Differential Allocation of Hydrocarbon Yields via Process Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrocarbon accounting methods, such as the Inlet Ratio method, fail to provide an equitable distribution of hydrocarbon output products among commingled source streams, as they do not accurately account for variations in product output due to inlet stream composition and process conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves determining source stream compositions, simulating output streams, calculating differential values, and using a differential value table to allocate hydrocarbon product components equitably among source streams, considering incremental changes and process modeling to reflect actual contributions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the Inlet Ratio method is used for allocating hydrocarbon output products, then the allocation process is simple and straightforward, but the allocation accuracy and equity among source streams deteriorates because it does not account for variations in product output due to inlet stream composition and process conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the allocation process into multiple computational steps: (1) determining source stream compositions, (2) simulating output streams through process modeling, (3) calculating differential values for each source stream, (4) generating a differential value table, and (5) allocating products based on these differentials. This segmentation transforms the simple but inaccurate Inlet Ratio method into a sophisticated multi-stage process that maintains operational clarity while achieving accurate equitable allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by first determining source stream compositions and simulating output streams before actual allocation occurs. The differential values are calculated in advance and stored in a differential value table, which is then used for the final allocation. This preliminary simulation and calculation phase ensures that the allocation reflects actual process behavior and compositional variations, resolving the accuracy issue while maintaining ease of operation through structured pre-computation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the Inlet Ratio method is used, then the allocation method is easy to implement, but it fails to account for variations in product output resulting from inlet stream composition and process conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used for allocation from simple inlet stream ratios to comprehensive differential values that incorporate inlet stream composition, process conditions, and their interactions. The differential values are derived from process simulations that vary composition and condition parameters, allowing the allocation method to adapt to different scenarios while maintaining a systematic implementation approach through the structured differential calculation framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces differential values as an intermediary between the complex process simulations and the final allocation decision. These differential values serve as mediators that capture the effects of composition and condition variations without requiring direct complex calculations during allocation. The differential value table acts as an intermediary data structure that stores pre-computed relationships, making the method both adaptable to variations and easy to implement through lookup-based allocation.
3Measurement precision
If a differential method with simulation and iterative modification is used, then allocation accuracy and equity improve, but the computational complexity and time required for allocation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the computationally intensive simulation and differential calculation work in advance, before the actual allocation is needed. The process model is built and calibrated beforehand, and the differential value table is generated in a preliminary computation phase. This allows the complex calculations to be done once rather than repeatedly during allocation, reducing the computational burden during actual use while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the computational work into distinct phases: model building, differential calculation, table generation, and final allocation. Each phase handles a specific computational task, allowing for optimized computation strategies in each segment. The segmentation also enables parallel processing opportunities and reduces the complexity of any single computational step, making the overall complex method more manageable and efficient.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for equitable allocation of hydrocarbon component yields which uses the output of process modeling of the hydrocarbon processing system with the individual source streams commingled into a single inlet stream to create a differential value table which can be used to provide the allocation of output product to the individual source streams that are accountable for the individual component yield.