NMR Sensor Crude Oil Blending Homogeneity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Achieving homogeneous blending of crude oils with different viscosities is challenging due to incomplete mixing and stability issues, which can lead to transportation and processing problems, and existing monitoring technologies are inadequate for real-time control.
Innovation Solution
Implementing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sensors to monitor the blending process by measuring T2 relaxation times of crude oil streams and blends, combined with additional sensors like infrared spectroscopy and viscometers to ensure viscosity and density uniformity, allowing for real-time corrective actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If crude oils with significantly different viscosities are blended, then the viscosity range of the final blend is improved, but incomplete blending occurs within the operational time frame
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of each crude oil stream using NMR sensors to determine T2 relaxation times and viscosity properties before blending. This advance knowledge allows the system to predict blending behavior and adjust operational parameters beforehand to ensure complete mixing within the available time frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the blending process using NMR sensors that measure T2 relaxation times in real-time. This feedback information is used to determine whether complete blending has been achieved, allowing for dynamic adjustment of blending time and parameters to ensure homogeneous mixing of crude oils with different viscosities.
2Manufacturing precision
If real-time monitoring of blend homogeneity is implemented, then blending quality is improved, but measurement and detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical sampling and laboratory analysis methods with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sensing technology. NMR sensors directly measure the molecular environment and relaxation times of crude oil components in the flow stream, providing real-time information about blend homogeneity without requiring physical sampling or complex analytical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses NMR T2 relaxation time as a measurable parameter that directly reflects the molecular environment and mixing state of crude oil blends. By monitoring changes in T2 distribution and mean relaxation time, the system translates complex blend composition information into simple, interpretable parameters that indicate blending completeness and homogeneity.
3Measurement precision
If NMR sensors are used to monitor blending, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NMR sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: characterizing individual crude oil streams, monitoring the blending process in real-time, and providing feedback on blend quality. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate measurement devices and simplifies the overall system architecture despite the advanced sensing technology used.
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
Ensures complete and stable blending by identifying incomplete mixing and adjusting blending parameters, reducing 'giveaway' and preventing pipeline clogging, while providing cost-effective and efficient blend quality monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
Systems and methods are provided for monitoring a crude oil blending process using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sensors. NMR sensors are used to investigate properties of a plurality of crude oil streams that are mixed together to form a crude oil blend.
Implementation Method 2
the viscosity of the input crude oil streams and the output blend may be determined by finding the T2 relaxation times of the respective streams and blend
Implementation Method 3
additional sensors such as infrared spectroscopy sensors, UV-Vis spectroscopy sensors, Raman spectroscopy sensors, viscometers, and densitometers may be used in conjunction with the NMR sensors
Implementation Method 4
additional sensors such as infrared spectroscopy sensors, UV-Vis spectroscopy sensors, Raman spectroscopy sensors, viscometers, and densitometers may be used in conjunction with the NMR sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for monitoring a crude oil blending process use nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sensors which investigate properties of a plurality of crude oil streams that are mixed together to form a crude oil blend. An NMR sensor is also used to investigate the properties of the crude oil blend. The investigated properties may include viscosity. Resulting determinations may be used to control the input streams so that the output stream meets desired criteria. Additional sensors such as spectroscopy sensors, viscometers, and densitometers may be used in conjunction with the NMR sensors.