General Electric Company

Ge Betz, Inc.

Andre Vanhove

Brian W Lasiuk

Alan E Goliaszewski

Tiffany N Morris

Donato Vinciguerra

Wiley Lyle Parker

Collin Wade Cross

Peter Joseph Codella

David Owen

A system and method for quantifying opaque inhomogeneities within a fluid sample. The system uses an optical lens system to focus a light beam onto a stage where the sample is introduced. The light beam is directed onto the sample in a pattern such that the intensity of transmitted light is measured as a function of path length. A photo detector measures the transmitted light through the sample. Fluctuations in transmitted light intensity are then correlated with detection of opaque inclusions in the sample. The system also includes an automated program which utilizes these optical concentration measurements to determine the fouling potential of visbroken tars, and regulates the introduction of chemical inhibitors into a visbreaker unit to improve the yield of light streams and/or economic value of product.

Application of visbreaker analysis tools to optimize performance

A system and method are outlined for controlling and optimizing chemical injection into a process unit to control fouling. The method uses an optical device to measure the fouling propensity of the process fluid at various points within the process unit. The measurements are compared with one another and prediction methods are used to evaluate the fouling potential within the unit, and determine the proper chemical dosage. Antifoulant chemical is then introduced into the unit to control the rate of fouling. The method and application continue on a frequent basis to maintain optimal fouling control within the unit.

A system and method for counting opaque particles within a fluid sample. The system uses an optical lens system to focus a light beam onto a sample on a multi-dimensional translation stage. The translation stage is moved in a pattern such that the intensity of the transmitted light is measured as a function of path length. A photo detector is used to measure the transmitted light through the sample. An analog-to-digital converter quantifies the transmitted light intensity. Changes in light intensity along the path length are correlated with the detection of an opaque particle. Data processing algorithms are implemented to automatically determine the background noise level associated with the acquired data and to set a discriminator level above which a particle is registered. The total number of particles and an areal density is reported along with an estimate of the uncertainty.

Apparatus for characterizing and measuring the concentration of opaque particles within a fluid sample

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Beveren, Belgium

Andre Vanhove