In-Line Hydrocarbon Mixing Jumpers for Precise Blend Ratios
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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 handling multiple components.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an in-line mixing system using mixing jumpers with isolation valves, sensors, and flow control devices that allow for precise control of hydrocarbon liquid flow rates and ratios, enabling the blending of multiple hydrocarbon liquids into a single pipeline with minimal power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If tank mixing is used to blend hydrocarbon liquids, then the mixing process is simple and inexpensive, but the precision of blend ratios is poor (error rate of +/−about 10%) and the mixed product stratifies without tank mixers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mixing function from traditional tank-based systems and relocates it to an in-line mixing system. By removing crude oil from storage tanks and performing mixing directly in the pipeline through mixing jumpers, the system eliminates the need for tank mixers while achieving precise blend ratios through controlled injection of lighter crude into the heavier crude flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mixing jumpers as intermediary devices in the pipeline system. These jumpers serve as intermediate mixing zones where lighter crude is injected and mixed with heavier crude through controlled turbulence and diffusion, acting as a mediator between the two crude streams to achieve homogeneous blending without requiring large mixing tanks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated tanks and extensive piping are used for mixing, then multiple hydrocarbon liquids can be blended, but the infrastructure requirements and capital investment increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing pipeline infrastructure multi-functional by enabling it to perform both transportation and mixing functions. The mixing jumpers are integrated into the existing pipeline system, allowing the same pipeline to transport crude oil and simultaneously blend multiple crude types without requiring separate dedicated mixing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the transportation and mixing functions into a single integrated system. By combining the pipeline transport function with in-line mixing capability through mixing jumpers, the system eliminates the need for separate mixing tanks and distribution piping, significantly reducing infrastructure requirements while maintaining the ability to blend multiple hydrocarbon liquids.
3Measurement precision
If parallel mixing with two pumps is used, then controlled feed streams can be achieved, but the system becomes more difficult to control and requires high horsepower boost pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the mixing system to self-regulate by utilizing the natural flow characteristics of the crude oil streams. The lighter crude injected through mixing jumpers automatically mixes with the heavier crude through turbulence and diffusion created by the flow itself, eliminating the need for complex control systems and high horsepower pumps while maintaining precise control over feed streams.
4Use of energy by moving object
If in-line mixing with mixing jumpers is used, then precise control of blend ratios and minimal power usage are achieved, but the system requires careful control of flow rates and ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors the blend ratio and adjusts the flow rates of lighter and heavier crude accordingly. Sensors detect the composition of the mixed stream and provide feedback to the control system, which then modulates the injection rate of lighter crude through the mixing jumpers to maintain the desired blend ratio, ensuring precise control while minimizing power consumption.
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 provides accurate and cost-effective blending with reduced infrastructure needs, allowing for precise control of blend ratios and energy efficiency, eliminating stratification issues and enabling on-demand blending with high precision.
Implementation Method 1
The mixing of different types of hydrocarbon liquid, e.g., crude and renewable liquid, may be performed at a pipeline origination station
Implementation Method 2
admixing of two or more of those hydrocarbon liquids contained within the two or more of tanks to provide a blended mixture within a single pipeline
Implementation Method 3
Each of the two or more mixing jumpers may, when a corresponding main valve is closed, control hydrocarbon liquid flowing from two or more tanks
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.