Gasoline Blending Automation

LyondellBasell's Houston refinery has implemented a multivariable controller and property optimizer on the gasoline blender that significantly improves reliability and profitability. The refinery uses both internal and external gasoline blending components whose cost and quality varies from blend to blend. This makes it difficult to develop blend recipes that meet all of the finished gasoline specifications while maximizing profitability. This paper will discuss the benefits that can be achieved by improving the execution of a gasoline blend, the technical challenges to be overcome, and the organizational issues that need to be addressed in order to successfully implement a blend optimizer.