Advanced process control generally requires near real-time stream quality information. The exceptional availability of the MRA analyzer enables this information to be supplied reliably for process control, while the technology ensures accuracy and repeatability. Because this analyzer can be applied to numerous component quality measurements, a single analyzer can often alleviate the need for multiple analyzers to satisfy an APC or optimization application.
The Invensys Blend Optimization and Supervisory System (BOSS) provides management of the component and product tanks, blend header, on-line and laboratory analytical systems, and planning/scheduling activities. BOSS produces blended products with a high degree of precision to meet specifications while minimizing quality giveaway. This maximizes the use of the lowest cost components in the blend, increasing the flexibility of the tank farm operation, while minimizing the frequency of reblends. A flexible objective function permits component cost, inventory constraints, or product specification to direct the optimizer.
The MRA analyzer provides BOSS with near real-time component stream and blended product chemical quality information. This information enables multivariable analyzer-directed control including:
- Feedforward control for component quality variations
- Feedback control for product quality variations
- Quality integration of product and component tanks
- Projected product qualities at the blend header
A refinery gasoline blending system upgrade project including blend optimization can provide benefits amounting to $0.15 to $0.30/bbl gasoline. Including the cost of engineering studies, new field equipment, and new instrumentation in a tank farm automation and blend optimization project, the payback period is typically less than 18 months. This is true for gasoline, diesel, and fuel oil blending operations.
