In one embodiment, the method begins by flowing a product stream through an upstream pipeline comprising a first product stream. The product stream is then continuously analyzed with an automated analyze to produce data. The first product stream downstream is then directed downstream of the automated analyzer to a downstream first product stream pipeline. The method then changes the product stream flowing through the upstream pipeline from the first product stream to a second product stream without purging the first product stream from the upstream pipeline, thereby creating a transmix product stream within the upstream pipeline wherein the transmix product stream comprises a mixture of the first product stream and the second product stream. The data from the automated analyzer is then analyzed with an automatic splitter, wherein the product stream flowing through the upstream pipeline no longer matches the physical and/or chemical characteristics of the first product stream. The automatic splitter then directs the transmix product stream downstream of the automatic splitter to a downstream transmix pipeline. As the data from the automated analyzer is still analyzed by the automatic splitter the product stream flowing through the upstream pipeline matches the physical and/or chemical characteristics of the second product stream. The automatic splitter then directs the second product stream downstream of the automatic splitter to a downstream second product stream pipeline.

In one embodiment, a pipeline interchange flows a product through an upstream pipeline. An automated analyzer is connected to the upstream pipeline, wherein the automated analyzer analyzes a sample of the product, and wherein the analyzer is capable of analyzing different physical and/or chemical characteristics of the product and generating a data sample. An automatic splitter is then placed downstream of the automated slipstream analyzer. In this embodiment, the automatic splitter is capable of receiving and interpreting the data sample from the automated analyzer and directing the product into at least three different downstream pipelines, wherein at least one of the downstream pipelines is a transmix pipeline and wherein at least one of the downstream pipelines returns the product upstream of the automated analyzer.

In one embodiment, a pipeline interchange flows a product through an upstream pipeline. An automated analyzer is connected to the upstream pipeline to analyze different physical and/or chemically properties in the product and generate data from the product without extracting a sample from the upstream pipeline. An automatic splitter is placed downstream of the automated analyzer, capable of receiving and interpreting the data from the automated analyzer and directing the refined petroleum product into at least three different downstream pipelines, wherein at least one of the downstream pipelines is a transmix pipeline.

Embodiments include systems and methods of in-line mixing of hydrocarbon liquids from a plurality of tanks into a single pipeline. According to an embodiment, a method of admixing hydrocarbon liquids from a plurality of tanks into a single pipeline to provide in-line mixing thereof includes determining a ratio of a second fluid flow to a first fluid flow based on signals received from a tank flow meter in fluid communication with the second fluid flow and a booster flow meter in fluid communication with a blended fluid flow. The blended fluid flow includes a blended flow of the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow. The method further includes comparing the determined ratio to a pre-selected set point ratio thereby to determine a modified flow of the second fluid flow to drive the ratio toward the pre-selected set point ratio. The method further includes controlling a variable speed drive connected to a pump thereby to control the second fluid flow through the pump based on the determined modified flow, the pump being in fluid communication with the second fluid flow.

Automated methods and systems for diverting transmix from a petroleum pipeline are provided to reduce the overall production of transmix on the pipeline, based on pre-defined programmed cut-points associated with the various subtypes of hydrocarbon carried on the pipeline.

Automated methods and systems for diverting transmix from a petroleum pipeline are provided to reduce the overall production of transmix on the pipeline, based on pre-defined programmed cut-points associated with the various subtypes of hydrocarbon carried on the pipeline.

Automated methods and systems for diverting transmix from a petroleum pipeline are provided to reduce the overall production of transmix on the pipeline, based on pre-defined programmed cut-points associated with the various subtypes of hydrocarbon carried on the pipeline.

Automated methods and systems for diverting transmix from a petroleum pipeline are provided to reduce the overall production of transmix on the pipeline, based on pre-defined programmed cut-points associated with the various subtypes of hydrocarbon carried on the pipeline.

A pump station positioned to receive a first flow of fluid from a pipeline and to discharge a second flow of fluid into the pipeline includes an interface detection instrument positioned at an upstream point and operable to measure a sonic velocity, a temperature, and a flow rate of the fluid at the upstream point. A first pump is operable at a first speed to receive the first flow of fluid and discharge a pressurized flow of fluid, a first discharge pressure controller is positioned within the pressurized flow of fluid and operable to control the pressure of the pressurized flow of fluid, and a control assembly is coupled to the interface detection instrument to receive the measured sonic velocity, temperature, and flow rate. The control assembly is operable to calculate a desired pump speed based at least in part on the measured sonic velocity and temperature and a variable frequency drive is coupled to the control assembly and is operable to adjust the first speed to match the desired speed at or before the arrival at the first pump of the fluid measured at the upstream point.

A pump station positioned to receive a first flow of fluid from a pipeline and to discharge a second flow of fluid into the pipeline includes an interface detection instrument positioned at an upstream point and operable to measure a sonic velocity, a temperature, and a flow rate of the fluid at the upstream point. A first pump is operable at a first speed to receive the first flow of fluid and discharge a pressurized flow of fluid, a first discharge pressure controller is positioned within the pressurized flow of fluid and operable to control the pressure of the pressurized flow of fluid, and a control assembly is coupled to the interface detection instrument to receive the measured sonic velocity, temperature, and flow rate. The control assembly is operable to calculate a desired pump speed based at least in part on the measured sonic velocity and temperature and a variable frequency drive is coupled to the control assembly and is operable to adjust the first speed to match the desired speed at or before the arrival at the first pump of the fluid measured at the upstream point.