Pipeline Interchange With Slipstream Analysis for Product Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipeline systems face inefficiencies in tracking and separating refined petroleum products due to the need for manual sampling and analysis, which disrupts pipeline flow and results in significant product loss before analytical results are obtained, and existing methods are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An automated slipstream analyzer is integrated into the pipeline system, capable of continuous sampling, analysis, and data generation, with an automatic splitter downstream to direct products into different pipelines based on real-time analytical data, eliminating the need for manual hydrometer measurements and enabling near-instantaneous decision-making.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual sampling with hydrometer is used to analyze refined product, then analytical results can be obtained, but pipeline flow must be stopped causing product loss and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts a small portion of the refined product flow to create a slipstream that is diverted to the analyzer. This allows the main pipeline to continue flowing while a separate, minimal flow is analyzed, eliminating the need to stop the pipeline for sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The slipstream acts as an intermediary between the main pipeline flow and the analyzer. It carries a representative sample of the refined product to the analysis system without requiring the main pipeline to be interrupted, thus mediating between continuous production and quality control needs.
2Measurement precision
If pipeline flow is stopped for manual sampling, then accurate product analysis can be performed, but significant product loss occurs before results are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous analysis of the refined product through the slipstream, eliminating interruptions in both pipeline operation and product analysis. The continuous slipstream flow ensures ongoing quality monitoring without stopping production.
Solution Approach 2:
A minimal portion of the product is extracted for analysis in the slipstream, allowing comprehensive quality control with negligible product loss compared to stopping the entire pipeline flow for manual sampling.
3Productivity
If automated slipstream analyzer is implemented for continuous analysis, then real-time product tracking is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated slipstream analyzer system performs multiple functions including continuous sampling, real-time analysis, data generation, and communication with the splitter. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into one integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is fully automated with the analyzer continuously collecting samples, performing analysis, generating data, and communicating results without human intervention. The splitter automatically responds to analyzer data and directs flow, creating a self-regulating system.
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
This configuration allows for continuous operation with reduced product loss and increased efficiency by enabling real-time product tracking and separation, allowing for precise management of refined petroleum products and reducing the need for manual handling and storage of unsuitable fuels.
Implementation Method 1
In this embodiment, the automated slipstream analyzer can be an infrared analyzer or a near infrared analyzer.
Implementation Method 2
In this embodiment, the automated slipstream analyzer can be an infrared analyzer or a near infrared analyzer.
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiment describes a pipeline interchange, wherein the pipeline interchange has a refined petroleum product flowing through an upstream pipeline. The pipeline interchange can also have an automated slipstream analyzer connected to the upstream pipeline comprising an inlet, a return and an analyzer. In this embodiment, the automated slipstream analyzer is used to collect a sample, analyze the sample, generate data from the sample and return the sample of the refined petroleum product flowing through the upstream pipeline. The pipeline interchange can also have an automatic splitter, downstream of the automated slipstream analyzer, capable of receiving and interpreting the data from the automated slipstream analyzer and directing the refined petroleum product into at least three different downstream pipelines, wherein at least one of the downstream pipelines is an intermix pipeline.