Component mapper for use in connection with real-time optimization process

• US 6,442,513 B1
• Filed: 12/31/1998
• Issued: 08/27/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 08/24/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation (Exxon Mobil Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation (Exxon Mobil Corporation)
• Inventors: Krambeck, Frederick J., Cheng, Tu Ching, Georgiou, Apostolos
• Primary Examiner(s): Teska, Kevin J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): PHAN, THAI Q
• Application Number:
  US09/224,579
• Time in Patent Office: 1,335 Days
• Field of Search: 703/6, 703/12, 703/9, 700/29, 700/27, 700/28, 700/30, 700/31, 700/32, 700/34, 700/267, 700/108
• US Class Current: 703/12
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 17/10 Complex mathematical operations function generation by table look-up G06F1/03; evaluation of elementary functions by calculation G06F7/544
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2111/10 Numerical modelling
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 30/20 Design optimisation, verification or simulation optimisation, verification or simulation of circuit designs G06F30/30

Abstract

A component mapper is provided in connection with a process wherein a fluid stream having multiple physical components is modeled as a plurality of pseudo-components. Each physical component has a boiling point, and each pseudo-component has a pre-defined boiling point and includes all physical components from the fluid stream having approximately the pre-defined boiling point. Each pseudo-component in the model of the fluid stream has a varying pre-defined property and a varying amount. A plurality of sub-pseudo-components are defined for each pseudo-component such that the pseudo-component is replaceable therewith. Each sub-pseudo component has the pre-defined boiling point of the pseudo-component, a pre-defined value for the pre-defined property, and a varying amount. For each pseudo-component, a current value of the pre-defined property and a current amount of the pseudo-component are obtained, and a current amount for each sub-pseudo-component of the pseudo-component is then calculated. The pre-defined value of the pre-defined property and the calculated current amount for each sub-pseudo-component of each pseudo-component are then utilized in a real-time optimization process. In one embodiment of the present invention, the pre-defined property is density, and the amount is percentage weight and percentage volume.

Claims

1. A method in connection with a process wherein a fluid stream having multiple physical components is modeled as a plurality of pseudo-components, each physical component having a boiling point, each pseudo-component having a pre-defined boiling point and including all physical components from the fluid stream having approximately the pre-defined boiling point, each pseudo-component in the model of the fluid stream having a varying density, a varying percentage weight, and a varying percentage volume, the method comprising the steps of:

defining for each pseudo-component in the model of the fluid stream a plurality of sub-pseudo-components such that the pseudo-component is replaceable with the plurality of sub-pseudo-components, each sub-pseudo component having the pre-defined boiling point of the pseudo-component, a pre-defined density, a varying percentage weight, and a varying percentage volume;

for each pseudo-component;

obtaining a current density, a current percentage weight, and a current percentage volume of the pseudo-component; and

calculating a current percentage weight value and a current percentage volume value for each sub-pseudo-component of the pseudo-component; and

utilizing the pre-defined density value, the calculated current percentage weight value, and the calculated current percentage volume value for each sub-pseudo-component of each pseudo-component in a real-time optimization process.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the utilizing step comprises utilizing the pre-defined density value, the calculated current percentage weight value, and the calculated current percentage volume value for each sub-pseudo-component of each pseudo-component in a real-time optimization process which optimizes refining of the modeled fluid stream based on pre-selected optimization variables.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the modeled fluid stream is forwarded to a fractionator or distillation column for fluid distillation, and wherein the utilizing step comprises utilizing the pre-defined density value, the calculated current percentage weight value, and the calculated current percentage volume value for each sub-pseudo-component of each pseudo-component in a real-time optimization process which includes modeling of the fractionator or distillation column based on the pre-defined density value, the calculated current percentage weight value, and the calculated current percentage volume value for each sub-pseudo-component of each pseudo-component.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of selecting the modeled fluid stream to be a varying output of a reactor.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of selecting the modeled fluid stream to be a varying combination of a plurality of distinct fluid streams.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the step of selecting comprises selecting the modeled fluid stream to be a varying combination of a plurality of distinct crude oil feed stocks.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the sum of the percentage weights of all of the sub-pseudo-components of each pseudo-component is substantially equal to the percentage weight of such pseudo-component, and wherein the sum of the percentage volumes of all of the sub-pseudo-components of each pseudo-component is substantially equal to the percentage volume of such pseudo-component.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the obtaining and calculating steps are repeatedly performed to produce repeatedly updated current percentage weight values and current percentage volume values for each sub-pseudo-component of each pseudo-component, and wherein the utilizing step comprises utilizing the pre-defined density value, and the repeatedly updated current percentage weight values and current percentage volume values for each sub-pseudo-component of each pseudo-component in a real-time optimization process.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the defining step comprises defining for each pseudo-component a pair of sub-pseudo-components.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the defining step comprises defining for each pseudo-component a high sub-pseudo component having the pre-defined boiling point of the pseudo-component and a relatively high pre-defined density, and a low sub-pseudo component having the pre-defined boiling point of the pseudo-component and a relatively low pre-defined density.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the defining step comprises defining for each pseudo-component a high sub-pseudo component having the pre-defined boiling point of the pseudo-component and a pre-defined high density determined as approximately the highest likely density of the pseudo-component, and a low sub-pseudo component having the pre-defined boiling point of the pseudo-component and a relatively low pre-defined density determined as approximately the lowest likely density of the pseudo-component.

12. The method of claim 9:

wherein the modeled fluid stream has a total density DT;

wherein each pseudo-component P in the model of the fluid stream has a varying density D, a varying percentage weight % W, and a varying percentage volume % V;

13. A computer having a processor and memory in connection with a process wherein a fluid stream having multiple physical components is modeled as a plurality of pseudo-components, each physical component having a boiling point, each pseudo-component having a pre-defined boiling point and including all physical components from the fluid stream having approximately the pre-defined boiling point, each pseudo-component in the model of the fluid stream having a varying density, a varying percentage weight, and a varying percentage volume,

the computer further having a mapper stored in the memory and running on the processor, the mapper defining for each pseudo-component in the model of the fluid stream a plurality of sub-pseudo-components such that the pseudo-component is replaceable with the plurality of sub-pseudo-components, each sub-pseudo component having the pre-defined boiling point of the pseudo-component, a pre-defined density, a varying percentage weight, and a varying percentage volume;

the mapper having an input for being supplied for each pseudo-component a current density, a current percentage weight, and a current percentage volume of the pseudo-component;

the mapper for calculating a current percentage weight value and a current percentage volume value for each sub-pseudo-component of each pseudo-component; and

the mapper having an output for supplying the calculated current percentage weight value and the calculated current percentage volume value for each sub-pseudo-component of each pseudo-component,

the calculated current percentage weight value, the calculated current percentage volume value, and the pre-defined density value for each sub-pseudo-component of each pseudo-component to be utilized in a real-time optimization process.

14. The computer of claim 13 wherein the real-time optimization process optimizes refining of the modeled fluid stream based on pre-selected optimization variables.

15. The computer of claim 13 wherein the modeled fluid stream is forwarded to a fractionator or distillation column for fluid distillation, and wherein the real-time optimization process includes modeling of the fractionator or distillation column based on the pre-defined density value, the calculated current percentage weight value, and the calculated current percentage volume value for each sub-pseudo-component of each pseudo-component.

16. The computer of claim 13 wherein the modeled fluid stream is a varying output of a reactor.

17. The computer of claim 13 wherein the modeled fluid stream is a varying combination of a plurality of distinct fluid streams.

18. The computer of claim 17 wherein the modeled fluid stream is a varying combination of a plurality of distinct crude oil feed stocks.

19. The computer of claim 18 wherein the sum of the percentage weights of all of the sub-pseudo-components of each pseudo-component is substantially equal to the percentage weight of such pseudo-component, and wherein the sum of the percentage volumes of all of the sub-pseudo-components of each pseudo-component is substantially equal to the percentage volume of such pseudo-component.

20. The computer of claim 13:

wherein the current density, the current percentage weight, and the current percentage volume for each pseudo-component are repeatedly supplied to the input of the mapper,

wherein the mapper repeatedly updates the current percentage weight values and the current percentage volume values for each sub-pseudo-component of each pseudo-component, and

wherein the repeatedly updated current percentage weight value, the repeatedly updated current percentage volume value, and the pre-defined density value for each sub-pseudo-component of each pseudo-component is utilized in a real-time optimization process.

21. The computer of claim 13 wherein the mapper defines for each pseudo-component a pair of sub-pseudo-components.

22. The computer of claim 21 wherein the mapper defines for each pseudo-component a high sub-pseudo component having the pre-defined boiling point of the pseudo-component and a relatively high pre-defined density, and a low sub-pseudo component having the pre-defined boiling point of the pseudo-component and a relatively low pre-defined density.

23. The computer of claim 22 wherein the mapper defines for each pseudo-component a high sub-pseudo component having the pre-defined boiling point of the pseudo-component and a pre-defined high density determined as approximately the highest likely density of the pseudo-component, and a low sub-pseudo component having the pre-defined boiling point of the pseudo-component and a relatively low pre-defined density determined as approximately the lowest likely density of the pseudo-component.

24. The computer of claim 21:

wherein the modeled fluid stream has a total density DT;

wherein each pseudo-component P in the model of the fluid stream has a varying density D, a varying percentage weight % W, and a varying percentage volume % V;

25. A mapper in connection with a process wherein a fluid stream having multiple physical components is modeled as a plurality of pseudo-components, each physical component having a boiling point, each pseudo-component having a pre-defined boiling point and including all physical components from the fluid stream having approximately the pre-defined boiling point, each pseudo-component in the model of the fluid stream having a varying density, a varying percentage weight, and a varying percentage volume,

the mapper defining for each pseudo-component in the model of the fluid stream a plurality of sub-pseudo-components such that the pseudo-component is replaceable with the plurality of sub-pseudo-components, each sub-pseudo component having the pre-defined boiling point of the pseudo-component, a pre-defined density, a varying percentage weight, and a varying percentage volume;

the mapper having an input for being supplied for each pseudo-component a current density, a current percentage weight, and a current percentage volume of the pseudo-component;

the mapper for calculating a current percentage weight value and a current percentage volume value for each sub-pseudo-component of each pseudo-component; and

the mapper having an output for supplying the calculated current percentage weight value and the calculated current percentage volume value for each sub-pseudo-component of each pseudo-component,

the calculated current percentage weight value, the calculated current percentage volume value, and the pre-defined density value for each sub-pseudo-component of each pseudo-component to be utilized in a real-time optimization process.

26. The mapper of claim 25 wherein the real-time optimization process optimizes refining of the modeled fluid stream based on pre-selected optimization variables.

27. The mapper of claim 25 wherein the modeled fluid stream is forwarded to a fractionator or distillation column for fluid distillation, and wherein the real-time optimization process includes modeling of the fractionator or distillation column based on the pre-defined density value, the calculated current percentage weight value, and the calculated current percentage volume value for each sub-pseudo-component of each pseudo-component.

28. The mapper of claim 25 wherein the modeled fluid stream is a varying output of a reactor.

29. The mapper of claim 25 wherein the modeled fluid stream is a varying combination of a plurality of distinct fluid streams.

30. The mapper of claim 29 wherein the modeled fluid stream is a varying combination of a plurality of distinct crude oil feed stocks.

31. The mapper of claim 25 wherein the sum of the percentage weights of all of the sub-pseudo-components of each pseudo-component is substantially equal to the percentage weight of such pseudo-component, and wherein the sum of the percentage volumes of all of the sub-pseudo-components of each pseudo-component is substantially equal to the percentage volume of such pseudo-component.

32. The mapper of claim 25:

wherein the current density, the current percentage weight, and the current percentage volume for each pseudo-component are repeatedly supplied to the input of the mapper,

wherein the mapper repeatedly updates the current percentage weight values and the current percentage volume values for each sub-pseudo-component of each pseudo-component, and

wherein the repeatedly updated current percentage weight value, the repeatedly updated current percentage volume value, and the pre-defined density value for each sub-pseudo-component of each pseudo-component is utilized in a real-time optimization process.

33. The mapper of claim 25 wherein the mapper defines for each pseudo-component a pair of sub-pseudo-components.

34. The mapper of claim 33 wherein the mapper defines for each pseudo-component a high sub-pseudo component having the pre-defined boiling point of the pseudo-component and a relatively high pre-defined density, and a low sub-pseudo component having the pre-defined boiling point of the pseudo-component and a relatively low pre-defined density.

35. The mapper of claim 34 wherein the mapper defines for each pseudo-component a high sub-pseudo component having the pre-defined boiling point of the pseudo-component and a pre-defined high density determined as approximately the highest likely density of the pseudo-component, and a low sub-pseudo component having the pre-defined boiling point of the pseudo-component and a relatively low pre-defined density determined as approximately the lowest likely density of the pseudo-component.

36. The mapper of claim 33:

wherein the modeled fluid stream has a total density DT;

wherein each pseudo-component P in the model of the fluid stream has a varying density D, a varying percentage weight % W, and a varying percentage volume % V;

44. The modeling system of claim 31:

wherein the current density, the current percentage weight, and the current percentage volume for each pseudo-component are repeatedly supplied by the fluid stream model to the input of the mapper,

wherein the mapper repeatedly updates the current percentage weight values and the current percentage volume values for each sub-pseudo-component of each pseudo-component, and

wherein the repeatedly updated current percentage weight value, the repeatedly updated current percentage volume value, and the pre-defined density value for each sub-pseudo-component of each pseudo-component is utilized in a real-time optimization process.

37. A modeling system for modeling a fluid stream having multiple physical components, each physical component having a boiling point, the modeling system comprising:

a fluid stream model modeling the fluid stream as a plurality of pseudo-components, each pseudo-component having a pre-defined boiling point and including all physical components from the fluid stream having approximately the pre-defined boiling point, each pseudo-component in the model of the fluid stream having a varying density, a varying percentage weight, and a varying percentage volume; and

a mapper defining for each pseudo-component in the fluid stream model a plurality of sub-pseudo-components such that the pseudo-component is replaceable with the plurality of sub-pseudo-components, each sub-pseudo component having the pre-defined boiling point of the pseudo-component, a pre-defined density, a varying percentage weight, and a varying percentage volume;

the mapper having an input coupled to the fluid stream model for being supplied for each pseudo-component a current density, a current percentage weight, and a current percentage volume of the pseudo-component;

the mapper for calculating a current percentage weight value and a current percentage volume value for each sub-pseudo-component of each pseudo-component; and

the mapper having an output for supplying the calculated current percentage weight value and the calculated current percentage volume value for each sub-pseudo-component of each pseudo-component,

the calculated current percentage weight value, the calculated current percentage volume value, and the pre-defined density value for each sub-pseudo-component of each pseudo-component to be utilized in a real-time optimization process.

38. The modeling system of claim 37 wherein the real-time optimization process optimizes refining of the modeled fluid stream based on pre-selected optimization variables.

39. The modeling system of claim 37 wherein the modeled fluid stream is forwarded to a fractionator or distillation column for fluid distillation, and wherein the real-time optimization process includes modeling of the fractionator or distillation column based on the pre-defined density value, the calculated current percentage weight value, and the calculated current percentage volume value for each sub-pseudo-component of each pseudo-component.

40. The modeling system of claim 37 wherein the modeled fluid stream is a varying output of a reactor.

41. The modeling system of claim 37 wherein the modeled fluid stream is a varying combination of a plurality of distinct fluid streams.

42. The modeling system of claim 41 wherein the modeled fluid stream is a varying combination of a plurality of distinct crude oil feed stocks.

43. The modeling system of claim 37 wherein the sum of the percentage weights of all of the sub-pseudo-components of each pseudo-component is substantially equal to the percentage weight of such pseudo-component, and wherein the sum of the percentage volumes of all of the sub-pseudo-components of each pseudo-component is substantially equal to the percentage volume of such pseudo-component.

45. The modeling system of claim 37 wherein the mapper defines for each pseudo-component a pair of sub-pseudo-components.

46. The modeling system of claim 45 wherein the mapper defines for each pseudo-component a high sub-pseudo component having the pre-defined boiling point of the pseudo-component and a relatively high pre-defined density, and a low sub-psuedo component having the pre-defined boiling point of the pseudo-component and a relatively low pre-defined density.

47. The modeling system of claim 46 wherein the mapper defines for each pseudo-component a high sub-pseudo component having the pre-defined boiling point of the pseudo-component and a pre-defined high density determined as approximately the highest likely density of the pseudo-component, and a low sub-pseudo component having the pre-defined boiling point of the pseudo-component and a relatively low pre-defined density determined as approximately the lowest likely density of the pseudo-component.

48. The modeling system of claim 45:

wherein the modeled fluid stream has a total density DT;

wherein each pseudo-component P in the model of the fluid stream has a varying density D, a varying percentage weight % W, and a varying percentage volume % V;