Refinery Viscosity Management: Lessons Learned

Viscosity is one of the most important measures of refinery product quality. All refinery products are graded by viscosity. Significant efforts are spent throughout refinery operations in achieving viscosity targets. Working with customers worldwide, Cambridge Viscosity (USA) has identified five factors most important for efficient and effective refinery viscosity management.

Get it Right the First Time - It is a lot cheaper to build quality in at the start, rather than adjust for it later. Achieving viscosity targets the first time saves refineries time and money by minimising inventory and post-process blending, while improving throughput. The best refiners combine laboratory analysis with in-line viscometers to consistently produce to targets.

Handle Lab Samples Correctly - Refinery lab results are impacted by the test methods used and the quality of the sample being analysed. To help ensure the quality of the sample for accurate results; take the sample in a way that it is representative of the product being produced and keep the sample clean and covered to minimise contamination and the loss of volatiles throughout sample taking and transport, and during laboratory analysis.

Use Dependable In-line Viscometers for Continuous Control - In-process viscometers must be accurate, robust and reliable for refinery operations. The viscometer must be able to function properly despite changes in flow, process vibrations, fluid non-homogeneity, particles and temperature changes. And to avoid creating additional issues, it is important to use viscometers that are easy to install and require little maintenance or re-calibration.

Achieve Lab Quality Measurements In-Line - Conditioning the in-line sample stream is essential for continuous, accurate results while minimising maintenance. The three most important conditioning factors are; maintaining known and stable temperature control, particle filtering and flow control.

Validate In-line with Lab Measurement Throughout Process - Refining raw materials and processes are variable. Combining periodic lab analysis with continuous process control gives refiners the best command and control system for consistently producing quality products. The associated revenue and cost savings pass directly to the refiner’s bottom line.

Cambridge Viscosity offers small sample viscosity systems and provides automated viscometers used by oil companies in exploration, refining and products worldwide.