Patent ID: 8017910
Filing Date: 2011-09-13
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of predicting stability in a hydrocarbon process stream using a near infrared spectrum combined with a correlation model, the method comprising: (a) measuring a stability value corresponding to each of a plurality of samples from the hydrocarbon process stream to produce a first dataset; (b) selecting one or more wave numbers in the near infrared spectrum as a first spectrum; (c) using the first spectrum to determine an absorbance corresponding to each of the plurality of samples from step (a) to produce a second dataset; (d) incorporating the first dataset and the second dataset into at least one mathematical function to create the correlation model; (e) selecting one or more wave numbers in the near infrared spectrum as a second spectrum; (f) using the second spectrum to measure an absorbance corresponding to one or more additional samples; (g) calculating a predicted stability value corresponding to the additional sample(s) by using the measured absorbance from step (f) as input for the correlation model and receiving as output the predicted stability; and (h) optionally storing the received output in an electronic storage device and/or displaying the received output on a display device.