Separator Component in Petroleum Refining Simulation
Separator simulation in the AnyLogic-based Petroleum Refining Library (PRL) is used to route and distribute material flows within petroleum refining simulation models and digital twins. In Petroleum Refining Library, a Separator is a flow-splitting component used to route one incoming material flow to two or more downstream streams. It does not represent physical separation equipment. It simply defines how one incoming flow is distributed between downstream streams.
Petroleum Refining Library provides two components:
SeparatorLight — splits one incoming flow into exactly two output streams.
Separator — splits one incoming flow into any number of output streams.
Both components support proportional and neutral splitting, dynamic flow changes, and downstream capacity constraints. Separator components are commonly used for flow splitting and material flow routing in petroleum refining between refinery units, tank farms, pipelines, and different operating modes. For cumulative throughput constraints, see Flow Quota in Refinery Simulation. Learn more about the broader principles of petroleum refining simulation and digital twin modeling.
Petroleum Refining Library provides two components:
SeparatorLight — splits one incoming flow into exactly two output streams.
Separator — splits one incoming flow into any number of output streams.
Both components support proportional and neutral splitting, dynamic flow changes, and downstream capacity constraints. Separator components are commonly used for flow splitting and material flow routing in petroleum refining between refinery units, tank farms, pipelines, and different operating modes. For cumulative throughput constraints, see Flow Quota in Refinery Simulation. Learn more about the broader principles of petroleum refining simulation and digital twin modeling.
Separator and SeparatorLight
SeparatorLight supports 1-to-2 flow splitting and connects directly to other model elements using standard connectors.
Separator supports 1-to-N flow splitting with any number of output streams. It connects to other Anylogic-based Petroleum Refining Library components through FluidEnter and FluidExit interfaces. Both components use the same splitting logic for process flow modeling. The main differences are the number of outlets and the connection mechanism.The resulting single stream can then be passed to a Separator or SeparatorLight for further distribution.See how flow splitting and mixing work in refinery models
Separator supports 1-to-N flow splitting with any number of output streams. It connects to other Anylogic-based Petroleum Refining Library components through FluidEnter and FluidExit interfaces. Both components use the same splitting logic for process flow modeling. The main differences are the number of outlets and the connection mechanism.The resulting single stream can then be passed to a Separator or SeparatorLight for further distribution.See how flow splitting and mixing work in refinery models
How Flow Splitting Works
Separator and SeparatorLight control material flow distribution using flow splitting functions. In proportional mode, outlet values represent relative splitting coefficients that Petroleum Refining Library automatically normalizes. For example, if the splitting functions are: [1, 2, 3]. Ttheir total is 6, so the incoming flow is distributed as:
Outlet 1: 1/6; Outlet 2: 2/6; Outlet 3: 3/6. The values do not need to be specified as percentages. A coefficient of 0 closes the corresponding outlet, allowing the entire flow to be routed to another outlet. For example: [1, 0, 0] routes 100% of the flow to the first outlet, while: [0, 5, 0] routes 100% of the flow to the second outlet.
If all splitting functions are zero, the Separator blocks the incoming flow. Splitting coefficients can also change dynamically during the simulation. For example, when a refinery unit switches to another operating mode, the corresponding Separator can immediately apply a new set of flow splitting functions and redirect the material flow without any transition delay.
Outlet 1: 1/6; Outlet 2: 2/6; Outlet 3: 3/6. The values do not need to be specified as percentages. A coefficient of 0 closes the corresponding outlet, allowing the entire flow to be routed to another outlet. For example: [1, 0, 0] routes 100% of the flow to the first outlet, while: [0, 5, 0] routes 100% of the flow to the second outlet.
If all splitting functions are zero, the Separator blocks the incoming flow. Splitting coefficients can also change dynamically during the simulation. For example, when a refinery unit switches to another operating mode, the corresponding Separator can immediately apply a new set of flow splitting functions and redirect the material flow without any transition delay.
Neutral Flow Splitting and Downstream Constraints
Separator and SeparatorLight also support neutral flow splitting. In this mode, no predefined outlet ratio is enforced. Flow distribution is determined by downstream conditions and available capacity. However, in proportional mode, the specified flow distribution is maintained even when downstream constraints are present. If a downstream node cannot accept its required share, the excess flow is not redirected to other outlets. Instead, the total flow through the Separator is reduced, including the incoming flow, so that the required splitting ratio can still be preserved. For example, if a Separator distributes flow using the coefficients: [1, 2, 3] the required outlet ratio is: 1/6 : 2/6 : 3/6. If one outlet is constrained, the overall Separator throughput is reduced to maintain the specified distribution. This behavior allows Separator components to model controlled flow routing and capacity constraints in refinery units, tank farms, pipelines, and refinery logistics systems.
Mass Balance and Flow Composition
Separator and SeparatorLight follow the law of conservation of mass: the total outlet flow equals the inlet flow, subject to downstream capacity constraints. When a Separator is placed directly in a refinery process simulation model, it performs mass flow splitting only. The Separator itself does not split components. However, when it is used inside higher-level Petroleum Refining Library objects, surrounding procedures may treat routed flows as different products or apply their own composition logic.
Dynamic Flow Routing
Splitting functions can change during the simulation, allowing flows to be immediately rerouted when operating conditions or unit operating modes change during operating mode simulation. For example:
[1, 0] → all flow is routed to Outlet 1
[0, 1] → all flow is routed to Outlet 2
[1, 1] → the flow is split equally between both outlets
This makes Separator components useful for modeling switching operations, alternative flow routes, and changes in refinery operating modes.
[1, 0] → all flow is routed to Outlet 1
[0, 1] → all flow is routed to Outlet 2
[1, 1] → the flow is split equally between both outlets
This makes Separator components useful for modeling switching operations, alternative flow routes, and changes in refinery operating modes.
Applications in Refinery Simulation
In refinery operations and simulation models, Separator and SeparatorLight can be used for:
- routing flows between processing units;
- distributing products to tank farms and storage tanks;
- switching between alternative routes and operating modes;
- supporting flow scenarios in production planning and refinery logistics models;
- opening or blocking flow paths.
- routing flows between processing units;
- distributing products to tank farms and storage tanks;
- switching between alternative routes and operating modes;
- supporting flow scenarios in production planning and refinery logistics models;
- opening or blocking flow paths.
Conclusion
Separator simulation in petroleum refining provides a flexible mechanism for controlling material flow routing in refinery simulation models and digital twins. SeparatorLight supports 1-to-2 splitting, while Separator supports 1-to-N splitting. Together with dynamic switching and downstream capacity constraints, these components help model refinery routing and operating scenarios.
FAQ
1. What is a Separator in Petroleum Refining Library?
A Separator is a component used to split one incoming material flow into two or more outgoing flows. It is designed for flow routing and distribution, not for physical or thermodynamic separation.
2. What is the difference between Separator and SeparatorLight?
SeparatorLight splits one incoming flow into exactly two output flows and uses direct connectors.
Separator supports any number of output flows and connects through FluidEnter and FluidExit interfaces.
3. How is the incoming flow distributed?
The flow is distributed using flow splitting functions. In proportional mode, the specified values are automatically normalized.
For example, [1, 2, 3] splits the incoming flow into 1/6, 2/6, and 3/6.
4. Can all flow be routed to one outlet?
Yes. Set any positive value for the required outlet and 0 for all other outlets.
For example, [1, 0, 0] routes the entire flow to the first outlet.
5. What does a splitting value of zero mean?
A value of 0 means that the corresponding outlet is closed. If all outlet values are zero, the Separator blocks the incoming flow.
6. Can the splitting coefficients change during the simulation?
Yes. New splitting coefficients take effect immediately, without transition delays.
7. What happens if a downstream element limits the flow?
The total flow through the Separator, including the incoming flow, is reduced to maintain the specified flow distribution. The flow is not automatically redirected to other outlets.
8. Does Separator change the composition of the material flow?
No. A Separator placed directly in a model performs mass flow splitting only. All outlet streams retain the composition of the incoming flow. Composition changes can be introduced by higher-level Petroleum Refining Library logic when Separator components are used inside processing units or tank farms.
9. Can Separator accept multiple incoming flows?
No. Separator and SeparatorLight accept only one incoming flow.
If multiple streams need to be combined, they must first pass through a Mixer before entering the Separator.
10. Does Separator simulate physical separation?
No. Petroleum Refining Library Separator does not simulate phase equilibrium, thermodynamics, chemical reactions, or physical separation processes. Its purpose is to control material flow routing and distribution within a refinery simulation model.
A Separator is a component used to split one incoming material flow into two or more outgoing flows. It is designed for flow routing and distribution, not for physical or thermodynamic separation.
2. What is the difference between Separator and SeparatorLight?
SeparatorLight splits one incoming flow into exactly two output flows and uses direct connectors.
Separator supports any number of output flows and connects through FluidEnter and FluidExit interfaces.
3. How is the incoming flow distributed?
The flow is distributed using flow splitting functions. In proportional mode, the specified values are automatically normalized.
For example, [1, 2, 3] splits the incoming flow into 1/6, 2/6, and 3/6.
4. Can all flow be routed to one outlet?
Yes. Set any positive value for the required outlet and 0 for all other outlets.
For example, [1, 0, 0] routes the entire flow to the first outlet.
5. What does a splitting value of zero mean?
A value of 0 means that the corresponding outlet is closed. If all outlet values are zero, the Separator blocks the incoming flow.
6. Can the splitting coefficients change during the simulation?
Yes. New splitting coefficients take effect immediately, without transition delays.
7. What happens if a downstream element limits the flow?
The total flow through the Separator, including the incoming flow, is reduced to maintain the specified flow distribution. The flow is not automatically redirected to other outlets.
8. Does Separator change the composition of the material flow?
No. A Separator placed directly in a model performs mass flow splitting only. All outlet streams retain the composition of the incoming flow. Composition changes can be introduced by higher-level Petroleum Refining Library logic when Separator components are used inside processing units or tank farms.
9. Can Separator accept multiple incoming flows?
No. Separator and SeparatorLight accept only one incoming flow.
If multiple streams need to be combined, they must first pass through a Mixer before entering the Separator.
10. Does Separator simulate physical separation?
No. Petroleum Refining Library Separator does not simulate phase equilibrium, thermodynamics, chemical reactions, or physical separation processes. Its purpose is to control material flow routing and distribution within a refinery simulation model.