Separator Simulation: Dynamic Mass Flow Splitting and Distribution

       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.

       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.

       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.

       The Petroleum Refining Library Separator API provides methods for flow routing, mass flow distribution, throughput control, and dynamic separator configuration during simulation.

       The connect() method is particularly useful when connectAfterStart is enabled and the flow connections must be created programmatically after model initialization.

       These methods control how the incoming mass flow is distributed between the configured outputs. Split factors can be changed dynamically during simulation.

       Individual flow limits can also be applied to specific outputs. Outputs can be identified by their index, product ID, or FluidEnter connection.

       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.

       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.

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.