Renewable Carbon Tracking in Fuel Co-Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for tracking and verifying renewable carbon content in co-processing operations within petroleum refineries are complex and inefficient, particularly due to the large scale and complexity of refining units, which makes it difficult to accurately determine bio-based carbon content and comply with low carbon fuel standards.

Innovation Solution

Implementing fixed sampling points within petroleum co-processing operations and using a triple-to-double coincidence ratio (TDCR) scintillation counter to analyze samples for C14 content, allowing for the determination of renewable carbon content with high accuracy and reducing the number of downstream measurements, thereby enabling effective tracking and verification of renewable fuels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple downstream measurements are performed to accurately determine bio-based carbon content in refinery co-processing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebio-based carbon content determination accuracyVSAvoidnumber of measurement points and downstream analysis equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing C14 analysis at fixed sampling points early in the co-processing operation, before the bio-based carbon content is dispersed throughout multiple downstream streams. This allows determination of the renewable carbon content at the source, eliminating the need for multiple downstream measurements and complex tracking systems across various refinery units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the measurement function from the complex downstream processing network by identifying and analyzing samples at specific fixed sampling points where bio-based carbon content can be determined directly. This extraction approach isolates the measurement requirement from the overall complex refining process, reducing the number of measurements needed while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If comprehensive tracking of renewable carbon content is implemented throughout the refining process, then reliability of renewable fuel verification is improved, but loss of time and operational efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveverification of renewable fuel complianceVSAvoidtime required for tracking and monitoring renewable carbon

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By performing C14 analysis at fixed sampling points early in the process, the patent establishes the renewable carbon content before processing complexity increases. This preliminary measurement approach ensures reliable verification data is captured at the source, eliminating the need for continuous time-consuming tracking through multiple downstream units while maintaining compliance verification reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If fixed sampling points are implemented for C14 analysis, then productivity and efficiency of renewable carbon determination is improved, but measurement precision may be compromised due to limited sampling locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of renewable carbon content determinationVSAvoidaccuracy of bio-based carbon content measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fixed sampling points are strategically positioned to capture samples early in the co-processing operation when bio-based carbon content is still concentrated and measurable. This preliminary sampling approach enables rapid determination of renewable carbon content without requiring multiple downstream measurements, thus maintaining both productivity and measurement precision simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method allows for greater than 90% accounting of renewable carbons with a detection limit of 0.7 to 2.0 wt % bio-based carbon content, facilitating compliance with low carbon fuel standards and maximizing renewable credits by adjusting biofuel processing rates and blending strategies.

Implementation Method 1

analyzing the samples collected with a triple to double coincidence ratio (TDCR) scintillation counter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Implementation Method 2

measuring the amount of C14 present in hydrocarbon fuels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadioactive decay: Radioactive Decay

Data Source

PatentUS11906505B2Method of determining renewable carbon content while producing and blending biogenic-based fuels or blendstocks with fossil fuel in a refining or blending facility

Publication Date: 2024.02.20 CHEVRON USA INC

AI summary

A method of monitoring renewable carbon in fuel streams in a refinery or blend facility while co-processing a bio-feedstock with a fossil feedstock or blending a renewable product with a fossil product wherein the method provides for quantification of renewable C14 carbon content to adjust the total renewable content to a targeted renewable content in situ while lowering the limit of detection.