Dear friends:

Someone to kindly share information about gasoline in-line blending systems. It would be very much appreciated. I´d like to know about this subject from the automation point of view. I mean, I´m interested in learning about control and monitoring of feedstoke storage tanks, pumping system, streams to blend headers, static mixers, streams to final product tanks, etc.

Blending system is to be capable of producing final product (ultra low sulfur), ensuring all product demands and specifications, maximizing overall profit and minimizing quality gift.

I´d like to learn about the best practices today on monitoring and control in blending systems, specially on these matters:
- Storage tank level measurements (type of meter for continuous level and alarm points).
- Analyzer types (principles) and which streams should be analyzed.
- Monitoring and control of streams to blend header.
- Monitoring and control of additives.
- Interface and protocol to communicate to the DCS, the following subsystems: storage tank metering systems, MOV, Analyzers, Pump control system.
- DCS.
- Specifications of blending software (regulatory, optimisation and planning software).
- HAZOP and emergency block valves.
- Etc.

What should be kept in mind when designing a blending system when all streams come from storage tanks? What are the differences in the design when some streams come directly from process plants?

What is your experience with your own blending system?


I thank you in advance for your help.