Hydrocarbon Blend Control System Using Real-Time Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing hydrocarbon component streams in refineries are time-consuming, making it impractical to analyze all streams daily, leading to quality give-aways or product failures due to reliance on judgment-based blending rather than real-time data.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented blend control system that senses and analyzes component streams' properties or compositions at regular intervals, processes the data to derive optimized proportions, and adjusts the flow of streams to meet pre-determined specifications, using gas chromatography and mathematical models to minimize quality issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If experimental techniques and tests are used for analysis of component streams, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis by measuring physical properties (density, refractive index, electrical conductivity) and using mathematical models to predict composition and performance attributes before actual blending occurs. This preliminary action reduces the need for time-consuming experimental tests while maintaining measurement precision through model-based predictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/experimental testing systems with an automated electronic measurement and calculation system. Instead of performing physical experimental tests, the system uses sensors to measure physical properties and substitutes the experimental analysis process with mathematical modeling and computer-based calculations, dramatically reducing analysis time while maintaining precision.
2Device complexity
If judgment-based blending is used without real-time data, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback by measuring physical properties of component streams and the final blend in real-time, comparing actual results with target specifications, and automatically adjusting blend ratios to maintain product quality. This feedback loop ensures reliability and consistency without requiring complex manual judgment processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The blending system performs self-regulation through automated control. The system independently measures properties, calculates optimal blend ratios using mathematical models, and adjusts flow rates without external intervention. This self-service capability improves reliability while keeping the control system relatively simple.
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
Enables frequent analysis and real-time regulation of hydrocarbon blends, reducing quality give-aways and product failures by ensuring the hydrocarbon blend meets desired specifications, with properties and compositions analyzed within ASTM accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
using gas chromatography and mathematical models to minimize quality issues
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer implemented blend control system and method for preparation of a hydrocarbon blend from a plurality of components drawn from respective component tanks have been disclosed. The system, in accordance with the present disclosure includes at least one sensing and analyzing means adapted to sense and analyze a first attribute of at least one of the components for obtaining first attribute data. The system further includes, at least one optimizing means having a data storage means for storing attribute based model data. The optimizing means receives the first attribute data and transmits the received first attribute data to a comparator means which computes an optimized proportion data between each of the component streams to enable selective drawing of each of the component streams in accordance with the optimized proportion data for preparing the hydrocarbon blend.