, the pumping system 36 and the analyzer 38 are configured to be received in the container 30 and to be moved together in the container 30.

[0048] Container 30 is, for example, a standard 10-foot or 8-foot shipping container. It advantageously has a length generally between 2.5 m and 3.5 m, a width between 2.0 m and 2.5 m, and a height between 2.0 m and 3.0 m.

[0049] The container is for example according to Standard DNVGL-ST-E271 and ISO 10855. It is thus configured to be transported as a package in a larger container, such as a 40-foot container.

[0050] In a known manner, the container 30 comprises a floor 40 on which is arranged the sampling device 32, the systems 34, 36 and the analyzer 38, side walls 42 comprising at least one access door to the interior volume, and a roof 44.

[0051] With reference to Figures 2 and 4, the sampling device 32 includes at least one detachable fitting 50A, 50B, 50D, the fitting(s) 50A, 50B, 50D being configured to sample industrial gas from the circulation volume 16 to be conveyed to the sampling system 34, to be analyzed by the analyzer 38, and to return the sampled industrial gas to the gas circulation volume 16.

[0052] In the example shown in [Fig. 2], where the circulation volume 16 is equipped with at least two connections 17A, 17B, the sampling device 32 includes a first removable connection 50A for sampling industrial gas in the circulation volume 16, and a second removable fitting 50B for returning the industrial gas taken from the circulation volume 16, separate from the first fitting 50A.

[0053] In the example of [Fig.3], in the case where the circulation volume 16 is provided with a single tap 17D, the sampling device 32 includes a single removable fitting 50D intended both for sampling industrial gas in the circulation volume 16 and for returning the sampled industrial gas to the circulation volume 16.

[0054] In the example of [Fig.2], each fitting 50A, 50B has a 52A, 52B end fitting, generally rigid, and a 54A, 54B pipe, generally flexible, configured to connect to the pumping system 36.

[0055] Each end fitting 52A, 52B includes a respective flange 56A, 56B suitable for connecting respectively to the flanges 17C of the connections 17A, 17B. The connection can be mounted and dismounted reversibly, for example by means of a screw-nut system, without having to stop the flow of industrial gas in the circulation volume 16.

[0056] For this purpose, each branch 17A, 17B is fitted with a shut-off valve (not shown) and each end fitting 52A, 52B is also fitted with a shut-off valve 58A, 58B, the shut-off valves being configured to isolate the gas flow between the flange 56A, 56B and the connecting pipe 54A, 54B. The shut-off valves 58A, 58B are, for example, quarter-turn valves.

[0057] In a first example illustrated by [Fig.2], the first pipe 54A connected from the first fitting 50A is intended to connect the first fitting 52A connected to the branch 17A to an inlet 60 of the pumping system 36. The second pipe 54B from the second fitting 50B is intended to connect the fitting 52B connected to the second branch 17B to an outlet 62 of the pumping system 36.

[0058] In the variant illustrated by [Fig.3], the 50D fitting is configured to connect to a single 17C nozzle.

[0059] It comprises a single flange 56D configured to connect to the flange 17C of the branch 17D, a sleeve 64 extending the flange, and a rod 66, configured to insert into the circulation volume 16, through the sleeve 64.

[0060] The pipe 66 is, for example, deployable. It has a free end designed to protrude beyond the flange 56C through the branch 17A to the circulation volume 16. The pipe 66 is generally formed of a rigid conduit. The pipe 66 defines an internal passage for conveying industrial gas drawn from the circulation volume 16.

[0061] The deployment of the rod 66 towards the circulation volume 16 is advantageously carried out during the circulation of gas in the circulation volume 16, without having to interrupt the circulation of industrial gas in the circulation volume 16.

[0062] The fitting 50D includes a first connecting pipe 54A connected upstream to the pipe 66 and connected downstream to the inlet 60 of the pumping system 36.

[0063] The sleeve 64 and the rod 66 define between themselves an intermediate space 68, in communication with the branch 17D. The intermediate space 68 is hermetically sealed from the internal passage of the rod 66.

[0064] The fitting 50D includes a second connecting pipe 54B, connected upstream to the outlet 62 of the pumping system 36 and connected downstream to the intermediate space 68.

[0065] The fitting 50D is also equipped with shut-off valves 58A, 58B, arranged upstream of or on the pipes 54A, 54B.

[0066] In the example shown in Figures 2 to 4, the pumping system 36 includes a pumping loop 80, and a pump module 82 interposed on the pumping loop 80 to drive the industrial gas taken along the pumping loop 36.

[0067] The pumping loop 80 extends between the inlet 60 and the outlet 62 of the pumping system 36. In the example shown in [Fig.2], it is supported by a chassis 84, advantageously equipped with wheels 86, allowing its movement between the inside and outside of the container 30.

[0068] The pumping loop 80 is advantageously housed in a containment enclosure 88, intended to contain the industrial gas drawn from the enclosure 88 if it were to leak from the pumping loop 80. The enclosure 88 is in particular compliant with the ATEX regulations resulting from European Directive 2014 / 34 / EU, and Standard 1999 / 92 / EC.

[0069] The pumping loop 80 includes an inlet pipe 90, connecting the inlet 60 of the pumping system 36 to the inlet of the pump module 82, a sampler 94 and a conveying pipe 92 for the sampled industrial gas to the sampler 94. The pumping loop 80 further includes a return pipe 96 for the unsampled industrial gas from the sampler 94 to the outlet 62 of the pumping system 36.

[0070] The inlet pipe 90 is advantageously provided with a spigot 98 for injecting purge gas, in particular nitrogen, a pressure regulator 100, a pressure gauge 102, a liquid trap 104, and / or a shut-off valve 106.

[0071] The pressure regulator 100 is suitable for reducing the industrial gas taken from the distribution device 32, through the first fitting 50A, and reducing it to a maximum pressure of 1 barg.

[0072] The liquid trap 104 is adapted to collect, in its base, any liquids that may be present with the industrial gas sampled, and to separate the gaseous phase to bring an exclusively gaseous flow to the pump module 82. The liquid trap 104 is equipped with a drain 108 to evacuate the collected liquids.

[0073] The pump module 82 includes a volumetric pump 110, a downstream separator 112, and a complementary liquid trap 114.

[0074] The volumetric pump 110 is suitable for pumping a determined flow rate of industrial gas from the inlet pipe 90 to the conveying pipe 92.

[0075] The volumetric pump 110 includes an industrial gas containment chamber, so as to advantageously comply with ATEX regulations.

[0076] The separator 112 is located downstream of the pump. In this example, it comprises a tank containing a float and a drain line 118 opening into the return line 96. The float is configured to trigger a purge of liquid through the drain line 118 when the liquid level in the tank rises above a predefined height.

[0077] The additional liquid trap 114 is for example formed of a coalescing filter.

[0078] In this example, the pump module 82 is mounted on a chassis 120 specific to the pump module 82, separate from chassis 84 carrying the pumping loop 80. The chassis 120 is advantageously equipped with wheels 121.

[0079] The gas conveying line 92 connects the outlet of the pump module 82 to an inlet of the sampler 94. It is advantageously equipped with a pressure gauge 122.

[0080] The gas return line 96 connects the outlet of the sampler 94 to the outlet 62 of the pumping system 36. It is advantageously equipped with a shut-off valve 124, and a purge gas outlet 126.

[0081] The sampler 94 is configured to separate the industrial gas pumped by the pump module 82, into a sampling fraction injected into the sampling system 34 and an unsampled fraction, intended to be returned to the return line 96.

[0082] In this example, the sampler 94 is configured to continuously sample the sampling fraction. It is advantageously configured to create a sampling fraction.

[0083] The volumetric flow rate DFE of the sampling fraction taken by the sampler 94 to circulate in the sampling loop of the sampling system 34 is less than the volumetric flow rate DGI of industrial gas pumped in the pumping loop 80, for example less than 95% of the volumetric flow rate DGI.

[0084] Thus, the relatively high volumetric flow rate DGI in the pumping loop 80 ensures efficient renewal of the industrial gas taken from the circulation volume 16, and therefore guarantees that the compositions of the industrial gas in the circulation volume 16 are determined dynamically.

[0085] The flow rate in the sampling loop is advantageously adjustable to guarantee the quality of the measurement.

[0086] Advantageously, the sampler 94 contains a hydrophobic membrane calibrated to allow only the sampling fraction to pass through, without allowing any liquid to pass through. The membrane is, for example, made of PTFE.

[0087] The sampling system 34 includes a sampling loop configured to convey the sampling fraction through a measuring cell 130 of the analyzer 38, which, in this example, is offset in the sampling system 34 relative to the analysis unit 172.

[0088] The sampling system 34 thus includes a supply line 132 for the sampling fraction to the measuring cell 130, and a line 134 for reinjecting the sampling fraction into the pumping loop 80. The sampling system 34 also preferably includes a containment chamber 136 comprising a temperature control system 138.

[0089] Preferably, the sampling system 34 is also supported by a frame, advantageously equipped with wheels. In the example shown in [Fig. 2], the sampling system 38 is supported by the same frame 84 as that supporting the pumping loop 80.

[0090] The supply line for the purge fraction 132 is connected to an upstream branch 140 opening into the sampler 94, to collect the sampling fraction. The upstream branch 140 is advantageously equipped with a liquid trap 142 and / or a shut-off valve 144.

[0091] The supply line for the purge fraction 132 is advantageously provided, in the containment enclosure 136, with a shut-off valve 146 and / or a pressure regulator 148.

[0092] The pressure regulator 148 is suitable for limiting the pressure of the sampling fraction, to a pressure for example less than 7 bar.

[0093] The reinjection line 134 advantageously includes a pressure gauge 150 and / or a flow meter 152, advantageously equipped with an adjustable control valve configured to impose a fluid circulation flow rate, for example, between 0 L / min and 1 L / min.

[0094] It further includes a purge fitting 154, equipped with a shut-off valve 156, and a shut-off valve 158 upstream of its connection to a downstream fitting 160.

[0095] The downstream branch 160 opens into the return line 96 of the pumping loop 80, downstream of the sampler 94 and the shut-off valve 124. It is equipped with a shut-off valve 162.

[0096] The analyzer 38 is intended to analyze the content of the industrial gas sampling fraction circulating in the measuring cell 130. In addition to the measuring cell 130, It includes at least one probe 170A, 170B, 170C, arranged in the measuring cell 130.

[0097] The analyzer 38 also includes the analysis unit 172, which is located away from the measuring cell 130 and more generally, away from the sampling system 34, and at least one link 174A, 174B, connecting each probe 170A, 170B, 170C to the analysis unit 172.

[0098] The measuring cell 130 is, for example, an optical measuring cell. It is configured to receive the probes 170A, 170B, 170C connected to the analysis unit 172. In particular, it includes at least one connector suitable for receiving a cable containing an optical measurement fiber in the measuring cell 130, and at least one connector for receiving a pressure and / or temperature probe.

[0099] In the example shown in [Fig.4], at least one probe 170A is an optical probe, in particular formed by the end of an optical fiber intended to inject an optical signal into the measuring cell 130, and to collect the optical signal produced in the measuring cell 130 in response to the injected measuring signal.

[0100] In particular, the probe 170A is a Raman optical probe, suitable for injecting light into the measuring cell 130 to illuminate the industrial gas sampling fraction, and for collecting the light scattered by Raman scattering by the industrial gas sampling fraction.

[0101] The light injected into the measuring cell 130 has, for example, a wavelength between 400 nm and 1100 nm, in particular between 400 nm and 800 nm. This allows the compounds of interest in the industrial gas to generate Raman scattering.

[0102] In the example illustrated by [Fig.4], the analyzer 38 further includes a temperature measuring probe 170B and a pressure measuring probe 170C, configured to measure respectively the temperature and pressure of the industrial gas sampling fraction in the measuring cell 130.

[0103] As previously stated, each probe 170A, 170B, 170C is connected to the analysis unit 172 by a link 174A, 174B. The link connecting the optical probe 170A to the analysis unit 172 is, for example, a fiber optic cable.

[0104] A common link 174B connects each probe 170B, 170C to the analysis unit 172, for example a coaxial cable. Alternatively, the link 174B is a wireless connection link between each probe 170B, 170C and the analysis unit 172.

[0105] Each link 174A, 174B has a length and / or reach sufficient to allow the analyzer 172 to be disposed at a distance of at least 10 m, preferably between 20 m and 100 m from the sampling system 34, in particular from the measuring cell 130.

[0106] This allows the analysis unit 172 to be moved out of the most sensitive areas in terms of explosiveness and advantageously to reduce its ATEX specifications.

[0107] As illustrated by [Fig.2], the analysis unit 172 includes an optical spectrometer 176, in particular a Raman spectrometer, configured to process the optical signal received from the probe 170A to produce an optical spectrum, in particular a Raman scattering spectrum.

[0108] The analysis unit 172 further includes a computer 178, a human-machine interface 180, and / or a display 182. The analysis unit 172 further includes a controller 184 to control all the equipment of the pumping system 36 and the sampling system 34.

[0109] The Raman scattering spectrum produced by the spectrometer 176 generally relates a wavenumber to a Raman scattering intensity, as illustrated in [Fig. 5]. From the wavenumbers and the intensities of the Raman scattering peaks, it is possible to identify the compounds present in the industrial gas sample fraction and to quantify them.

[0110] The calculator 178 includes at least one processor 186, and at least one memory 188 containing software modules suitable for execution by the processor 186.

[0111] Among the software modules contained in memory 188, the calculator 178 includes a module 190 for identifying compounds present in the industrial gas sampling fraction, a module 192 for quantifying each component, based in particular on a calibration curve, and a module 194 for generating a display including, for example, a display of the measured Raman scattering spectrum, and / or the types and quantities of gas identified in the sampling fraction.

[0112] The operation of the determination system 10 according to the invention will now be described.

[0113] Initially, the determination system 10 is brought into the installation 12, for example into the production unit 14, or to the output of it, for example into a torch system 18.

[0114] During the transport of the determination system 10, the sampling device 32, the sampling system 34, the pumping system 36, and the analyzer 38 are received in the container 30 and are moved together in the container 30. This facilitates the handling of the determination system 10 and its transport in areas of the production unit 14 and / or the torch system 18 which may be congested.

[0115] Once placed in the vicinity of the circulation volume 16 in which the industrial gas is to be analyzed, the container 30 is opened, to extract at least the sampling device 32, and advantageously, the sampling system 34, the pumping system 36 and potentially, the analyzer 38.

[0116] Thanks to the arrangement of the sampling system 34 and the pumping system 36 on chassis 84, 120 advantageously equipped with wheels 86, 121, the handling of the sampling device 32, the sampling system 34, the pumping system 36 and the analyzer 38 is simplified.

[0117] Advantageously, the sampling device 32, the pumping system 36 and the sampling system 34 are brought closer to the circulation volume 16, while the analyzer 38 remains relatively far from this circulation volume 16 by setting up and / or deploying the links 174A, 174B.

[0118] Then, the sampling device 32 is connected to the circulation volume 16. In the example of [Fig.2], in which two separate taps 17A, 17B are available on the circulation volume 16, the fittings 50A, 50B are respectively connected to the taps 17A, 17B by assembling the flanges 56A, 56B of the ends 52A, 52B onto the flanges 17C of the taps 17A, 17B.

[0119] The shut-off valves 58A, 58B are closed, as well as the corresponding shut-off valves at the branch connections 17A, 17B. Thus, the connections 50A, 50B are connected reversibly, without having to stop the gas circulation in the circulation volume 16.

[0120] In the example of [Fig.3], the single fitting 50D is connected to the single branch 17D, by inserting the rod 66 into the circulation volume 16 and assembling the flange 56D onto the flange 17C of the branch 17D.

[0121] Pipes 54A, 54B are connected respectively to the inlet 60 and outlet 62 of the pumping system. The shut-off valves 58A, 58B are then opened, as well as the shut-off valves at the branch connections 17A, 17B, 17D.

[0122] The pump 110 of the pump module 82 is then activated by the control unit 184 to pump industrial gas successively through the nozzle 52A, 52B or the pipe 66, then through the line 56A, the inlet 60, and the inlet line 90. Any liquid fraction is removed in the liquid trap 104, before the extracted industrial gas enters the pump 110.

[0123] At the discharge of the pump 110, a new liquid removal occurs in the traps 112, 114. The industrial gas sampled passes into the conveying line 92, being brought to the sampler 94. In the sampler 94, the sample fraction is separated from the unsampled fraction.

[0124] The sampling fraction passes through the tap 140, then is introduced into the sampling system 34 through the supply line 132. It then flows through the measuring cell 130, before being reinjected into the unsampled fraction flowing in the return line 96, through the reinjection line 134 and the downstream tap 160.

[0125] During the circulation of the industrial gas sample fraction in the measuring cell 130, the spectrometer 176 emits an optical signal that is transmitted to the probe 170A via the link 174A. The optical signal enters the measuring cell 130 and illuminates the compounds present in the industrial gas sample fraction. A Raman scattering representative of the composition of the sample fraction occurs, which is captured by the probe 170A and returned to the spectrometer 176.

[0126] The spectrometer 176 then establishes a Raman scattering spectrum which relates the wave number or wavelength to the intensity of the Raman scattering.

[0127] The identification module 190 of the computer 178 is then implemented to determine in the Raman scattering spectrum, from the peaks and the wavenumbers observed from these peaks, which compounds are present in the sampling fraction.

[0128] The quantification module 192 quantifies the concentrations of each compound detected by the identification module 190 in the sampling fraction using the Raman scattering spectrum, from the peaks and the observed intensities of these peaks.

[0129] The display generation module 194 generates a display intended for the display 182 to display, for example, the Raman scattering spectrum detected in the sampling fraction and / or the nature of the identified compounds and their concentration.

[0130] The sampling fraction from the measuring cell 130 then mixes with the unsampled fraction in the return line 96, before being reinjected into the circulation volume 16 via the fitting 50B, in the example of [Fig.2], or the fitting 50D, in the example of [Fig.3].

[0131] When all the measurements in the circulation volume 16 have been carried out, the determination system 10 is advantageously dismantled.

[0132] The shut-off valves 58A, 58B are closed, as well as the corresponding shut-off valves on the branch connections 17A, 17B.

[0133] Then the fittings 50A, 50B or 50D are removed from the respective flanges 17A, 17B or 17D, for example by unscrewing and / or unbolting the flanges 56A, 56B, 56D.

[0134] The sampling device 32, the pumping system 36, and the sampling system 34 were then placed back in the container 30 with the analyzer 38 to be moved to another measurement point in the installation 12 or to another installation.

[0135] Thanks to the invention just described, it is possible to have a system 10 for determining the composition of an industrial gas that is easily installed on all types of installations 12. The measuring system 10 can be easily connected and disconnected from the circulation volume 16 in which the industrial gas is transportable in one piece, in a 30 container, which allows efficient handling, even in a congested environment of an industrial 12 facility on land or at sea.

[0136] Such a determination system 10 is easily deployable from one site to another for ad hoc measurement campaigns, which can last a few days, a few weeks, or several months. The determination system 10 is particularly well-suited for carrying out measurement campaigns of industrial gas compositions in conjunction with measurements of industrial gas flows emitted by means of a drone, or for flaring mapping in an installation 12.

[0137] All the elements of the determination system 10 can be easily moved and positioned in the installation 12, without requiring civil engineering work, by simply being placed on the ground, for example without having to provide a slab or a trench.

[0138] The determination system 10 is electrically powered by wired connections, providing voltages for example between 100 V and 240 V.

[0139] Since the pumping system 36 and the sampling system 34 are integrated into enclosures or are natively compliant with ATEX standards, the determination system 10 can advantageously be placed as close as possible to the circulation volumes 16 of the industrial gas to be analyzed, particularly on the edge of ATEX zones, especially near a flare stack.

[0140] Thus, a large amount of industrial gas composition data can be obtained by sampling the gas from various circulation volumes 16, for example from tanks or pipes of the installation 12.

[0141] The spot measurement campaigns thus carried out are generally sufficient to calibrate measurements of gas flow circulating in circulation volumes 16 of the installation 12, which are obtained for example from simple flow measurements using an ultrasonic flow meter.

[0142] The connection and / or disconnection of the sampling device 32 can be made on the taps 17A, 17B, 17C present at the level of the circulation volume 16, without having to stop the circulation of gas, in particular without having to stop the torch 20 of a torch system 18.

[0143] Thus, the sampling device 32 can be easily connected to many existing taps on most industrial units.

[0144] Since the extracted gas is confined in ATEX enclosures or equipment, and is reinjected into the circulation volume 16, no additional hazardous area is created by the connection of the determination system 10.

[0145] The determination system 10 thus makes it possible to obtain data with a period of between 1 minute and 5 minutes, for example between 3 minutes and 4 minutes, and therefore to collect a large amount of data in the analysis unit 172 which can be stored locally and retrieved when the determination system 10 is disconnected, or which can be transmitted online when using the determination system 10.

[0146] The determination system 10 according to the invention is therefore adaptable to a large number of production units 14, and allows for frequent and robust measurements to be obtained to carry out a precise and complete analysis of measurements carried out by other means, for example by drones.

[0147] The investment and operating costs of the determination system 10 are much lower than those of a system permanently installed in the installation 12. It is thus possible to easily and accurately access measurements on various compounds, in particular on hydrocarbon compounds, in order to deduce by mass balance theoretical carbon dioxide fluxes at the outlet of an industrial gas combustion.

[0148] In one variant, the industrial gas taken, recovered after analysis in the return line 96 is not reinjected into the circulation volume 16, but is sent to a combustion and release system into the atmosphere.

[0149] The sampling device 32 is then not provided with a fitting 50B separate from the sampling fitting 50A, or with a second connecting pipe 54B as in the example of [Fig.3] in the case of a single fitting 50D.

[0150] Such a variant is advantageously applicable in the case where the flow rate of gas taken from is low.

[0151] In one embodiment, at least a second sampling fraction is taken from the pumping loop 80 and directed to an additional analyzer for measuring the water content in the industrial gas. The additional analyzer includes, for example, a capacitive probe configured to determine the water content of the second sampling fraction.

[0152] In yet another variant, illustrated by [Fig.6], the measuring cell 130 and the probes 170 are received in the analysis unit 172 and are not moved to the sampling system 34.

[0153] The sampling system 34 includes, mounted downstream of the supply line 132, a device 200 for sending the sampling fraction to the measurement cell 130 received in the analysis unit 172. The sending device 200 includes, for example, a sonic nozzle, configured to impart kinetic energy to the sampling fraction so that it reaches the measurement cell 130 in the analysis unit 172.

[0154] The analyzer 38 thus includes a fluid transport line 202 connecting the sending device 200 in the sampling system 34 to the measuring cell 130, housed in the analysis unit 172.

[0155] The transport line 202 is for example formed of a tube, in particular of polymer material. It has a length and / or a reach sufficient to allow the analyzer 172 to be positioned at a distance of at least 10 m, preferably between 20 m and 100 m from the sampling system 34.

[0156] In this example, the sampling system 34 is also devoid of a reinjection line 134 for the sampling fraction into the pumping loop 80. The sampling fraction from the measuring cell 130 is conveyed to an atmospheric discharge line 204 equipped with a combustion and atmospheric discharge system 206.

[0157] The sampling system 34 advantageously includes a calibration tap 208 equipped with a shut-off valve 210. The tap 208 opens into the supply line 132 to allow the injection of a calibration fraction from the analysis unit 172.

[0158] The operation of the determination system 10 shown in [Fig.6] differs from that shown in [Fig.4] in that the sampling fraction from the pumping system 36, collected in the supply pipe 132, passes into the sending device 200.

[0159] It is then accelerated and brought to the measuring cell 130 in the analysis unit 172 through the transport line 202, in order to be analyzed by the probes 170.

[0160] It is then advantageously released into the atmosphere after passing through the combustion and atmospheric release system 206.

Claims

Demands

1. System (10) for determining the composition of an industrial gas circulating in an installation (12), comprising a device (32) for sampling industrial gas in a volume (16) of industrial gas circulation and an analyzer (38) connected to the sampling device (32), the analyzer (38) being configured to characterize a composition of compounds present in the industrial gas, characterized in that the determination system is reversibly connectable / disconnectable from the volume (16) of industrial gas circulation, the sampling device (32) comprising at least one removable fitting (50A, 50B;50D) intended for sampling industrial gas in the circulation volume (16), the determination system (10) further comprising a sampling system (34), and a pumping system (36) intended for conveying at least a fraction of the sampled industrial gas to the sampling system (34), the analyzer (38) comprising a measuring cell (130) for at least a fraction of the sampled industrial gas received in the sampling system (34), at least one measuring probe (170A, 170B, 170C) intended to be placed in or opposite the measuring cell (130), and an analysis unit (172) for the compounds present in the industrial gas based on a measurement performed by the measuring probe(s) (170A, 170B, 170C) in the measuring cell (130), the analysis unit (172) being located away from the sampling system (34), the analyzer (38) comprising at least one line (174A, 174B;202) extending between the sampling system (34) and the analysis unit (172).;

2. A determination system (10) according to claim 1, comprising a container (30) configured to contain the sampling device (32), the pumping system (36), the sampling system (34), and the analyzer (38), for moving them together in the vicinity of the circulation volume (16), at least the sampling device (32) being configured to be extracted from the container (30) in order to connect the fitting or each fitting (50A, 50B, 50D) to the circulation volume (16).

3. A determination system (10) according to claim 2, comprising at least one chassis (84; 120) movable relative to the container (30) between a position received in the container (30) and a position extracted from the container (30), the mobile chassis (84; 120) carrying at least one of the sampling device (32), the pumping system (36), and the sampling system (34).

4. A determination system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pumping system (36) comprises at least one pumping loop (80) including an inlet (60) connected to the removable industrial gas sampling fitting (50A; 50D), an outlet (62), and a pump module (82) interposed on the pumping loop (80) for pumping industrial gas sampled from the inlet (60) to the outlet (62), the pumping loop (80) advantageously being supported by a pumping loop frame (84), the pump module (82) advantageously being supported by a pump module frame (120).

5. Determination system (10) according to claim 4, wherein the pumping loop (80) includes a sampler (94) configured to sample a fraction of the industrial gas sampled circulating in the pumping mouth (80), the sampling system (34) being configured to receive the fraction of the industrial gas sampled by the sampler (94).

6. A determination system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sampling device (32) includes at least one removable fitting (50A, 50B; 50D) for returning the sampled industrial gas to the circulation volume (16).

7. Determination system (10) according to claim 6, comprising a removable fitting (50A) for sampling industrial gas in the circulation volume (16), and an additional removable fitting (50B) for returning the sampled industrial gas to the circulation volume (16).

8. A determination system (10) according to claim 6, wherein the sampling device comprises a common detachable fitting (50D) for sampling industrial gas from the circulation volume (16) and for returning industrial gas sampled from the circulation volume (16), the common detachable fitting (50D) comprising at least one industrial gas sampling probe (66) connected to an inlet (60) of the pumping system (36), and a sleeve (64) at least partially surrounding the probe (64), connected to an outlet (62) of the pumping system (36) for return the extracted industrial gas to the circulation volume (16), the rod (66) being configured to be positioned in projection relative to the jacket (64).

9. A determination system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the analysis unit (172) comprises at least one optical analysis unit, at least one measuring probe (170A) being an optical measuring probe.

10. Determination system (10) according to claim 9, wherein the optical analysis unit comprises a Raman spectrometer (176).

11. A determination system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring cell (130) and the measuring probe(s) (170A, 170B, 170C) are disposed at a distance from the analysis unit (172) in the sampling system (34), the sampling system (34) comprising a sampling loop configured to bring at least a fraction of the industrial gas sampled by the pumping system (36) to an inlet of the measuring cell (130), the sampling loop advantageously connecting an outlet of the measuring cell (130) to the pumping system (36), and at least one line (174A, 174B, 170C) extending between the sampling system (34) and the analysis unit (172) comprising at least one line (174A, 174B) connecting the measuring probe(s) (170A, 170B, 170C) to the analysis unit (172), including a fiber optic line.

12. A determination system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the measuring cell (130) and the measuring probe(s) (170A, 170B, 170C) are arranged in the analysis unit (172), the sampling system (34) comprising a device (200) for sending at least a fraction of the sampled industrial gas to the analyzer (38), and at least one line (174A, 174B; 202) extending between the sampling system (34) and the analysis unit (172) comprising a gas transport line (202) connecting the sending device (200) to the measuring cell (130).

13. A determination system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one line (174A, 174B; 202) extends between the sampling system (34) and the analysis unit (172) has a length greater than 10 m, in particular a length between 20 m and 100 m.

14. Installation (12) comprising at least one industrial unit (14) producing an industrial gas, and at least one circulation volume (16) of the industrial gas produced by the industrial unit (14), the installation (12) comprising a determination system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, movable within the industrial unit (14), the sampling device (32) of the determination system being configured to connect and disconnect reversibly from the circulation volume (16).

15. Installation (12) according to claim 14, wherein the industrial unit (14) comprises a combustion system, in particular a torch (20), disposed downstream of the circulation volume (16), the combustion system being configured to carry out combustion of the industrial gas, the circulation volume (16) being a conduit or a capacity for circulating the industrial gas to the combustion system.

16. Installation (12) according to claim 15, wherein the industrial unit (14) comprises a first high-pressure industrial gas circulation capacity, and a second low-pressure industrial gas circulation capacity, the determination system (10) comprising a first sampling device (32) connected to the first high-pressure capacity, and a second sampling device (32) connected to the low-pressure capacity, the industrial gas sampled from the first high-pressure capacity and from the second low-pressure capacity being analyzed by the same analyzer (38).

17. A method for determining the composition of an industrial gas circulating in an installation (10) comprising the following steps: - bringing a determination system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 into the vicinity of a gas circulation volume; - reversibly connecting at least one removable fitting (50A, 50B; 50D) for sampling industrial gas in the circulation volume (16) to the circulation volume (16); - sampling industrial gas from the circulation volume (16); - pumping at least a fraction of the sampled industrial gas by the pumping system (36) to the sampling system (34).

18. and circulation of the fraction of industrial gas collected in the measuring cell (130), - measurement of the industrial gas fraction by the measuring probe(s) (170A, 170B, 170C) placed in or opposite the measuring cell (130) and analysis of the measurement by the analysis unit (172) to determine compounds present in the industrial gas. Measurement method according to claim 17, wherein the industrial gas circulating in the circulation volume (16) is sent to a combustion system, in particular to a torch (20), to be burned there.

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