Estimating Mixing Volumes Between Batches in Multiproduct Pipelines

Abstract

It is presented in this paper a new model for estimating mixing volumes which arises in batching transfers in multiproduct pipelines. The novel features of the model are the incorporation of the flow rate variation with time and the use of a more precise effective dispersion coefficient, which is considered to depend on the concentration. The governing equation of the model forms a non-linear initial-value problem that is solved by using a predictor-corrector finite difference method. A comparison among the theoretical predictions of the proposed model, a field test and other classical procedures show that it exhibits the best estimate over the whole range of admissible concentrations investigated.