Separator Simulation: Dynamic Mass Flow Splitting and Distribution
Separator And Mixer Series
1 Separation and Mixing Processes in Petroleum Refining Simulation
2 Separator Component in Petroleum Refining Simulation
3 Light Separator Simulation in Petroleum Refining
4 Separator Simulation: Dynamic Mass Flow Splitting and Distribution
5 Separator Statistics and Flow Analysis in Process Simulation
6 Mixing Simulation in Petroleum Refining
7 MixerLight Simulation in Petroleum Refining
8 Mixer Simulation: Dynamic Material Flow Mixing and Composition Calculation
9 Mixer Flow Analysis and Statistics in Process Simulation
Solution: Separator and Mixer for Petroleum Refining Simulation
1 Separation and Mixing Processes in Petroleum Refining Simulation
2 Separator Component in Petroleum Refining Simulation
3 Light Separator Simulation in Petroleum Refining
4 Separator Simulation: Dynamic Mass Flow Splitting and Distribution
5 Separator Statistics and Flow Analysis in Process Simulation
6 Mixing Simulation in Petroleum Refining
7 MixerLight Simulation in Petroleum Refining
8 Mixer Simulation: Dynamic Material Flow Mixing and Composition Calculation
9 Mixer Flow Analysis and Statistics in Process Simulation
Solution: Separator and Mixer for Petroleum Refining Simulation
The Petroleum Refining Library (PRL) Separator is a component for separator simulation, dynamic mass flow splitting, and flow distribution in process simulation. Unlike SeparatorLight, which supports a two-output configuration, the Separator can divide one incoming flow into any number of output flows. As a mass flow splitter, it divides a single incoming flow into an arbitrary number of output flows while preserving mass balance and material composition. The Separator does not perform physical separation. All output flows retain the composition of the incoming material; only the mass flow rate is distributed between them. The Separator can be used as an independent component or internally by other Petroleum Refining Library components, for example, to distribute Process Unit production among multiple product flows in refinery production planning and process simulation models.
Learn more about flow splitting and mixing components in the Petroleum Refining Library.
Learn more about flow splitting and mixing components in the Petroleum Refining Library.
The Petroleum Refining Library Separator differs from the standard AnyLogic Fluid Split by supporting guaranteed flow routing to a specific output and dynamic mass flow distribution among any number of outputs.
The priority mechanism in the standard AnyLogic FluidSplit and FluidMerge components does not guarantee that a higher-priority flow will be accepted or transferred in full. Although these components support neutral, proportional, and priority-based allocation algorithms, the priority mode represents a preference rather than a strict allocation rule.
The configured priority coefficients are incorporated into the objective function of the underlying linear programming (LP) flow-network model as penalty or benefit factors. As a result, in complex networks, the LP solver may allocate flow from a lower-priority connection if this produces a more advantageous overall solution.
The Petroleum Refining Library Mixer provides a different mechanism: guaranteed flow acceptance. A designated input can be treated as mandatory, ensuring that its available flow is accepted in full before the remaining capacity is allocated among other inputs.
The configured priority coefficients are incorporated into the objective function of the underlying linear programming (LP) flow-network model as penalty or benefit factors. As a result, in complex networks, the LP solver may allocate flow from a lower-priority connection if this produces a more advantageous overall solution.
The Petroleum Refining Library Mixer provides a different mechanism: guaranteed flow acceptance. A designated input can be treated as mandatory, ensuring that its available flow is accepted in full before the remaining capacity is allocated among other inputs.
Interactive Example Available!
See Petroleum Refining Library Separator and Mixer in action!
Launch the interactive AnyLogic Cloud model and experiment with a live flow blending simulation
See Petroleum Refining Library Separator and Mixer in action!
Launch the interactive AnyLogic Cloud model and experiment with a live flow blending simulation
How the Separator Splits and Distributes Material Flows
The Separator distributes a single incoming flow between multiple output flows according to the configured split factors. Each output receives its proportional share of the total mass flow while the original material composition remains unchanged. The Separator also provides comprehensive statistics for monitoring and analyzing material flows and separation results.
Split Factors and Automatic Normalization
Split factors can be specified as relative values and do not need to add up to 1.0 or 100%. Petroleum Refining Library automatically normalizes the specified factors, ensuring that the entire incoming flow is distributed while maintaining mass conservation. For example, split factors of 0.2, 0.3, and 0.7 are normalized proportionally before the incoming flow is distributed.
The Separator supports an arbitrary number of output flows. Outputs are defined through the FluidEnter[] outputFlows array, where each array element represents one output connection. The number of output flows is defined by the outputFlows array and cannot be changed during simulation. However, the flow distribution between existing outputs can be changed dynamically.
Separator API
The Petroleum Refining Library Separator API provides methods for flow routing, mass flow distribution, throughput control, and dynamic separator configuration during simulation.
Connecting Flows
The connect() method is particularly useful when connectAfterStart is enabled and the flow connections must be created programmatically after model initialization.
Managing Split Factors
These methods control how the incoming mass flow is distributed between the configured outputs. Split factors can be changed dynamically during simulation.
Managing Output Flow Limits and Throughput
Individual flow limits can also be applied to specific outputs. Outputs can be identified by their index, product ID, or FluidEnter connection.
Managing Separator State
The Separator state can be controlled dynamically during simulation. It can be closed to completely stop the flow or reset to restore its default operating state.
Conclusion
The Petroleum Refining Library Separator provides a flexible approach to dynamic mass flow splitting and flow distribution in process simulation. It distributes one incoming flow between multiple outputs while preserving mass balance and material composition. Split factors can be changed dynamically, flow limits can be applied to the entire component or individual outputs, and downstream constraints can directly affect the total throughput required to maintain the configured distribution. These capabilities make the Separator suitable for refinery simulation, petroleum refining, dynamic process simulation, production planning, logistics, and digital twin models.
FAQ
1. What is the Petroleum Refining Library Separator?
The Petroleum Refining Library Separator distributes one incoming flow among multiple output flows according to configurable split factors while preserving mass balance and material composition.
2. Does the Separator perform physical separation?
No. The Separator does not separate components or change product composition. All output flows retain the composition of the incoming flow. Only the mass flow rate is distributed between the outputs.
3. How are flows distributed between the outputs?
Flows are distributed according to the configured split factors. Each output receives a proportional share of the incoming flow.
4. Do split factors have to add up to 100%?
No. Split factors can be specified as relative values and are automatically normalized to ensure that the entire incoming flow is distributed.
5. Can split factors be changed during simulation?
Yes. The split can be changed dynamically using the setSplit() methods, and the flow distribution is updated immediately.
6. Can the Separator have multiple output flows?
Yes. The Separator supports an arbitrary number of output flows defined through the outputFlows array.
7. What happens if one output has a flow restriction?
The total Separator throughput is reduced as necessary to maintain the configured split while respecting the applicable output constraints.
8. What happens if one required output is completely blocked?
The entire incoming flow stops if the blocked output is required to receive flow according to the current split factors.
9. Can the flow continue after an output becomes blocked?
Yes. The flow can resume immediately if the restriction is removed or if the split factors are changed so that the blocked output no longer receives flow.
10. Can flow limits be applied to individual outputs?
Yes. Individual output flow limits can be configured by output index, product ID, or FluidEnter connection.
11. Can the Separator be completely closed?
Yes. The setClosed() method acts as a valve and can completely stop the incoming flow.
12. Can the Separator be used for refinery production planning and inside other Petroleum Refining Library components?
Yes. It can be used internally by other Petroleum Refining Library components to distribute mass flows, for example, when splitting Process Unit production between multiple product flows.
The Petroleum Refining Library Separator distributes one incoming flow among multiple output flows according to configurable split factors while preserving mass balance and material composition.
2. Does the Separator perform physical separation?
No. The Separator does not separate components or change product composition. All output flows retain the composition of the incoming flow. Only the mass flow rate is distributed between the outputs.
3. How are flows distributed between the outputs?
Flows are distributed according to the configured split factors. Each output receives a proportional share of the incoming flow.
4. Do split factors have to add up to 100%?
No. Split factors can be specified as relative values and are automatically normalized to ensure that the entire incoming flow is distributed.
5. Can split factors be changed during simulation?
Yes. The split can be changed dynamically using the setSplit() methods, and the flow distribution is updated immediately.
6. Can the Separator have multiple output flows?
Yes. The Separator supports an arbitrary number of output flows defined through the outputFlows array.
7. What happens if one output has a flow restriction?
The total Separator throughput is reduced as necessary to maintain the configured split while respecting the applicable output constraints.
8. What happens if one required output is completely blocked?
The entire incoming flow stops if the blocked output is required to receive flow according to the current split factors.
9. Can the flow continue after an output becomes blocked?
Yes. The flow can resume immediately if the restriction is removed or if the split factors are changed so that the blocked output no longer receives flow.
10. Can flow limits be applied to individual outputs?
Yes. Individual output flow limits can be configured by output index, product ID, or FluidEnter connection.
11. Can the Separator be completely closed?
Yes. The setClosed() method acts as a valve and can completely stop the incoming flow.
12. Can the Separator be used for refinery production planning and inside other Petroleum Refining Library components?
Yes. It can be used internally by other Petroleum Refining Library components to distribute mass flows, for example, when splitting Process Unit production between multiple product flows.