Emerson Automation Solutions and blend analysis provider TopNIR Systems unveiled March 22 what they report is the first complete blending solution with online crude characterization, and can improve performance in product blending, too.
To remain competitive and profitable, refiners are increasingly challenged to work with opportunity crudes that provide cheaper feedstock, but are more challenging to process. With their integrated blending solution, Emerson and TopNIR say operators can exploit the profitability opportunity of a wider array of crudes by providing hydrocarbon property data in real time that helps identify value content in each crude stream.
"Downstream producers can tap the power of complete solutions for both crude and product blending operations that are designed, sold, installed and serviced by one supplier, all with support from Emerson's global network of experts, consultants and service technicians," says Marcelo Carugo, global director of refining and chemicals at Emerson.
TopNIR holds more than 30 patents associated with near-infrared spectroscopy systems. One of these, Topological Near-Infrared Modeling, is a form of non-parametric modeling. TopNIR’s proprietary software reportedly can measure multiple properties of hydrocarbon streams faster than other solutions. This not only provides results within ASTM repeatability and reproducibility standards quicker than other mathematical models, but it also adapts easily to operational changes, and allows for a smaller maintenance footprint.
