Crude Oil Composition Estimation for Absorption Simulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current absorption and liquefaction systems face inefficiencies in recovering volatile organic compounds (VOC) due to inaccurate crude oil composition analysis, which affects the precision of simulation results in absorption process design.
Innovation Solution
A method for estimating crude oil composition by performing absorption tests with a simplified absorption tester, analyzing vapor-phase components, and iteratively correcting simulated compositions to match actual hydrocarbon components, thereby improving the accuracy of material balance simulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional crude oil composition analysis methods are used, then comprehensive composition data can be obtained, but the analysis requires enormous time and effort and does not necessarily have high reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for simulation from the complex crude oil composition analysis. Instead of analyzing all components comprehensively, the method focuses on obtaining representative composition data through simplified absorption tests and vapor-liquid equilibrium calculations, thereby reducing analysis time while maintaining sufficient precision for process simulation purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from direct comprehensive composition analysis to an indirect method using absorption tests and vapor-liquid equilibrium calculations. By measuring absorption behavior and back-calculating composition from vapor-phase data, the method achieves composition estimation with adequate precision for simulation without the time-consuming direct analysis of all crude oil components
2Ease of manufacture
If simulated composition with hypothetical components is used, then process simulations can be done without accurate composition data, but the simulation precision is insufficient because vapor-liquid equilibrium calculation cannot be accurately performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vapor-liquid equilibrium calculation as an intermediary step between absorption test measurements and composition determination. By measuring absorption behavior and using VLE calculations to back-solve for composition, the method bridges the gap between easy-to-obtain absorption data and the accurate composition information needed for precise simulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an iterative feedback process where initial simulated compositions are used to predict absorption behavior, the predicted results are compared with actual absorption test measurements, and the composition estimates are refined by adjusting the simulated composition to minimize the difference between predicted and observed absorption behavior
3Productivity
If absorption and liquefaction systems are designed without accurate crude oil composition data, then system design can proceed quickly, but the recovery efficiency of volatile organic compounds is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary absorption tests and composition estimation before finalizing the absorption and liquefaction system design. By obtaining accurate composition data through simplified absorption testing and VLE calculations in the design phase, the system can be optimized for maximum VOC recovery efficiency without significantly extending the overall design timeline
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 precise estimation of crude oil composition, enhancing the simulation accuracy of absorption processes and improving the recovery efficiency of VOCs in absorption and liquefaction systems.
Implementation Method 1
absorbing test gas of the vapors with the crude oil and measuring concentration for each component of the test gas and concentration for each component of treated gas discharged after part of the test gas is absorbed with the crude oil
Data Source
AI summary
A crude oil composition estimation method estimates a composition of crude oil for use in simulation of a material balance in an absorption and liquefaction system that absorbs vapors emitted from the crude oil with the crude oil. The crude oil composition estimation method includes: comparing a calculated concentration of a treated gas with a measured concentration of the treated gas; estimating, when the calculated concentration agrees with the measured concentration, that the concentration included in the crude oil is a correct crude oil composition; and repeating, when the calculated concentration does not agree with the measured concentration, a process of correcting the concentration included in the crude oil and then comparing the calculated concentration with the measured concentration, until the calculated concentration agrees with the measured concentration, and when they agree, estimating that the corrected concentration in the crude oil is a correct crude oil composition.