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In the
past, refiners would manage the transition from one crude to another by
manual adjustment of various controlled variables for a given time, thus
relying upon prior crude transition experience in order to minimize
process upset.
By using NMR-enhanced control
and process optimization, however, the refiner can follow the transition
from one crude to another in real-time and proactively adjust parameters
as needed to maintain maximized profit. The result can be dramatic
savings per crude transition, since the typical 4-to-8 hour upset due to
a transition is essentially eliminated.
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Process
Control and Optimization software in combination with process NMR can maintain unit operation at optimum between crude transitions.
Atmospheric tower overhead and sidecut product draw stream quality
measurements provided by the process NMR are used in the process
control model to monitor process operation performance and supply control
feedback information. Common advanced control targets include:
 | Maximizing unit throughput
up to equipment constraints
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 | Maintaining product quality
while maximizing yield of most valuable products
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 | Optimized preheat train,
pumparound, and fired heater operation |
Including crude transition
compensation and unit optimization, overall benefit can reach $0.12/bbl
feed.
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