Automated Hydrocarbon Flow Control at Marine Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrocarbon transport in marine terminals faces challenges such as cross-contamination and equipment damage due to complex fluid flow management, which existing systems struggle to address effectively, particularly in environments with multiple product types and varying equipment availability.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine allowable operating ranges for fluid volume transfer and flow rate based on available meters, loading arms, and vapor combustion units, and control valve states to establish a safe and efficient flow path, minimizing human error and equipment misuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual fluid flow management is used in marine terminals, then operators can control hydrocarbon transport, but the risk of cross-contamination and equipment damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines allowable operating ranges and controls valve states without human intervention. The computer system self-manages the fluid flow management by receiving inputs about available equipment, calculating operating parameters, and automatically controlling valves to establish safe flow paths, eliminating manual errors that cause contamination and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors equipment availability (meters, loading arms, vapor combustion units) and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust allowable operating ranges for volume transfer and flow rate. This closed-loop control ensures that operational parameters remain within safe boundaries based on real-time equipment status, preventing harmful conditions.
2Reliability
If complex fluid flow management procedures are implemented, then transport safety improves, but operational complexity and human error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated computer-based control system. The computer automatically determines allowable operating ranges, calculates safe flow paths, and controls valve states based on equipment availability, substituting complex manual procedures with automated computational logic that eliminates human error while simplifying operator interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system handles multiple functions within a single integrated platform: it monitors equipment availability, determines operating ranges for volume transfer and flow rate, verifies flow path safety, and controls multiple valves simultaneously. This multi-functional approach consolidates complex procedures into one universal system that improves safety while maintaining ease of operation.
3Productivity
If automated control systems are used, then operational efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system is divided into distinct functional modules: equipment availability monitoring, allowable operating range determination, flow path verification, and valve control. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently managed, which reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high operational efficiency through automated coordination of these segmented functions.
Data Source
AI summary
An input includes a specified fluid product to be transported, a specified volume transfer of the specified fluid product to a berth, and a target flow rate of the specified fluid product. A first allowable operating range for volume transfer and a second allowable operating range for flow rate are determined at least based on: the specified fluid product, an availability of meters for metering, an availability of loading arms for loading the specified fluid product to a ship located at the berth, and an availability of vapor combustion units for flaring. A control signal is transmitted to at least one of multiple valves to establish a flow path for the specified fluid product. A start signal is transmitted to initiate a recipe that controls flow through the flow path within the first allowable operating range and the second allowable operating range.