Panametrics Slops Tanks Optimization Application User Guide
- August 16, 2024
- Panametrics
Table of Contents
Slops Tanks Optimization Application
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Specifications:
- Application: Slop tanks optimization in a refinery
- Medium: Variety of liquids including crude oil, HVGO, HVN
- Quantity: 4 lines
- Accuracy Requirement: 5%
- Repeatability: 0.3%
- Line Sizes: 4, 6, and (2) 8
Product Usage Instructions:
Application:
The product is designed for live metering of slop lines to
identify product changes from their flow rate while the pump is in
operation.
Challenge:
Adding flow measurement to the unmetered line directly to the
crude tank and the other common slop lines in the refinery will
help in identifying instances of elevated slop and prevent mixing
with valuable products.
Solution:
Panametrics’ ultrasonic flow meter technology is recommended for
this application due to its accuracy, reliability,
cost-effectiveness, and ease of deployment. The flow meters can be
implemented without requiring the lines to be removed from
service.
Timeline:
-
8:42am: HVGO was removed from slop, normal flow
re-established. -
8:58am: HVN lined up to slop, flow rate increased due to lower
viscosity and density. -
9:01am: HVN removed, flow rate decreased indicating presence of
slop. -
9:02am: Panametrics technology provided better understanding of
flow rate.
Scope:
Test with Transport PT900 with CRS 401, permanent meters are
PanaFlow LC XMTXP05.
Result:
Based on successful results, the customer intends to order four
permanent PanaFlow LC flow meters.
FAQ:
Q: Can the product be used for measuring other types of
liquids?
A: This product is optimized for a variety of liquids including
crude oil, HVGO, and HVN. It is recommended to consult with the
manufacturer for specific applications.
Q: What is the installation process for the flow meters?
A: The Panametrics ultrasonic flow meters can be deployed
without removing the lines from service, making the installation
process efficient and convenient.
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Application note
Slop tanks optimization in a refinery
Benefits: · Easy to install · Easy to set up · Ability to track product changes · Cost effective · Very low OPEX · Reliability
Summary
A refinery in the US Gulf Coast, a long-standing customer, wanted to improve
and optimize slops management to reduce slop waste and increase its refinery
throughput.
The customer had no measurement in place, and instead was relying on physical
monitoring to check the tank levels. The team was therefore unaware what was
flowing through the tanks, nor the flow rate.
The customer recognized that better understanding the flow rate would limit
the mix of unwanted slops with valuable products. Working with Panametrics,
the customer investigated possible cost-effective options to continuously
monitor the flow rate on four lines feeding its tanks.
Application
Live metering of slop lines to identify product changes from their flow rate while the pump flows.
Medium:
Variety of liquids coming from different process units including crude oil, HVGO (Heavy Vacuum Gas Oil), HVN (Heavy Virgin Naphta).
Quantity:
4
Accuracy requirement: 5%
Repeatability:
0.3%
Line sizes:
4″, 6″ and (2) 8″
Challenge
Adding flow measurement to the unmetered line directly to the crude tank and
the three other common slop lines in the refinery will enable the customer to
identify any instances of elevated slop both in the tank and the respective
area where the slop is being generated. This would minimize slops mixing with
valuable products.
The slop system interfaces with multiple process units, but the customer had no method to remove these lines from service.
Solution
Panametrics’ ultrasonic flow meter technology was deployed for this
application because its accurate, reliable, cost effective and easy to deploy
– the flow meters were implemented without having to remove the lines from
service.
Initial testing verified the performance of the ultrasonic meter by capturing
a step change in flow using fluids with different specific gravities.
Coordinating the pump, heavy vacuum gasoil (HVGO @890 kg/m3) and heavy virgin
naphtha (HVN @770 kg/m3) was sent down the slop line.
The higher density (890 kg/m3) meant a higher viscosity which itself generates
more resistance to the flow (pipe friction) resulting in a slower flow rate.
Hence a lower flow velocity and flow rate with more viscous products was
expected.
Timeline:
8:42am: The HVGO was removed from slop and the normal flow was re-established.
8:58am: HVN was lined up to slop and the flow rate increased with the lower
viscosity and lower density (770 kg/m3).
9:01am: HVN was removed from slop and the flowrate decreased. Streams of
varying properties were captured by the ultrasonic flow meter. Volumetric flow
rate and velocity indicated that slop was present in the line.
The meter responded to the change in flow – the step change is demonstrated in
the graph below.
9.02am: Panametrics technology had provided the customer with a much better
understanding of the flow rate, enabling it to optimize slop tank operations.
Scope
Test with Transport PT900 with CRS 401, permanent meters are PanaFlow LC
XMTXP05
Result
Based on the successful results the customer intends to complete an order for
four permanent PanaFlow LC flow meters.
Panametrics, a Baker Hughes Business, provides solutions in the toughest
applications and environments for moisture, oxygen, liquid and gas flow
measurement. Experts in flare management, Panametrics technology also reduces
flare emissions and optimizes performance.
With a reach that extends across the globe, Panametrics’ critical measurement
solutions and flare emissions management are enabling customers to drive
efficiency and achieve carbon reduction targets across critical industries
including: Oil & Gas; Energy; Healthcare; Water and Wastewater; Chemical
Processing; Food & Beverage and many others.
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