In-Line Hydrocarbon Blending With Mixing Jumpers
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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.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an in-line mixing system using mixing jumpers, which connect tanks at a tank farm to a single pipeline, allowing for precise blending of two or more hydrocarbon liquids with minimal power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If tank mixing is used to blend hydrocarbon liquids, then mixing capability is provided, but infrastructure complexity and cost increase due to requiring dedicated tanks and extensive piping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mixing function from dedicated mixing tanks and relocates it to the pipeline itself using static mixing elements. This eliminates the need for separate mixing infrastructure while maintaining blending capability, directly reducing infrastructure complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the mixing function with the existing pipeline infrastructure by installing static mixing elements within the pipeline. This merging of functions eliminates redundant equipment and reduces overall infrastructure complexity while maintaining blending capability.
2Measurement precision
If parallel mixing with multiple pumps is used, then mixing precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical mixing systems (multiple pumps and mixers) with static mixing elements that use fluid dynamics and turbulence to achieve mixing. This substitution eliminates the need for additional mechanical energy input while maintaining mixing precision through controlled flow patterns and mixing element geometry.
3Productivity
If traditional tank mixing is used, then blending capability is provided, but power consumption increases due to required mixing equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-mixing through static elements that utilize the kinetic energy already present in the flowing hydrocarbon liquids. The system serves itself by converting flow energy into mixing action through turbulence and fluid dynamics, eliminating the need for external power sources while maintaining blending capability.
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 solution enables accurate and efficient blending of hydrocarbon liquids, reducing infrastructure costs and energy consumption while allowing for flexible blend ratios and on-demand mixing.
Implementation Method 1
The in-line mixing system utilizes the existing flow and pressure of the hydrocarbon liquids, along with induced turbulence, to achieve thorough blending
Implementation Method 2
The in-line mixing system utilizes the existing flow and pressure of the hydrocarbon liquids, along with induced turbulence, to achieve thorough blending
Implementation Method 3
Different types of hydrocarbon liquids, such as crude oil and renewable products, from different tanks may need to be mixed in a particular ratio
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.