Emerson and TopNIR develop crude blending optimisation system

Emerson Automation Solutions and blend analysis technology provider TopNIR Systems have introduced a complete blending solution for online crude characterisation, a technology used to improve performance in the product blending area of the refinery.

The Emerson / TopNIR integrated blending solution will allow refinery operators to exploit the profitability of different opportunity crudes by providing hydrocarbon property data in real-time.

The real-time information would help operators to assess the potential value content in each crude stream.

Opportunity crudes provide a cheaper feedstock to the refiners but it is more difficult to process.

With access to property data, Emerson's model predictive control (MPC) will modify and optimise crude stream mixtures while procuring the product value during the distillation process.

The asset monitoring applications in the solution decreases the impact of opportunity crudes on process units.

These features form a part of Emerson’s automation technology portfolio that help refiners to optimise production, minimise downtime and ensure swift operations.

Emerson refining and chemical global director Marcelo Carugo said: “Downstream producers can tap the power of complete solutions for both crude and product blending operations that are designed, sold, installed, and serviced by a single supplier, all with support from Emerson's global network of experts, consultants, and service technicians.”

TopNIR’s Topological Near-Infrared Modelling software can measure multiple properties of hydrocarbon streams swiftly to provide results within ASTM repeatability and reproducibility standards.

Emerson claimed that this system can also easily adapt to operational changes.

TopNIR Systems CEO Didier Lambert said: “TopNIR fits perfectly with Emerson’s advanced process control solutions by delivering full online analysis of any hydrocarbon stream in less than one minute, allowing real-time optimisation and superior quality control.”

Furthermore, the refiners can also use the Emerson / TopNIR blending solution to streamline their operations on the fuel blending side of the refinery.

It will allow them to easily evaluate and adjust the characteristics of each blend.

The solution is also expected to decrease inventory and tankage costs and ensure compliance with the latest global clean-fuel emissions regulations.