Light Separator Simulation
A Light Separator is a simulation element used in refinery simulation to distribute an incoming material flow between two outputs. The resulting flows can be routed to downstream process units, pipelines, storage, or other elements of a petroleum refining model. Light separator simulation helps represent controlled flow distribution within refinery process models and can be used as part of larger refinery simulation and digital twin systems. The Light Separator is part of the broader group of separation and mixing simulation elements.
Controlling the Light Separator
In a refinery simulation, the Light Separator provides several methods for controlling how the incoming flow is distributed between two outputs.
Setting the Flow Split
The setSplit() method sets the flow values assigned to the first and second outputs. The values do not need to be normalized.If both values are positive, the separator uses proportional split mode. If one output value is zero, the separator switches to neutral flow mode. Calling setSplit() also disables fixed-limit split mode.The split can be specified as two individual values or as a two-element array: [firstOutput, secondOutput].
Limiting the Second Output
The setFixedSplitFlow2() method sets the maximum flow allowed through the second output, defining the secondary output flow limit. When fixed-limit split mode is enabled, the flow through output 2 is limited to the specified maximum, while the remaining available flow is automatically routed to output 1. Fixed-limit split mode is controlled by flowLimitSplitEnabled, while output2FlowLimit defines the maximum flow assigned to output 2. Both settings can also be loaded from an external INI file.
Other Flow Controls
The setSelectOutput1() method provides direct material flow control by routing the entire incoming flow to either the first or second output. The setSpeedLimit() method limits the maximum input flow rate, while getSpeedLimit() and resetSpeedLimit() allow the current limit to be read or reset. The resetState() method removes active flow split restrictions, restores the maximum input flow limit, and returns the separator to neutral flow mode. The input valve can be controlled with setClosed() and checked with isClosed(). The current separation ratios can be obtained using getSepRatios().
Properties and Events
The inputProductId property identifies the product associated with the input flow, while useIniSettings enables loading configuration for the simulation model from an external INI file. The onAfterInitialize event is triggered after initialization. The onSpeedChange event is triggered when the input flow rate changes and provides the new flow rate.
Setting the Flow Split
The setSplit() method sets the flow values assigned to the first and second outputs. The values do not need to be normalized.If both values are positive, the separator uses proportional split mode. If one output value is zero, the separator switches to neutral flow mode. Calling setSplit() also disables fixed-limit split mode.The split can be specified as two individual values or as a two-element array: [firstOutput, secondOutput].
Limiting the Second Output
The setFixedSplitFlow2() method sets the maximum flow allowed through the second output, defining the secondary output flow limit. When fixed-limit split mode is enabled, the flow through output 2 is limited to the specified maximum, while the remaining available flow is automatically routed to output 1. Fixed-limit split mode is controlled by flowLimitSplitEnabled, while output2FlowLimit defines the maximum flow assigned to output 2. Both settings can also be loaded from an external INI file.
Other Flow Controls
The setSelectOutput1() method provides direct material flow control by routing the entire incoming flow to either the first or second output. The setSpeedLimit() method limits the maximum input flow rate, while getSpeedLimit() and resetSpeedLimit() allow the current limit to be read or reset. The resetState() method removes active flow split restrictions, restores the maximum input flow limit, and returns the separator to neutral flow mode. The input valve can be controlled with setClosed() and checked with isClosed(). The current separation ratios can be obtained using getSepRatios().
Properties and Events
The inputProductId property identifies the product associated with the input flow, while useIniSettings enables loading configuration for the simulation model from an external INI file. The onAfterInitialize event is triggered after initialization. The onSpeedChange event is triggered when the input flow rate changes and provides the new flow rate.
Light Separator Statistics
The Light Separator provides statistics for monitoring incoming and outgoing material flows, separation ratios, and active flow limitations.
Input Statistics
The input statistics object provides methods for input flow monitoring, including the incoming flow and its current flow limit. The methods below return flow values, check whether material is entering the separator, and generate formatted input summaries.
Input Statistics
The input statistics object provides methods for input flow monitoring, including the incoming flow and its current flow limit. The methods below return flow values, check whether material is entering the separator, and generate formatted input summaries.
Output Statistics
The output statistics object provides methods for monitoring individual and total output flows, flow distribution, separation ratios, flow limitations, and formatted summaries.
The output statistics object provides methods for monitoring individual and total output flows, flow distribution, separation ratios, flow limitations, and formatted summaries.
Conclusion
Light Separator simulation provides configurable flow distribution between two outputs in refinery simulation and digital twin models. The incoming material flow can be split proportionally, limited at the second output, or routed entirely to one output within a petroleum refining simulation. Built-in statistics support monitoring of flows, separation ratios, and active flow limitations.
FAQ
1. What is a Light Separator in refinery simulation?
A Light Separator is a simulation element that distributes an incoming material flow between two outputs.
2. How does a Light Separator distribute flow?
The incoming flow can be distributed proportionally, routed entirely to one output, or limited at the second output.
3. Can the flow to the second output be limited?
Yes. The maximum flow to the second output can be defined using fixed-limit split mode. Any remaining available flow is routed to the first output.
4. Can the total input flow be limited?
Yes. The maximum allowed input flow can be configured using the separator speed limit.
5. Can all flow be routed to a single output?
Yes. The separator can route 100% of the incoming flow to either the first or second output.
6. What statistics are available?
The statistics interface provides incoming flow, individual and total output flows, separation ratios, flow limitation indicators, and formatted summaries.
A Light Separator is a simulation element that distributes an incoming material flow between two outputs.
2. How does a Light Separator distribute flow?
The incoming flow can be distributed proportionally, routed entirely to one output, or limited at the second output.
3. Can the flow to the second output be limited?
Yes. The maximum flow to the second output can be defined using fixed-limit split mode. Any remaining available flow is routed to the first output.
4. Can the total input flow be limited?
Yes. The maximum allowed input flow can be configured using the separator speed limit.
5. Can all flow be routed to a single output?
Yes. The separator can route 100% of the incoming flow to either the first or second output.
6. What statistics are available?
The statistics interface provides incoming flow, individual and total output flows, separation ratios, flow limitation indicators, and formatted summaries.