Marathon Petroleum has been granted a patent for a system and method that enables in-line mixing of hydrocarbon and renewable liquids from multiple tanks into a single pipeline. The process involves continuous blending, density measurement, and flow adjustments to achieve a target blend density. GlobalData’s report on Marathon Petroleum gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Marathon Petroleum, was a key innovation area identified from patents. Marathon Petroleum's grant share as of July 2024 was 63%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

In-line mixing of hydrocarbon liquids based on density

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: Marathon Petroleum Corp

The patent US12066843B2 describes a sophisticated controller designed for in-line mixing systems that facilitate the blending of hydrocarbon liquids from multiple tanks into a single pipeline. The controller features a user interface for inputting a target blend density and initiating the blending operation. It incorporates multiple density measuring devices to assess the densities of the liquids being mixed, allowing for precise control over the blending process. The system is configured to monitor the blend density in real-time and make adjustments to the flow of the second liquid based on a comparison between the actual blend density and the target density. This ensures that the final blend meets specified requirements, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of hydrocarbon blending operations.

Additionally, the patent outlines various configurations for the controller, including provisions for receiving and processing gravity measurements, which correlate to American Petroleum Institute (API) standards. The controller can manage multiple flow control devices, enabling the adjustment of flow rates for different liquids based on their respective densities and the desired blend characteristics. The system is designed to prevent the initiation of the blending process until all necessary parameters, such as target blend density and specified time intervals, are established. This comprehensive approach to hydrocarbon blending aims to optimize the mixing process, ensuring that the final product meets industry standards and operational requirements.

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GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.