Chemometric Blending Control for Oxygenate Gasoline Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing process for manufacturing oxygenate-containing finished gasoline is challenging due to variations in the xBOB blendstock, leading to difficulties in precisely meeting finished gasoline specifications, which results in increased costs and potential contamination from water during distribution.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of chemometric models for predicting oxygenate-containing finished gasoline properties using spectroscopic data, combined with a closed-loop control system for continuous monitoring and adjustment of blendstock ratios, ensures precise control of the blending process to meet desired specifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional blending equations are used to determine blendstock ratios, then the blending process is simple and cost-effective, but the precision of meeting finished gasoline specifications deteriorates due to variations in xBOB blendstock

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of meeting finished gasoline specificationsVSAvoidcomplexity of blending process

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a closed-loop control system where spectroscopic data from the xBOB blendstock is fed into a chemometric model that predicts finished gasoline properties. The control system automatically adjusts blendstock ratios based on these predictions to ensure specifications are met, creating a continuous feedback loop that maintains precision despite blendstock variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical/blending-based control methods with spectroscopic analysis and chemometric modeling. Instead of relying on physical blending equations and manual adjustments, the system uses optical spectroscopy combined with mathematical models to predict and control finished gasoline properties, achieving higher precision through non-mechanical means

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If xBOB blendstock composition varies, then adaptability to different feedstocks is improved, but manufacturing precision of finished gasoline specifications deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different xBOB compositionsVSAvoidprecision of finished gasoline specifications

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses chemometric models that can dynamically adapt to changing blendstock compositions by adjusting the mathematical parameters and relationships in the predictive model. The spectroscopic analysis captures variations in xBOB composition, and the chemometric model transforms these variations into accurate predictions of finished gasoline properties, allowing the system to maintain precision across different feedstock compositions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal blending control system that can handle multiple types of xBOB blendstocks and produce consistent finished gasoline specifications. The chemometric model serves as a universal translator between diverse blendstock compositions and target specifications, making the blending process adaptable to various feedstocks while maintaining precision through the standardized predictive framework

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for the precise production of oxygenate-containing finished gasoline that consistently meets regulatory specifications, reducing manufacturing costs and minimizing the risk of water-related contamination by maintaining precise octane and volatility levels.

Implementation Method 1

using spectroscopic data for an xBOB (blendstock for oxygenate blending) to predict properties of an oxygenate-finished gasoline

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentUS8569068B2Preparation and optimization of oxygenated gasolines

Publication Date: 2013.10.29 PHILLIPS 66 CO

AI summary

A process for controlling the composition of an xBOB so that the xBOB will yield an oxygenate-containing gasoline which precisely meets desired specifications when mixed with the desired amount of oxygenate. The process involves blending a plurality of blendstocks to produce an xBOB, withdrawing a sample of the xBOB, obtaining spectroscopic measurements for the sample, applying mathematical models that were based on correlation of xBOB spectra to associated oxygenate-containing gasoline properties, to predict laboratory analysis results for oxygenate-containing gasoline properties, and using the analysis results to control and optimize the blending process.