Pipeline Interchange Blending With Real-Time Product Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipeline systems face challenges in managing and analyzing the blending of different petroleum products with unique physical and chemical characteristics, requiring frequent sampling and analysis to meet product specifications, which is costly and inefficient, especially when stopping the pipeline flow or sampling from a flowing pipeline.
Innovation Solution
A pipeline interchange system with automated analyzers that blend products from multiple pipelines and provide real-time data analysis, allowing for continuous operation and adjustments to achieve desired product characteristics without purging the pipeline, using automated splitters and data analyzers to direct flows into appropriate downstream pipelines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If samples are taken by stopping the pipeline flow, then analytical accuracy is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to pipeline stoppages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous sampling and analysis systems that operate without interrupting pipeline flow. Multiple sampling ports and automated analyzers enable continuous monitoring of product characteristics while the pipeline remains in operation, eliminating the need to stop flow for sampling purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary sampling devices and automated analysis systems that extract and analyze product samples without requiring pipeline shutdown. These intermediary systems act as mediators between the flowing product and the analysis equipment, enabling measurement without interruption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different crude products are managed in the same pipeline, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to blending management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated feedback systems where continuous analysis of blended product characteristics provides real-time data to control systems. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of blending ratios and flow rates to maintain product specifications, reducing the complexity of manual blending management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs self-regulating blending systems where automated analyzers and control systems manage the blending process without extensive human intervention. The system automatically monitors product characteristics and adjusts blending parameters to maintain compliance with specifications.
3Productivity
If automated analyzers are used for real-time analysis, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple analysis functions and control capabilities into integrated automated systems. By merging sampling, analysis, and control functions into unified systems, the patent reduces the number of separate devices required while maintaining high productivity through real-time monitoring and adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a pipeline interchange is described where a first product flows through a first pipeline and a second product flows through a second pipeline. A pipeline interchange is connected downstream to both the first pipeline and the second pipeline, wherein the pipeline interchange blends the first product flowing through the first pipeline with the second product flowing through the second pipeline. A third pipeline is connected downstream to the pipeline interchange, wherein the third pipeline flows a blended product created from the blending of the first product and the second product in the pipeline interchange. An automated analyzer can be situated downstream of the pipeline interchange capable of physical and/or chemically analyzing the blended product and generating blended data. A data analyzer is also positioned to interpret the blended data and communicate adjustments to the flow of both the first product and the second product to achieve desired physical and/or chemical characteristics in the blended product.