Benzene Monitoring With Raman Spectroscopy

Minimizing benzene content in gasoline is a critical compliance challenge for many refiners, driven by stringent environmental regulations. As a fundamental aromatic hydrocarbon, benzene plays a dual role in refining: it is both a valuable building block for chemicals and plastics and a heavily regulated component when blended into fuels. Benzene enters the gasoline pool primarily through FCC Naphtha and reformate streams. FCC naphtha acts as both a blending component and a feedstock for reforming units, where benzene precursors can further contribute to its concentration.

One effective strategy for reducing benzene in the gasoline pool is to fractionate reformate into light and heavy components. This separation helps isolate and manage benzene precursors and their downstream impact.

Another approach involves pre-fractionating benzene precursors from FCC naphtha. By monitoring concentrations of C6 and C5 naphthenes, such as cyclohexane, methylcyclopentane (MCP), and methylcyclohexene (MCH), refiners can optimize process control and mitigate benzene production before it occurs. HORIBA’s Process Raman analyzers excel in this application due to the strong spectral response of these compounds, enabling precise monitoring at low concentrations.