Round Robin Blending for Petroleum Product Homogeneity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Blending multiple petroleum products for large-scale operations, such as petroleum distribution, is challenging due to the need for extensive storage space, expensive industrial equipment, and time-consuming agitation processes to achieve a homogeneous mixture.
Innovation Solution
The round robin blending method involves transferring each product individually and sequentially into a destination container over multiple cycles, using a single flow meter and control valve, allowing for accurate measurement and control of each product's volume, reducing the complexity and cost of equipment required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional blending systems are used to mix multiple petroleum products, then a homogeneous mixture is achieved, but the equipment complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The blending process is segmented into multiple sequential cycles, with each cycle transferring a portion of each product in turn. This divides the complex simultaneous mixing problem into simpler sequential steps, achieving homogeneity through repeated cycles rather than complex agitation equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic cyclic operation to transfer products sequentially through the same pipeline. Each cycle repeats the sequence of transferring portions of different products, and over multiple cycles this periodic action achieves thorough mixing without requiring sophisticated blending machinery.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple storage containers are used for each product, then product storage capacity is increased, but the space and facility requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The destination container serves multiple functions: it acts as both a storage vessel and a blending chamber. By sequentially transferring portions of different products into this single container over multiple cycles, the system achieves both storage and blending functions without requiring separate dedicated storage facilities for each product blend.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the storage and blending operations into a single integrated process using one destination container. Multiple products are combined in this shared container through cyclic transfers, eliminating the need for separate storage facilities for each constituent product and the final blend.
3Productivity
If sophisticated blending systems are used to mix products, then mixing efficiency is improved, but the equipment cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the transfer process itself to achieve blending, rather than requiring separate dedicated mixing equipment. The cyclic sequential transfer of products through the pipeline and into the destination container creates natural mixing action, allowing the transport system to serve its own blending function without additional sophisticated machinery.
4Device complexity
If sequential transfer of products is used, then equipment requirements are reduced, but the blending time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by immediately beginning the next cycle after completing one cycle of product transfers. Without idle time between cycles, the repeated sequential transfers efficiently achieve blending over multiple continuous cycles, minimizing total blending time while using simple equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, an electronic device, and a computer readable medium for fuel blending are disclosed. The method includes deriving a volume of each product from at least two products that is transferred from separate source containers to fill a destination container. The method also includes transferring a portion of the derived volume of each of the products sequentially into the destination container, wherein each product is transferred one at a time. The method further includes repeating the transfer of the portion of each of the products for a plurality of cycles until the derived volume of each of the products is transferred into the destination container. Each product of at least two products is transferred individually and sequentially during each of the cycles. The portion of the derived volume is based on the plurality of cycles.