Boston—One of the largest US refineries has installed Cambridge Viscosity process viscometers at their diesel refinery in Texas. The company is using three VISCOpro 2000 viscometers, combined with 372 sensors, to monitor the quality of the viscosity of a diesel formulation that includes sulfur. The refinery has plans to use the viscosity system for full control of the process in the near future.
The viscometers are installed in one-quarter inch bypass lines, and set up for the final production stage to ensure quality control of their fuel-efficient diesel mixture. The VISCOpro 2000 allows for automated, continuous monitoring, as well as hands-on control, including the ability to change settings, measure different attributes, and capture and analyze real-time data. The viscometer can be programmed for up to 40 different fluid settings—enabling rapid changeovers in production processes—and features control set points and alarms (six different settings), using an easy menu-driven interface.
“The refiner chose the VISCOpro 2000 due to the sensor’s ability to precisely measure and control viscosity,” says CVI Senior Applications Engineer Cole Nee “The viscometer’s rugged construction is vibration resistant, and is designed to withstand the harsh conditions and demands of the refinery environment. Our viscometers are easy to operate and low-maintenance.”
About Cambridge Viscosity
Cambridge Viscosity, a leader in small sample viscometer systems for laboratory and process environments, designs automated viscometers used worldwide in petroleum, exploration and refining applications to ensure accurate viscosity in both lab and operations. Cambridge’s worldwide reach is important for providing application engineering support and service wherever and whenever needed.
Cambridge Viscosity’s sensors and viscometer systems conform to ASTM, DIN, JIS and ISO standards, with a range of models designed to meet specific industry and application needs. Certifications include ATEX Class 1, Div. 1, CE, FM and NEMA. CSA certification is also available upon request.
Boston, MA – “Maximizing oil production while minimizing EOR polymer costs is our objective,” says the lead engineer for one of Canada’s largest oil exploration and production (E&P) companies. Polymer viscosity management has become a hot topic in the industry during recent months. Polymers enable injected water to better match the viscosity of reservoir oil, which improves the water penetration into the rock pores to improve oil production. If the polymer solution is not balanced for the reservoir oil conditions, production can drop substantially, negating the benefits of the Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) process.
This Canadian E&P company is working with Cambridge Viscosity to dynamically manage the viscosity of their EOR polymers at the wellhead to maximize oil production, while reducing the amount of EOR polymer needed. They typically use one polymer mixing station and five platforms for polymer injection, with one platform for oil recovery for each oil well. The project utilizes Cambridge in-line process viscometers at the blending and injecting locations to measure the viscosity of the polymer solutions. Viscosity information is sent to a centralized control facility where the polymer solution viscosities can be fine-tuned to maximize oil production.
The company selected Cambridge viscometers because they are accurate, rugged, vibration insensitive and compact enough to be installed in confined spaces. The viscometers are also well suited for the hazardous locations in which they are typically mounted. PAC Sales Manager Jonathan Cole says “The expected return on investment for our E&P counterparts is substantial. This particular oil company expects a 20% increase in the amount of oil extracted and a significant reduction in the amount of food grade polymer they have to purchase.”
About Cambridge Viscosity
Cambridge Viscosity, the leader in compact, small sample viscometers, sets the standard for extraordinarily precise, reliable and low maintenance viscosity measurement equipment, and control systems. Patented oscillating piston technology ensures accurate, true results across a broad range of lab and in-line applications, including refining and petrochemicals, oil and gas, coatings, paints and inks and pharmaceuticals.
Cambridge Viscosity's sensors and viscometer systems conform to ASTM, DIN, JIS and ISO standards, with a range of models designed to meet specific industry and application needs. Certifications include ATEX, CE, and FM. CSA certification is available upon request. Our global reach is important for providing engineering support and service wherever and whenever needed. For additional information visit: www.cambridgeviscosity.com
