Multi-variable predictive controller
AssigneeChevron U.S.A. Inc.
InventorMichael Dean Barham
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A multi-variable predictive controller is used to separate a multi-phase fluid on an offshore platform, thereby reducing condensable material in the gas product stream. A separation vessel containing a multi-phase fluid is provided, and pressure and temperature associated with the separation vessel are monitored. A Reid Vapor Pressure is calculated for the separation vessel based on the pressure and the temperature associated with the separation vessel. The multi-variable predictive controller actively controls the pressure and the temperature associated with the separation vessel such that the calculated Reid Vapor Pressure for the separation vessel is maintained within a predetermined amount of a reference Reid Vapor Pressure.
Claims19
A method for separating a multi-phase fluid on an offshore platform, the method comprising:
- (a) providing a separation vessel containing a multi-phase fluid;
- (b) measuring a pressure and a temperature associated with the separation vessel;
- (c) calculating a Reid Vapor Pressure for the separation vessel based on the pressure and the temperature associated with the separation vessel;
- and
- (d) actively controlling the pressure and the temperature associated with the separation vessel such that the calculated Reid Vapor Pressure for the separation vessel is maintained within a predetermined amount of a reference Reid Vapor Pressure.
A system for separating a multi-phase fluid on an offshore platform, the system comprising:
- (a) a separation vessel that receives a multi-phase fluid;
- (b) a pressure sensor that monitors pressure associated with the separation vessel;
- (c) a temperature sensor that monitors temperature associated with the separation vessel;
- and
- (d) a multi-variable predictive controller that actively controls the pressure and the temperature associated with the separation vessel such that a calculated Reid Vapor Pressure for the separation vessel is maintained within a predetermined amount of a reference Reid Vapor Pressure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.