Methods and devices for measuring a characteristic value of a powder sample

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods of estimating characteristic values of samples, such as estimates of coke on a regenerated catalyst (CRC) value, and devices and systems for performing the same. In at least one embodiment, a method comprises: capturing, by a spectrometry device, reflected light from the sample; computing the CRC value of the sample based on at least the reflected light; and causing the CRC value to be outputted.

Description

METHODS AND DEVICES FOR MEASURING A CHARACTERISTIC VALUE OF A POWDER SAMPLEBACKGROUND

[0001] Currently, coke on regenerated catalyst (CRC) values are visually assessed based on a grey-color scale, which indicates of the amount of CRC on the sample. The color of the current sample must be manually compared to that of previous samples by an individual, drawing upon their observational skills to estimate the corresponding CRC value. Alternatively, CRC values can be measured in laboratory settings with high accuracy, but the delay associated with sample transport and lab testing time renders lab oratory -based impractical for making real-time adjustments to refinery processes.SUMMARY

[0002] The following presents a simplified summary of various aspects of the present disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the disclosure, nor delineate any scope of the particular embodiments of the disclosure or any scope of the claims. Its purpose is to present some concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0003] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of estimating a CRC value of a sample, the method comprising: capturing, by a spectrometry device, reflected light from the sample; computing the CRC value of the sample based on at least the reflected light; and causing the CRC value to be outputted.

[0004] In at least one embodiment, the sample comprises a powder sample from a catalytic reactor. In at least one embodiment, the reflected light of the powder sample is captured by the spectrometry device while on a light-reflective surface.

[0005] In at least one embodiment, the reflected light corresponds to a light reflectance value (LRV) captured by the spectrometry device. In at least one embodiment, computing the CRC value of the sample comprises using a calibration relationship to convert LRV to CRC. In at least one embodiment, the calibration relationship is nonlinear.

[0006] In at least one embodiment, the method further comprises: calibrating the spectrometry device to determine a calibration relationship between LRV and CRC. In at least one embodiment, calibrating the spectrometry device comprises measuring, by the spectrometry device, LRV for each of a plurality of samples having pre-determined CRC values. In at leastone embodiment, the calibration relationship comprises of two or more calibration equations corresponding to different LRV ranges.

[0007] In at least one embodiment, causing CRC value to be outputted comprises: displaying the CRC value via an embedded display of the spectrometry device.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, causing CRC value to be outputted comprises: transmitting data to comprising the CRC value to a separate device for display.

[0009] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a spectrometry device comprising: a sensor configured to measure reflected light; and a memory to store calibration data; and a processing device operatively coupled to the sensor and the memory, wherein the processing device is configured to compute a coke on regenerated catalyst (CRC) value from at least the reflected light based on the calibration data. In at least one embodiment, the spectrometry device is configured to perform any one of the aforementioned methods. In at least one embodiment, the calibration data comprises the calibration relationship.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the spectrometry device further comprises: an integrated display device configured to display the computed CRC value.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the spectrometry device further comprises: a network adapter configured to transmit data comprising the computed CRC value to an external device.

[0012] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of computing a characteristic value of a powder sample, the method comprising: providing a powder sample on a light-reflective surface; capturing, by a spectrometry device, reflected light from the sample; computing the characteristic value of the sample based on the reflected light; and causing the characteristic value to be outputted.

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the reflected light corresponds to a light reflectance value (LRV) captured by the spectrometry device.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, computing the characteristic of the sample comprises using a calibration relationship to convert LRV to the characteristic value.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, calibrating the spectrometry device comprises measuring, by the spectrometry device, LRV for each of a plurality of samples having pre-determined characteristic value.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, the characteristic value is representative of a quantity or degree of a contaminant, additive, or chemical change in the sample.

[0017] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a non-transitory computer- readable medium having instructions encoded thereon that, when executed by a processing device, cause the processing device to perform any of the aforementioned methods.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] The examples described herein will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings, which, however, should not be taken to limit the application to the specific examples, but are for explanation and understanding only.

[0019] FIG. l is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary system architecture, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of estimating coke on a regenerated catalyst (CRC) value of a sample, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a plot of an exemplary calibration curve for computing CRC value, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a plot of an another exemplary calibration curve for computing CRC value, in accordance with another embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of computing a characteristic value of a powder sample, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system for use in accordance with at least one embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The embodiments described herein relate generally to methods and devices for measuring one or more characteristics (e.g., a CRC value) of a sample (e.g., a powder sample) from light reflected from the sample when illuminated by natural or artificial light. For example, in at least one embodiment, reflected light from a sample is captured by a spectrometry device. The spectrometry device, for example, may utilize an on-board processing device to compute the CRC value based on a calibration curve that relates a value derived from the reflected light to CRC value. The computed CRC value may be outputted, for example, by displaying it via a built-in display device of the spectrometry device, and / or transmitted to another device for display and / or storage.

[0026] As used herein, the term “reflected light” refers to light captured by a measurement device (e.g., a spectrometry device) directly after having reflected from a surface resulting fromlight incident on the surface. Information describing the optical characteristics of the surface may be present in or derivable from the reflected light. Moreover, reflected light may include one or more distinct frequency ranges, or an aggregate of frequency ranges corresponding to, for example, a light reflectance value.

[0027] In at least one embodiment, the reflected light may correspond to a light reflectance value (“LRV” or “L value”) of the sample. As used herein, LRV refers to the percentage of light reflected by a sample, which can range from 0% (corresponding to a pure black sample that reflects no light) to 100% (a pure white sample that reflects all light).

[0028] The embodiments described herein provide an approach for assessing CRC value of a catalyst sample based on LRV output from the light-measuring device, from which CRC value can be computed. By using a quantitative optical measurement, the embodiments remove the necessity for visually estimating CRC value and therefore decreases the potential for human error, while still allowing a very fast and accurate measurement.

[0029] In at least one embodiment, to translate the LRV to a measured CRC value, a calibration curve can be computed based on historical data and sample analyses. The calibration curve may be a single curve corresponding to a continuous function, or may be a piecewise model comprising two or more curves that apply to different LRV measurements. The calibration curve enables the conversion of LRV values into corresponding CRC values for accurate assessment, and may exhibit non-linear variation for catalyst samples. Advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to: cost-effective and precise CRC measurement; fast results that are obtainable without the need to outsource the measurement to a third party laboratory; and CRC measurement data obtainable at the time of operation of a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) unit.

[0030] Exemplary implementations of the embodiments of the present disclosure are now described. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system architecture 100 in accordance with at least one embodiment. The system architecture 100 includes a spectrometry device 110 and a data store 120, with each device of the system architecture 100 being communicatively coupled via a link or a network 130. One or more of the devices of the system architecture 100 may be implemented using one or more components of a generalized computer system 500, described with respect to FIG. 5. The devices of the system architecture 100 are merely illustrative, and it is to be understood that devices may be combined, include additional or fewer components, and additional devices may be present.

[0031] In at least one embodiment, the spectrometry device 110 may be a standalone computing device, or a device that interfaces with another standalone computing device, such asa personal computer (PC), laptop, mobile phone, smart phone, tablet computer, netbook computer, etc. For example, when the spectrometry device 110 is a standalone device, it may include one or more processing devices housed therein. An individual user may be associated with (e.g., own and / or operate) the spectrometry device 110. As used herein, a “user” may be represented as a single individual. However, other embodiments of the present disclosure encompass a “user” being an entity controlled by a set of users and / or an automated source. For example, a set of individual users federated as a community in a company or government organization may be considered a “user.”

[0032] In at least one embodiment, the spectrometry device 110 comprises a sensor 112. In at least one embodiment, the sensor 112 is configured for performing spectrometry measurements, including measurements of visible light, ultraviolet (UV) light, near-infrared (NIR) light, and / or infrared light. In at least one embodiment, the sensor 112 may be configured to measure one or more of visible light, UV light, NIR light, or infrared light, or one or more additional sensors may be present in the spectrometry device 110 for measuring one or more of such types of light. In at least one embodiment, the sensor 112 may be configured to measure monochromatic or polychromatic light. For example, the sensor 112 may be configured to measure an intensity of a light within a particular range of wavelength. In at least one embodiment, the sensor 112 is configured to capture reflected light (e.g., corresponding to an LRV) when placed near or adjacent to a sample. In at least one embodiment, the sensor 112 is at least partially disposed within a housing of the spectrometry device 110 to protect the sensor. In at least one embodiment, the spectrometry device 110 comprises a protective covering disposed over the sensor 112 to prevent damage to the sensor 112. For example, the covering may comprise a replaceable tape layer arranged such that an adhesive portion can trap catalyst granules and prevent cross-contamination of samples.

[0033] In at least one embodiment, the spectrometry device 110 comprises a user interface (UI) 114. The UI 114 may comprise one or more actuatable buttons, a display screen, or other components that allow a user to control the operation of the spectrometry device 110 or view measurements captured / computed by the spectrometry device. In at least one embodiment, the UI 114 is a graphical user interface (GUI). In at least one embodiment, the spectrometry device 110 utilizes a built-in touchscreen display device configured to implement the GUI. For example, the user may control the operation of the spectrometry device 110 via the GUI. In at least one embodiment, the UI 114 provides a visual readout of a measurements or estimate of a characteristic value pertaining to a sample in response to measuring the sample with the sensor112. In at least one embodiment, the UI 114 may provide functionality for the user to calibrate the spectrometry device 110 base on a plurality of reference samples.

[0034] In at least one embodiment, the spectrometry device 110 may utilize a memory 116, which may comprise one or more local data stores (e.g., internal or external devices), which may each include one or more of a short-term memory (e.g., random access memory), a cache, a drive (e.g., a hard drive), a flash drive, or another type of component or device capable of storing data. The local data stores may also include multiple storage components that may also span multiple computing devices.

[0035] In at least one embodiment, the spectrometry device 110 comprises a network interface device 118 to allow the spectrometry device 110 to communicate with other devices in the system architecture 100 via a network 130.

[0036] In at least one embodiment, the data store 120 may include one or more of a short-term memory (e.g., random access memory), a cache, a drive (e.g., a hard drive), a flash drive, a database system, or another type of component or device capable of storing data. The data store 120 may also include multiple storage components (e.g., multiple drives or multiple databases) that may also span multiple computing devices (e.g., multiple server computers). In at least one embodiment, the data store 120 may be cloud-based. In at least one embodiment, the data store 120 comprises calibration data 122 used for calibrating the output of the spectrometry device 110, and measurement data 124 that stores, for example, raw and processed data from measurements captured by the spectrometry device 110 for data back-up or archival purposes.

[0037] In at least one embodiment, the network 130 may include a public network (e.g., the Internet), a private network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN)), a wired network (e.g., Ethernet network), a wireless network (e.g., an 802.11 network or a Wi-Fi network), a cellular network (e.g., a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network), routers, hubs, switches, server computers, and / or a combination thereof. Although the network 130 is depicted as a single network, the network 130 may include one or more networks operating as stand-alone networks or in cooperation with each other. The network 130 may utilize one or more protocols of one or more devices to which they are communicatively coupled.

[0038] Although each of the spectrometry device 110 and the data store 120 are depicted in FIG. 1 as single, disparate components, these components may be implemented together in a single device or networked in various combinations of multiple different devices that operate together. In at least one embodiment, at least some of the functionality of the data store 120 may be performed by the spectrometry device 110 (e.g., as a fully-functional standalone device), ormay be distributed among other devices not shown, as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0039] Although embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in the context analyzing catalyst samples, such embodiments are generally applicable to other types of measurements for which measured light intensity from a sample can be used to derive physical characteristics of the sample.

[0040] The following methods are now described, which may be performed by processing logic that may include hardware (e.g., circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, processing device, etc.), software (such as instructions run on a processing device, a general purpose computer system, or a dedicated machine), firmware, microcode, or a combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the methods may be performed, in part, by the spectrometry device 110. In some embodiments, a non-transitory storage medium stores instructions that when executed by a processing device (e.g., of the spectrometry device 110) cause the processing device to perform methods.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method 200 of estimating coke on a regenerated catalyst (CRC) value of a sample, in accordance with at least one embodiment. At block 210, reflected light from a sample is measured / captured (e.g., by the spectrometry device 110 using the sensor 112). For example, the sample comprises a powder sample taken from a catalytic reactor (such as an FCC unit). The powder sample may be a zeolitic catalyst (i.e., an optionally used particulate catalyst comprising one or more aluminosilicate zeolite) which has been used for, or employed in, fluid catalytic cracking of a hydrocarbonaceous feed, and may comprise coke. In at least one embodiment, the powder sample is captured by the spectrometry device while on a light-reflective surface. For example, a suitable light-reflective surface may comprise a white surface, such as a plain sheet of paper.

[0042] In at least one embodiment, the reflected light corresponds to an LRV. In at least one embodiment, the method 200 comprises, prior to measuring the sample, calibrating the spectrometry device to determine a calibration relationship between the LRV and CRC. For example, calibration may be performed by measuring LRV for each of a plurality of samples having pre-determined CRC values. From these measurements, a calibration relationship may be generated that comprises, for example, two or more calibration equations corresponding to different LRV ranges. FIG. 3 is a plot of an exemplary calibration curve 300 for computing CRC value, in accordance with at least one embodiment. The calibration curve 300 illustrates a nonlinear relationship, which can be modeled by two equations. Equation 1 corresponds to a curve that applies to values of LRV that are above a threshold L value. (For purposes of Figure3, "L value" and LRV are synonymous). For values of LRV that exceed the threshold LRV value, Equation 2 is utilized which linearly relates LRV to CRV value.

[0043] Other methods of calibration may be performed according to embodiments of this disclosure. Such embodiments may differ in terms of how the color of the sample is quantified. In a first embodiment, a spectroscopy or spectometry device may analyze the color channels of the reflected light of a sample (e.g., a powdery sample such as is recovered from the catalyst used in the FCC process) that has been illuminated by a white light, and determine color parameters or coordinates in the LAB color space, which color coordinates are denoted as L, a, and b. As would be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art, the LAB color space (also referred to as the CIELAB color space) is a color space defined by the International Commission on Illumination (abbreviated CIE) in 1976. It expresses color as three values: L* for perceptual lightness and a* and b* for the four unique colors of human vision: red, green, blue and yellow. CIELAB was intended as a perceptually uniform space, where a given numerical change corresponds to a similar perceived change in color. These LAB color coordinates may be thereafter calibrated and converted to a CRC (coke on regenerated catalyst) weight % value.

[0044] In a second embodiment, the reflected light of a sample may be analyzed in terms of color, and the R, G, and B values determined for that color. As would be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art, the RGB color model is an additive color model in which the red, green, and blue primary colors of light may be added together in various ways to reproduce a broad array of colors. The use of RGB values may offer an advantage in that a calibration curve may be derived that is monotonous and / or continuous, e.g. where the curve does not exhibit discontinuities. This may permit a facile conversion of average R, G, and B values (typically, individual R or G or B values) directly to CRC values within the window that the device will be applied (usually, a range for CRC of from about 0 to about 1.5 wt%).

[0045] The calibration may be performed by measuring a range of samples that contain coke at varying (but known) levels, and analyzing their reflected light with the spectrometry device to produce R, G, and B values. These are then plotted in 2 dimensions (CRC value as the x-axis, R / G / B value as the Y axis), and a curve is fit to the data. Using RGB values may offer an advantage in that a calibration curve will not need to be created through each sample run as the curve will work for any samples within the x & y range of the calibration curve. An exemplary calibration curve has been provided in FIG. 4. This figure plots R,G and B values detected by the spectrometry device on y-axis, versus known CRC values of samples on its x-axis. Note that there does not appear to be a marked difference in behavior whether plotting the color in termsof its R (red) value, or B (blue) value, or G (green) value individually: regardless of which color channel is used to characterize the color, a smooth (i.e., continuous) function of color-vs-CRC value may be derived from the data.

[0046] At block 220, a determination is made as to whether a threshold condition is met. In at least one embodiment, the threshold condition is that a measured / derived LRV is above a threshold value. If the measured LRV is below the threshold, the method 200 proceeds to block 230, where the CRC value is computed according to a first equation (e.g., Equation 1 of the calibration curve 300). Otherwise, the method proceeds to block 240, where the CRC value is computed according to a second equation (e.g., Equation 2 of the calibration curve 300). It is noted that the piecewise calibration curve of two separate equations is merely exemplary, and certain embodiments may utilize calibration data represented by a single continuous equation, or more than two distinct equations.

[0047] At block 250, the computed CRC value is displayed and / or stored. For example, in at least one embodiment, the spectrometry device may display the CRC value via an embedded display (e.g., configured to implement the UI 114). In at least one embodiment, the CRC value may be transmitted to a separate device for display (e.g., via the network 130). In at least one embodiment, the CRC value may be stored locally by the spectrometry device (e.g., in the memory 116), or transmitted to a separate device for storage (e.g., to store in measurement data 124 of the data store 120 in embodiments where the data store 120 is separate from the spectrometry device 110).

[0048] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of computing a characteristic value of a powder sample, in accordance with at least one embodiment. At block 410, a sample is provided for analysis. The sample may include a powder sample from a FCC catalyst unit, a soil sample, or any other sample for which physical characteristics can be derived from light reflectance measurements. In at least one embodiment, the sample is placed on a light-reflective surface, such as a plain white sheet of paper.

[0049] At block 420, reflected light from the sample is measured / captured (e.g., by the spectrometry device 110 using the sensor 112). In at least one embodiment, the reflected light corresponds to an LRV.

[0050] At block 430, a characteristic value of the sample is computed from the LRV, for example, using a calibration relationship (e.g., a calibration curve) to convert the LRV to the characteristic value. In at least one embodiment, a calibration curve may be computed by (or derived from) measuring, by the spectrometry device, LRV for each of a plurality of samples having pre-determined characteristic value.

[0051] At block 440, the computed characteristic value is outputted (e.g., displayed and / or stored). For example, in at least one embodiment, the spectrometry device may display the characteristic value via an embedded display (e.g., configured to implement the UI 114). In at least one embodiment, the characteristic value may be transmitted to a separate device for display (e.g., via the network 130). In at least one embodiment, the characteristic value may be stored locally by the spectrometry device (e.g., in the memory 116), or transmitted to a separate device for storage (e.g., to store in measurement data 124 of the data store 120 in embodiments where the data store 120 is separate from the spectrometry device 110).

[0052] For simplicity of explanation, the methods described herein are characterized as a series of acts or operations. However, acts in accordance with this disclosure can occur in various orders and / or concurrently and with other acts or operations not presented and described herein. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts or operations may be performed to implement the methods in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that the methods could alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states via a state diagram or events.

[0053] FIG. 5 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the exemplary form of a computer system 500 within which a set of instructions (e.g., for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein) may be executed. In alternative embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines in a LAN, an intranet, an extranet, or the Internet. The machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in client-server network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The machine may be a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a server, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. Some or all of the components of the computer system 500 may be utilized by or illustrative of at least some of the devices of the system architecture 100, such as the spectrometry device 110 and the data store 120.

[0054] The exemplary computer system 500 includes a processing device (processor) 502, a main memory 504 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) or Rambus DRAM (RDRAM), etc ), astatic memory 506 (e.g., flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM), etc.), and a data storage device 520, which communicate with each other via a bus 510.

[0055] Processor 502 represents one or more general-purpose processing devices such as a microprocessor, central processing unit, or the like. More particularly, the processor 502 may be a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, or a processor implementing other instruction sets or processors implementing a combination of instruction sets. The processor 502 may also be one or more special-purpose processing devices such as an ASIC, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), network processor, or the like. The processor 502 is configured to execute instructions 526 for performing the operations and steps discussed herein, such as operations associated with the spectrometry device 110.

[0056] The computer system 500 may further include a network interface device 508. The computer system 500 also may include a video display unit 512 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT), or a touch screen), an alphanumeric input device 514 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 516 (e.g., a mouse), and / or a signal generation device 522 (e.g., a speaker).

[0057] Power device 518 may monitor a power level of a battery used to power the computer system 500 or one or more of its components. The power device 518 may provide one or more interfaces to provide an indication of a power level, a time window remaining prior to shutdown of computer system 500 or one or more of its components, a power consumption rate, an indicator of whether computer system is utilizing an external power source or battery power, and other power related information. In at least one embodiment, indications related to the power device 518 may be accessible remotely (e.g., accessible to a remote back-up management module via a network connection). In at least one embodiment, a battery utilized by the power device 518 may be an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) local to or remote from computer system 500. In such embodiments, the power device 518 may provide information about a power level of the UPS.

[0058] The data storage device 520 may include a computer-readable storage medium 524 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions 526 (e.g., software) embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The instructions 526 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 504 and / or within the processor 502 during execution thereof by the computer system 500, the main memory 504 and the processor 502 also constituting computer-readable storage media. The instructions 526 may further be transmitted or received over a network 530 (e.g., the network 130) via the network interface device 508.

[0059] In one embodiment, the instructions 526 include instructions for implementing the functionality of the spectrometry device 110, as described throughout this disclosure. While the computer-readable storage medium 524 is shown in an exemplary embodiment to be a single medium, the terms “computer-readable storage medium” or “machine-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and / or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The terms “computer-readable storage medium” or “machine-readable storage medium” shall also be taken to include any transitory or non-transitory medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure. The term “computer-readable storage medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical media, and magnetic media.

[0060] The methods, components, and features described herein may be implemented by discrete hardware components or may be integrated in the functionality of other hardware components such as ASICS, FPGAs, DSPs or similar devices. In addition, the methods, components, and features may be implemented by firmware modules or functional circuitry within hardware devices. Further, the methods, components, and features may be implemented in any combination of hardware devices and computer program components, or in computer programs.

[0061] Unless specifically stated otherwise, terms such as “receiving,” “determining,” “providing,” “calibrating,” “combining,” “training,” “obtaining,” “identifying,” “computing,” “estimating,” “capturing,” “causing,” “generating,” or the like, refer to actions and processes performed or implemented by computer systems that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

[0062] Examples described herein also relate to an apparatus for performing the methods described herein. This apparatus may be specially constructed for performing the methods described herein, or it may include a general purpose computer system selectively programmed by a computer program stored in the computer system. Such a computer program may be stored in a computer-readable tangible storage medium.

[0063] The present disclosure may further be described in its various aspects, by making reference to any one or more of the following numbered Clauses:

[0064] Clause 1. A method of estimating coke on a regenerated catalyst (CRC) value of a sample, the method comprising:capturing, by a spectrometry device, reflected light from the sample; computing the CRC value of the sample based on at least the reflected light; and causing the CRC value to be outputted.Clause 2. The method of clause 1, wherein the sample comprises a powder sample from a catalytic reactor, optionally at least one of: the catalytic reactor being an FCC unit or the powder sample comprising at least one aluminosilicate zeolite.Clause 3. The method of any one of clauses 1-2, further comprising illuminating the sample by a white light source and analyzing, by the spectrometry device, the reflected light in one or more color channels of a color space.Clause 4. The method of any one of clauses 1-3, wherein the reflected light of the powder sample is captured by the spectrometry device while on a light-reflective surface.Clause 5. The method of any one of clauses 1-4, wherein the reflected light corresponds to a light reflectance value (LRV) captured by the spectrometry device.Clause 6. The method of clause 5, wherein computing the CRC value of the sample comprises using a calibration relationship to convert LRV to CRC.Clause 7. The method of clause 6, wherein the calibration relationship is nonlinear.Clause 8. The method of any one of clauses 5-7, further comprising: calibrating the spectrometry device to determine a calibration relationship between LRV and CRC.Clause 9. The method of clause 8, wherein calibrating the spectrometry device comprises measuring, by the spectrometry device, LRV for each of a plurality of samples having predetermined CRC values.Clause 10. The method of any one of clauses 6-9, wherein the calibration relationship comprises of two or more calibration equations corresponding to different LRV ranges. Clause 11. The method of any one of clauses 1-10, wherein causing CRC value to be outputted comprises: displaying the CRC value via an embedded display of the spectrometry device.Clause 12. The method of any one of clauses 1-11, wherein causing CRC value to be outputted comprises: transmitting data to comprising the CRC value to a separate device for display.Clause 13. A spectrometry device comprising: a sensor configured to measure reflected light; and a memory to store calibration data; anda processing device operatively coupled to the sensor and the memory, wherein the processing device is configured to compute a coke on regenerated catalyst (CRC) value from at least the reflected light based on the calibration data.Clause 14. The spectrometry device of clause 13, configured to perform the method of any one of clauses 1-5 or 11-12.Clause 15. The spectrometry device of clause 13, configured to perform the method of any one of clauses 6-10, wherein the calibration data comprises the calibration relationship.Clause 16. The spectrometry device of any one of clauses 13-15, further comprising: an integrated display device configured to display the computed CRC value.Clause 17. The spectrometry device of any one of clauses 13-16, further comprising: a network adapter configured to transmit data comprising the computed CRC value to an external device.Clause 18. A method of computing a characteristic value of a powder sample, the method comprising: providing a powder sample on a light-reflective surface; capturing, by a spectrometry device, reflected light from the sample; computing the characteristic value of the sample based on the reflected light; and causing the characteristic value to be outputted.Clause 19. The method of clause 18, further comprising illuminating the powder sample by a white light source and analyzing, with the spectrometry device, the reflected light in one or more color channels in a color space.Clause 20. The method of clause 18, wherein the reflected light corresponds to a light reflectance value (LRV) captured by the spectrometry device.Clause 21. The method of clause 20, wherein computing the characteristic of the sample comprises using a calibration relationship to convert LRV to the characteristic value.Clause 22. The method of clause 21, wherein the calibration relationship is derived from measuring, by the spectrometry device, LRV for each of a plurality of samples having predetermined characteristic value.Clause 23. The method of any one of clauses 18-22, wherein the characteristic value is representative of a quantity or degree of a contaminant, additive, or chemical change in the sample.Clause 24. The method of any one of clauses 18-23, wherein the powder sample is from a catalytic reactor, optionally at least one of: the catalytic reactor being an FCC unit or the powder sample comprising at least one aluminosilicate zeolite.Clause 25. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions encoded thereon that, when executed by a processing device, cause the processing device to perform the method of any one of clauses 1-12 or 18-24.

[0065] In the above description, numerous details are set forth. It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure, that embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the description.

[0066] Some portions of the detailed description are presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.

[0067] Embodiments also relate to an apparatus for performing the operations herein. This apparatus may be specially constructed for the required purposes, or it may include a general- purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program may be stored in a computer readable storage medium, such as, but not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs and magnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, or any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions.

[0068] The algorithms, methods, and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general-purpose systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct a more specialized apparatus to perform the required method steps. The required structure for a variety of these systems will appear from the description above. In addition, the present embodiments are not described with reference to any particular programming language. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the teachings of the present invention as described herein. It should also be noted that the terms “when” or the phrase “in response to,”as used herein, should be understood to indicate that there may be intervening time, intervening events, or both before the identified operation is performed.

[0069] Various operations are described as multiple discrete operations, in turn, in a manner that is most helpful in understanding the present disclosure, however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. In particular, these operations need not be performed in the order of presentation.

[0070] While the present disclosure has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate numerous modifications and variations therefrom. It is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of this present disclosure.

[0071] Use of the phrase “configured to” refers to an apparatus, hardware, logic, or other element that is adapted, arrange, programmed, or otherwise capable of performing a designated or determined task by itself or in combination with additional apparatuses, hardware, logic, or other elements. For example, an apparatus or element thereof that is not operating is still “configured to” perform a designated task if it is designed, coupled, and / or interconnected to perform said designated task.

[0072] In the foregoing specification, a detailed description has been given with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense. Furthermore, the foregoing use of embodiment and other exemplarily language does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or the same example, but can refer to different and distinct embodiments, as well as potentially the same embodiment.

[0073] The words “example” or “exemplary” are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “example’ or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the words “example” or “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X includes A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X includes A; X includes B; or X includes both A and B, then “X includes A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims shouldgenerally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

[0074] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0075] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Although the present disclosure has been described with references to specific illustrative examples and implementations, it will be recognized that the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and implementations described. The scope of the disclosure should be determined with reference to the following claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which the claims are entitled.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method of estimating coke on a regenerated catalyst (CRC) value of a sample, the method comprising: capturing, by a spectrometry device, reflected light from the sample; computing the CRC value of the sample based on at least the reflected light; and causing the CRC value to be outputted.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the sample comprises a powder sample from a catalytic reactor.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising illuminating the sample by a white light source and analyzing, by the spectrometry device, the reflected light in one or more color channels of a color space.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the reflected light of the powder sample is captured by the spectrometry device while on a light-reflective surface.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the reflected light corresponds to a light reflectance value (LRV) captured by the spectrometry device.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein computing the CRC value of the sample comprises using a calibration relationship to convert LRV to CRC.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the calibration relationship is nonlinear.

8. The method of claim 5, further comprising: calibrating the spectrometry device to determine a calibration relationship between LRV and CRC.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein calibrating the spectrometry device comprises measuring, by the spectrometry device, LRV for each of a plurality of samples having predetermined CRC values.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the calibration relationship comprises of two or more calibration equations corresponding to different LRV ranges.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein causing CRC value to be outputted comprises: displaying the CRC value via an embedded display of the spectrometry device.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein causing CRC value to be outputted comprises: transmitting data to comprising the CRC value to a separate device for display.

13. A spectrometry device comprising: a sensor configured to measure reflected light; and a memory to store calibration data; and a processing device operatively coupled to the sensor and the memory, wherein the processing device is configured to compute a coke on regenerated catalyst (CRC) value from at least the reflected light based on the calibration data.

14. The spectrometry device of claim 13, configured to perform the method of claim 1.

15. The spectrometry device of claim 13, configured to perform the method of claim 5, wherein the calibration data comprises the calibration relationship.

16. The spectrometry device of claim 13, further comprising: an integrated display device configured to display the computed CRC value.

17. The spectrometry device of claim 13, further comprising: a network adapter configured to transmit data comprising the computed CRC value to an external device.

18. A method of computing a characteristic value of a powder sample, the method comprising:providing a powder sample on a light-reflective surface; capturing, by a spectrometry device, reflected light from the sample; computing the characteristic value of the sample based on the reflected light; and causing the characteristic value to be outputted.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the reflected light corresponds to a light reflectance value (LRV) captured by the spectrometry device.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein computing the characteristic of the sample comprises using a calibration relationship to convert LRV to the characteristic value.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the calibration relationship is derived from measuring, by the spectrometry device, LRV for each of a plurality of samples having pre-determined characteristic value.

22. The method of claim 18, wherein the characteristic value is representative of a quantity or degree of a contaminant, additive, or chemical change in the sample.

23. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions encoded thereon that, when executed by a processing device, cause the processing device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 or 18.

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