P
Rhys Jenkins, Servomex, UK, considers the role of gas analysis in purified terephthalic acid (PTA) production.
urified terephthalic acid (PTA, sometimes referred to as polymer-grade terephthalic acid) is an important chemical component in the plastics industry. Together with ethylene, it is used to produce the high-demand plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET), widely used as a polyester fibre and for recyclable food and drink containers, such as plastic bottles. There is a continuing and growing demand for PTA throughout the world, particularly in fast-expanding economies
such as those found in Asia. Approximately 80 – 100 million tpy of PTA is produced, the vast majority coming from Asian plants, while China alone makes up 60% of the global demand. The production of PTA requires expert gas analysis for process control, efficiency and safety, as well as quality monitoring and environmental compliance. In order to deliver this wide range of measurements, a variety of sensing technologies are required. Not only do these sensors have to be accurate and react quickly to changing gas
HYDROCARBON 35
ENGINEERING
February 2022
