Pipeline Interchange With Real-Time Transmix Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipeline systems face challenges in managing and separating different types of petroleum products due to their unique physical and chemical characteristics, requiring frequent sampling and analysis to maintain product specifications, which is costly and inefficient, especially when stopping the pipeline flow or sampling from a flowing pipeline.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an automated analyzer and automatic splitter system that continuously analyzes product streams and directs them into appropriate pipelines based on real-time data, allowing for near-instantaneous analytical results and efficient separation or combination of petroleum products without purging the pipeline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sampling and analysis methods are used to monitor petroleum products in pipelines, then product specification compliance can be maintained, but operational efficiency decreases and costs increase due to frequent pipeline stoppages or extended sampling delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sampling methods with an automated analytical system that continuously monitors petroleum products in transit. The automated analyzer electronically identifies and characterizes products without requiring physical sample extraction, eliminating the need for manual intervention and pipeline stoppages while maintaining continuous operational productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the pipeline operation to self-regulate by automatically detecting product characteristics and triggering splitter adjustments without external intervention. The automated analyzer continuously monitors product properties and the system autonomously responds by directing products to appropriate destinations, eliminating dependence on manual sampling and analysis cycles
2Measurement precision
If the pipeline flow is stopped for sampling and analysis, then accurate product characterization can be achieved, but time loss and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous product monitoring throughout pipeline transit, eliminating interruptions in product flow. The automated analyzer operates continuously as products move through the pipeline, providing ongoing characterization without stopping the flow, thereby maintaining both measurement capability and operational continuity simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs product analysis during the transit phase itself, rather than waiting for pipeline stoppage. By continuously monitoring products as they move through the pipeline, the system obtains characterization data in advance of delivery, enabling proactive splitter adjustments and eliminating post-transport delays
3Productivity
If samples are taken from a flowing pipeline, then continuous operation can be maintained, but large quantities of product may flow through before analytical results are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sampling process with electronic/automated detection that occurs continuously during product transit. The automated analyzer immediately identifies and characterizes products as they pass through the monitoring point, eliminating the time lag inherent in collecting, transporting, and analyzing physical samples while maintaining continuous flow
Solution Approach 2:
The automated analyzer serves as an intermediary detection device positioned within the pipeline flow path. It continuously monitors product characteristics in real-time during transit, providing immediate analytical data that eliminates the delay between product movement and analysis results, enabling timely splitter responses without interrupting continuous operation
4Manufacturing precision
If frequent sampling and analysis are performed to manage different crude types, then product blending control can be improved, but operational complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated analytical system provides universal, continuous monitoring capability that handles all petroleum product types through a single integrated platform. The system simultaneously characterizes multiple different crude types and refined products without requiring separate sampling procedures or analysis methods, simplifying operational complexity while maintaining precise blending control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual sampling and analysis procedures with automated electronic detection that continuously monitors all product types. The automated system eliminates the need for multiple manual intervention points and complex sampling protocols, reducing operational complexity while providing comprehensive product characterization for precise blending management
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, the method begins by flowing a product stream through an upstream pipeline comprising a first product stream. The product stream is then continuously analyzed with an automated analyze to produce data. The first product stream downstream is then directed downstream of the automated analyzer to a downstream first product stream pipeline. The method then changes the product stream flowing through the upstream pipeline from the first product stream to a second product stream without purging the first product stream from the upstream pipeline, thereby creating a transmix product stream within the upstream pipeline wherein the transmix product stream comprises a mixture of the first product stream and the second product stream. The data from the automated analyzer is then analyzed with an automatic splitter, wherein the product stream flowing through the upstream pipeline no longer matches the physical and/or chemical characteristics of the first product stream. The automatic splitter then directs the transmix product stream downstream of the automatic splitter to a downstream transmix pipeline. As the data from the automated analyzer is still analyzed by the automatic splitter the product stream flowing through the upstream pipeline matches the physical and/or chemical characteristics of the second product stream. The automatic splitter then directs the second product stream downstream of the automatic splitter to a downstream second product stream pipeline.