Partial Distillation Curve Generation for Thermally Unstable Petroleum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distillation processes for petroleum samples with end distillation temperatures higher than the thermal destruction temperature are difficult and time-consuming, particularly when mixing with solvents, and lack efficient methods for generating accurate distillation curves.
Innovation Solution
A distillation device equipped with a mass sensor and sensors for temperature and pressure, along with a controller unit, to determine initial and residual mass, generate a distillation curve by calculating summary integral surfaces, and extrapolate to create a full curve, identifying boiling moments, and account for thermal destruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a distillation process is performed on petroleum samples with end distillation temperatures higher than thermal destruction temperature, then the distillation characteristics can be determined, but the process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial distillation by stopping the distillation process at a predetermined temperature point (e.g., thermal destruction temperature) rather than completing full distillation to the endpoint. This partial action approach determines key distillation characteristics without requiring the time-consuming complete distillation process, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements during the distillation process, including real-time mass monitoring and temperature recording. By collecting and analyzing data during the partial distillation phase, the system determines distillation characteristics before reaching the time-consuming endpoint, enabling early termination of the process while maintaining measurement accuracy
2Measurement precision
If petroleum samples are mixed with solvents for distillation analysis, then the distillation characteristics can be determined, but the process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and measures the key parameter of mass change during distillation using a mass sensor, separating this critical measurement from the complex solvent mixing and complete distillation process. By focusing on mass change as the primary indicator, the system determines distillation characteristics without requiring complex solvent mixing procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex chemical analysis methods (solvent mixing, manual distillation curves) with automated sensor-based detection. The mass sensor and temperature sensor system automatically monitors and records distillation parameters, substituting manual chemical procedures with electronic measurement and data processing
3Measurement precision
If complete distillation is performed to generate accurate distillation curves, then the distillation characteristics can be determined, but the process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors mass change and temperature during distillation, providing real-time feedback on the distillation progress. By analyzing the rate of mass loss and temperature relationship, the system can determine distillation curve characteristics and identify when sufficient data has been collected, enabling early termination while maintaining curve accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent generates accurate distillation curves through partial distillation by collecting mass and temperature data during the initial phase of distillation. The system processes this partial data set to construct the distillation curve, eliminating the need for complete distillation while maintaining curve accuracy through sophisticated data analysis
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
Enables accurate and efficient generation of distillation curves for petroleum samples beyond thermal destruction temperatures, facilitating safe transportation and refining processes.
Implementation Method 1
A distillation device may be used to perform an automatic distillation of a petroleum sample. Data obtained during the distillation of the petroleum sample may be used to generate a distillation curve
Implementation Method 2
The heating of the sample may continue until the sample boils away or until some other end point is reached
Implementation Method 3
The heating of the sample may continue until the sample boils away
Implementation Method 4
until the sample boils away
Implementation Method 5
A distillation device may be used to perform an automatic distillation of a petroleum sample
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include a memory storing instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions to determine an initial mass of a sample; distill the sample up to at least a thermal destruction temperature; record, at a set of time points during the distilling, vapor temperature values, liquid temperature values, and vapor pressure values associated with the sample; and determine a residual mass of the sample. The processor may be further configured to generate a pressure curve based on the vapor pressure values; calculate a summary integral surface for the generated pressure curve; and generate a distillation curve that relates the vapor temperature values and the liquid temperature values to mass percentage of the sample that has evaporated, based on the calculated summary integral surface, the initial mass of the sample, and the residual mass of the sample.