In-Line Hydrocarbon Blending With Mixing Jumpers for Ratio Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mixing hydrocarbon liquids, such as tank mixing and parallel mixing, are inefficient and costly, with limitations in precision, infrastructure requirements, and energy consumption, particularly in achieving accurate blend ratios and eliminating stratification in pipelines.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an in-line mixing system using mixing jumpers with isolation valves, sensors, and flow control devices to blend hydrocarbon liquids directly in pipelines, allowing for precise control of flow rates and ratios, reducing the need for high-pressure pumps and dedicated infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If tank mixing is used to blend hydrocarbon liquids, then mixing can be performed with simple infrastructure, but the precision of blend ratios is poor (error rate of +/â about 10%) and stratification occurs without additional mixers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tank mixing systems with an in-line mixing system that uses fluid dynamics and controlled flow through mixing jumpers to achieve blending. This substitution eliminates the need for large dedicated mixing tanks and mechanical mixers, while achieving superior blend precision through controlled flow rates and in-line mixing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mixing jumpers as intermediary components that facilitate precise blending of hydrocarbon liquids. These mixing jumpers serve as mediators between the source tanks and the pipeline, enabling accurate control of blend ratios through controlled flow paths and mixing elements without requiring complex tank mixing infrastructure.
2Manufacturing precision
If parallel mixing with multiple pumps is used to achieve precise blend ratios, then mixing precision improves, but infrastructure costs and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple pumps and mixing systems into a single integrated in-line mixing system. By combining flow control and mixing functions into the pipeline itself through mixing jumpers, the system eliminates the need for multiple high-energy pumps while maintaining precise blend ratio control through flow control valves and in-line mixing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The in-line mixing system enables the pipeline itself to perform the mixing function through controlled flow dynamics and mixing jumpers. The system uses the flowing hydrocarbon liquids' own kinetic energy and pressure differentials to drive the mixing process, eliminating the need for additional high-energy pumping infrastructure while maintaining precise blending control.
3Manufacturing precision
If dedicated mixing tanks and extensive piping are used for in-line mixing, then precise blend ratios can be achieved, but infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional tank-based mixing to one-dimensional in-line mixing within the pipeline. By moving the mixing function from a spatial volume (tank) to a linear flow path (pipeline with mixing jumpers), the system achieves precise blending control while dramatically reducing infrastructure requirements and eliminating the need for large dedicated mixing tanks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the mixing function from traditional tank-based systems and relocates it directly into the pipeline flow path. By taking out the mixing operation from the tank infrastructure and implementing it in-line through mixing jumpers, the system achieves precise blend ratios without requiring dedicated mixing tanks or extensive additional piping infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems of admixing hydrocarbon liquids from a plurality of tanks into a single pipeline thereof. The system may include two or more tanks positioned at a tank farm each containing a hydrocarbon liquid therein. The system may include two or more first main pipes, each connected to one of the tanks. The system may include two or more main valves, each connected to one of the first main pipes. The system may include two or more second main pipes each connected to a corresponding main valve. The system may include two or more mixing jumpers, each connected to a corresponding first main pipe, each mixing jumper to, when a corresponding main valve is closed, control hydrocarbon liquid. The system may include a mixing pipe, connected to the second main pipes and the mixing jumpers, configured to transport hydrocarbon liquid from one or more of the tanks.