Real-Time Elemental Analysis for Corrosion Control in Canadian Refineries
Combat Corrosion with Real-Time Crude Monitoring
In today’s refining industry, fluctuating feedstocks and opportunistic crudes are creating a perfect storm for corrosion, fouling, and costly maintenance. Traditional lab analysis can’t keep pace with these fast-changing conditions.
That’s why Westech Industrial is proud to offer the Hobré C-Quand™ EDXRF analyzer, a game-changing solution for real-time elemental analysis that supports proactive decision-making and optimized refinery performance.
The Problem: Rising Risks from Unmonitored Contaminants
Refineries across Canada—from Alberta’s oil sands to Atlantic processing hubs—are increasingly turning to heavier, lower-quality crudes. These crudes carry elevated levels of salts, chlorides, and metals that, without proper monitoring, can lead to:
- Accelerated corrosion in overhead systems
- Coking and fouling in heat exchangers and vacuum units
- Excessive or ineffective chemical dosing
- Catalyst poisoning and premature replacement
- Increased reprocessing of recovered oil
Traditional sampling methods, which are manual, intermittent, and error-prone, cannot detect rapid changes in real-time, leaving operators vulnerable to damage and downtime.
The Solution: Hobré C-Quand™ EDXRF Analyzer
The Hobré C-Quand™ EDXRF analyzer uses energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence to continuously measure elemental concentrations—including chlorine, vanadium, nickel, iron, and more—in crude, naphtha, diesel, and water.
With a real-time, online analyzer, refineries gain:
- Instant insight into crude tank influent
- Desalter efficiency tracking through effluent chlorine levels
- Overhead drum monitoring for chloride breakthrough
- Accurate dosing of corrosion inhibitors, neutralizers, and amines
- Catalyst protection via early metal detection
This high-frequency data allows operations teams to optimize every step of their process—from desalting to final product control.
Proven Benefits for the Canadian Energy Sector
Operators using the Hobré C-Quand™ have seen:
Up to $145,000 CAD in lab cost savings annually
(based on an approximate conversion from €100,000)
Prevention of major overhead failures, reducing potential $1.5–3 million CAD in annual losses.
- Reduced chemical usage and waste
- Extended equipment life and fewer shutdowns
- Rapid return on investment in just 2–3 months
Additionally, by minimizing hazardous waste and emissions associated with unconditioned crudes, the system supports environmental goals and lowers the carbon footprint of refining operations.
Why Partner with Westech Industrial?
With over 55 years of experience supporting Canada's refining and petrochemical industries, Westech Industrial Ltd. offers localized support, national reach, and trusted technical expertise.
Our team is ready to help you:
- Evaluate your current corrosion control challenges
- Recommend the right analyzer configuration
- Oversee seamless installation and integration
- Provide long-term service and optimization strategies
📞 Contact Westech Industrial at 1-800-912-9262 or
Email us at sales@westech-ind.com