Resumen

GROSSO V., J. L; FORERO, J. E; CUADRADO, C. E  y  OTERO, F. C.T.F Cienc. Tecnol. Futuro [online]. 1996, vol.1, n.2, pp.77-85. ISSN 0122-5383.

Fuel oil is a refinery by-product with a big economical effect due to its high production volumen, diluent use and market specifications based on low viscosity and low sulfur content. When these specifications are not achieved or they are not steady during the process, additional costs are generated by reprocessing, recirculation, storage, laboratory analysis, pumping, etc.. An in-line viscosity automatic control, previously evaluated in a pilot plant, was installed in order to optimize the fuel oil preparation system. This type of control minimizes viscosity variation, maintains the product specifications and allows a proper dosage of diluent. The viscosity automatic control system has added several benefits as follows: decreases the diluent volumen per day, decreases length of final products preparation, fewer number of samples to analyze, a more steady operation of plant, less sedimentation in storage tanks and mass and heat transfer processes more efficient.

Palabras clave : homogenization; control of viscosity; static mixers.

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