{"id":1518,"date":"2019-12-19T10:30:13","date_gmt":"2019-12-19T15:30:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.wika.com\/us\/\/?p=1518"},"modified":"2025-05-15T09:40:23","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T14:40:23","slug":"hf-alkylation-units-prevent-dangerous-emissions-leaks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.wika.com\/us\/knowhow\/hf-alkylation-units-prevent-dangerous-emissions-leaks\/","title":{"rendered":"HF Alkylation Units: Anti Corrosion Process Gauges to Prevent Leaks"},"content":{"rendered":"

Alkylation units use very strong catalysts, such as hydrofluoric acid, to produce the components for high-octane gasoline. That\u2019s why refineries need process gauges and other pressure instruments that can withstand highly corrosive environments.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Petroleum refineries rely on alkylation units to produce higher-grade and, therefore, higher-value products. After a fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) unit<\/a> transforms heavy feedstock into short hydrocarbon chains, an alkylation unit further converts the molecules into alkylates, a higher-octane component of gasoline.<\/p>\n

Hydrofluoric Acid: Effective and Hazardous<\/h2>\n

The alkylation process requires a strong catalyst, the most common of which are sulfuric acid and hydrofluoric acid (HF). The advantage of a hydrofluoric acid alkylation unit (HFAU) is that it uses less catalyst, processes a wider range of feedstocks, and produces higher-octane components than a sulfuric acid alkylation unit (SAAU).<\/p>\n

Needless to say, HF is highly hazardous. It can burn the lungs when inhaled and cause severe burns when it touches the skin. To keep technicians safe, an HF alkylation unit must constantly monitor the process to prevent vapor releases, fugitive emissions, and leaks.<\/p>\n

Anti-corrosive Instruments for Alkylation Units<\/h2>\n

To properly monitor processes in an HFAU, the instruments themselves must be made of corrosion-resistant materials. WIKA has developed an All-Welded System <\/a>(AWS) specifically for alkylation units that use hydrofluoric acid.<\/p>\n

In these 4.5-inch XSEL\u00ae process gauges, the Bourdon tube<\/a> and all wetted and non-wetted diaphragm seal parts are made of Monel\u00ae 400. The diaphragm seal is back-welded to a process gauge to eliminate potential leak paths. An InSight \u2122 Glow dial face improves visibility in low-light areas. The system comes in a yellow or red thermoplastic case to differentiate it from other instrumentation not in contact with HF.<\/p>\n

For added protection, the seal can be coated with an acid detecting paint that turns from yellow to red when there is a leak. Both the dry and the liquid-filled versions support EPA requirements for dual containment.<\/p>\n

Extra Protection for Alkylation Units<\/h2>\n\n
\"Diaphragm

Model DMS34
\ndiaphragm monitoring system with threaded connection<\/p><\/div>\n \n

For an additional layer of safety, WIKA offers a\u00a0Diaphragm Monitoring System <\/a>(DMS). This patented design features two diaphragm seals with a vacuum in between. A pressure transmitter, switch, or gauge monitors this vacuum. If the primary seal is breached, the DMS gives a visual, acoustic, or electrical warning that the vacuum is compromised. The still-intact secondary diaphragm prevents the release of the hazardous media into the environment, ensuring operator and plant safety.<\/p>\n

The DMS can be mounted directly into the process or via a capillary line. A cooling tower can be added between the diaphragm and the measuring instrument.<\/p>\n

Cheaper process gauges can adequately monitor pressure in an HF alkylation unit. But in the longer run, those instruments will corrode and become a source of dangerous emissions and leaks. WIKA\u2019s All-Welded Systems for hydrofluoric acid and the DMS\u2019s double-diaphragm design provide the safety and reliability modern refineries need. Contact our petrochemical specialists to find out more about WIKA\u2019s high-quality instruments and customer service.<\/p>\n

Contact Us<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

Products in this post:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

<\/span>\u2022 Model DMS34 Diaphragm Monitoring System<\/a><\/h3>\n

\u00a0<\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Alkylation units use very strong catalysts, such as hydrofluoric acid, to produce the components for high-octane gasoline. That\u2019s why refineries need process gauges and other pressure instruments that can withstand highly corrosive environments. Petroleum refineries rely on alkylation units to produce higher-grade and, therefore, higher-value products. After a fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) unit transforms heavy […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":279,"featured_media":12705,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[407,633,703,411,733],"class_list":["post-1518","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-knowhow","tag-all-welded-system","tag-diaphragm-monitoring-system","tag-oil-and-gas","tag-pressure-gauges","tag-refinery"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHF Alkylation Units for Corrosion Resistant Process Gauge- WIKA blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"HF alkylation units work with powerful acids. 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