In-Line Hydrocarbon Mixing Jumpers for Precise Pipeline Blending
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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 blends of hydrocarbon liquids for pipeline transportation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an in-line fluid mixing system using mixing jumpers with isolation valves, sensors, and flow control devices to precisely blend hydrocarbon liquids from multiple tanks into a single pipeline, allowing for flexible blend ratios and reduced energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tank mixing is used to blend hydrocarbon liquids, then mixing capacity is provided, but mixing precision deteriorates with error rates of ±10% and extensive infrastructure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mixing function from traditional tank-based systems and relocates it to in-line mixing jumpers positioned upstream of booster pumps. This removes the need for extensive tank farms and complex distribution piping, achieving blend precision within 1% of target set points while significantly reducing infrastructure requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mixing jumpers as intermediary devices that facilitate precise blending of hydrocarbon liquids at specific locations in the pipeline system. These jumpers act as mediators between storage tanks and the mainline, enabling accurate control of blend ratios without requiring complex tank mixing infrastructure.
2Productivity
If parallel mixing with multiple pumps is used, then mixing capability is provided, but energy consumption increases and control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple mixing functions into a single in-line mixing jumper system that operates upstream of one or more booster pumps. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple dedicated mixing pumps, reducing energy consumption while maintaining the capability to blend multiple hydrocarbon liquid streams in various ratios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tank mixing is used, then blending is performed, but blend ratio precision deteriorates and is limited to 50/50 blends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of blend ratios through in-line mixing jumpers that can be adjusted to achieve any desired mixing proportion. Unlike static tank mixing systems limited to approximately 50/50 blends, the in-line system allows continuous adjustment of blend ratios to match varying pipeline specifications and demand requirements with precision within 1% of target set points.
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.