Non-invasive Density Measurement in Refineries

Measuring the density of crude oil is a key aspect of #qualitycontrol and process optimization in the #refining industry, and helps to ensure that the refining process is both efficient and cost-effective.

#Refineries improve their profit margins by blending low-cost #crude oils with lighter crudes to create higher-value blends.

Flow measurement in the crude blending unit

A refinery in the US receives different crude types. Depending on the type of crude #oil required, the blending unit is regulated with automated valves, through a digital Distributed Control System. The flows are directed to the blending heads in order to obtain the quantity and quality of crude oil.

The #plantoperator became alert when they learned that #FLEXIM non-invasive ultrasonic #flowmeters can do more than just measure the volume flow rate. This is because they actually need not only the value for the volumetric flow as measured by the turbine meter, but also the #massflow in order to be able to draw up a correct mass balance.

Non-invasive density measurement

The #FLUXUS H series combines highly precise non-invasive measurement of volume flow and sound speed with sophisticated calculation features. The transmitter’s internal HPI computer calculates #API gravity, operational #density, density at base conditions and kinematic #viscosity. #Temperature and #pressure compensation according to industry standards such as ASTM1250, GPA TP25 and D4311 allows for precise mass flow measurement of liquid #hydrocarbons in refineries and #petrochemicalindustry.

Impressed by the test measurements, the #refinery decided to initially equip three lines in the mixing unit with stationary FLUXUS H721 clamp-on ultrasonic systems. These not only completely replace the defective turbine meters, but also simultaneously provide the API value of the medium currently flowing in the pipe. This ensures that the blending unit works properly and that the required quality is maintained at all times.

Advantages:

1. Simple replacement of the obsolete turbine meters without opening the pipe and without interrupting operation
2. Precise and reliable flow measurement from the outside of the pipe
3. No wear and tear, therefore virtually maintenance-free
4. Simultaneous output of the API gravity ensures continuous quality assurance and allows the drawing of a mass balance
5. Four measuring channels for effective compensation of disturbed flow profiles