Heated Flexible Composite Pipe for Oilfield Gathering and Transportation

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of oilfield surface gathering and transportation pipelines, and particularly to a heated flexible composite pipe for oilfield gathering and transportation. It includes a composite flexible pipe, an installation box, and a joint insulation sleeve. A photovoltaic panel is fixedly installed at the front end of the installation box. An energy storage module is fixedly installed on the left side inside the installation box, and an intelligent control module is fixedly installed on the right side inside the installation box. A heating module and a monitoring module are fixedly installed inside the installation box next to the intelligent control module. A connecting ring is fixedly installed on the surface of the composite flexible pipe. This utility model significantly improves the comprehensive performance of the intelligent fiber-reinforced insulated heated flexible composite pipe through an innovative multi-layer composite structure design and an intelligent temperature control and heating monitoring system. The integrated intelligent system monitors the pipeline status in real time and provides timely warnings of potential problems, achieving efficient, safe, and reliable pipeline operation. It integrates high performance, efficient heating, excellent insulation, and intelligent management.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of oilfield surface gathering and transportation pipelines, and in particular to heated flexible composite pipes for oilfield gathering and transportation. Background Technology

[0002] Oilfields are high-productivity and high-energy-consuming industries. Improving pipeline insulation and heating technology is a crucial measure to ensure safe oil and gas gathering and transportation, as well as to save energy, reduce consumption, and increase profits in oilfields. To prevent oil, gas, and water from condensing during gathering and transportation, achieving low viscosity, and ensuring safe transport, heating is generally used for gathering and transportation from the wellhead to the metering station or transfer station. The main methods include: installing a water-jacketed heater at the wellhead and configuring heaters on the pipeline for heating and gathering; using steam, hot water, or electric heating for gathering and transportation at the wellhead and oil production pipeline; and mixing hot water or hot oil into the wellhead for gathering and transportation.

[0003] For example, patent number (CN115839442A) discloses a flexible composite pipe with vacuum insulation function, relating to the field of flexible composite pipe technology. The flexible composite pipe includes a flexible composite pipe body with connectors fixed to both ends. The body includes an inner core pipe, a sealing layer fixedly sleeved on the outer surface of the inner core pipe, and an insulation layer fixedly sleeved on the surface of the sealing layer. The insulation layer is used to insulate the high-temperature material transported in the inner core pipe. A corrosion-resistant layer is fixedly sleeved on the surface of the insulation layer, and an outer protective pipe is fixedly sleeved on the surface of the corrosion-resistant layer. This invention prevents heat loss from the high-temperature material through the vacuum cavity between the first and second reinforcing layers, ensuring that the high-temperature material inside the inner core pipe remains at a high temperature. The heat radiation scattered by the high-temperature material is reflected by the reflective layer, preventing the heat radiation from dissipating outwards and causing the material to cool down, become viscous, and block the inner core pipe.

[0004] Currently, the insulation design of existing flexible composite pipes used for oilfield gathering and transportation may be insufficient in terms of insulation performance. Especially under extreme temperature conditions, heat loss is rapid, resulting in high energy consumption of heating cables and hot water, and a sharp increase in cost for long-distance applications. Furthermore, the existing design does not have intelligent control functions and cannot adjust the insulation status or conduct remote monitoring according to actual needs. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the problems that the insulation design of flexible composite pipes may have insufficient insulation performance, lack intelligent control functions, and be unable to adjust the insulation status or perform remote monitoring according to actual needs.

[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows: a heated flexible composite pipe for oilfield gathering and transportation, including a composite flexible pipe, an installation box and a joint insulation sleeve. A photovoltaic panel is fixedly installed at the front end of the installation box, an energy storage module is fixedly installed on the left side inside the installation box, an intelligent control module is fixedly installed on the right side inside the installation box, a heating module and a monitoring module are fixedly installed on the side of the intelligent control module inside the installation box, a connecting ring is fixedly installed on the surface of the composite flexible pipe, and a threaded ring cap is provided on the side of the connecting ring on the surface of the composite flexible pipe.

[0007] Preferably, the inner fluid interface layer is extruded from high-performance polyolefin materials or superior polymer materials. The structural reinforcement layer is designed for strength using structural mechanics principles, and the stress-strain of each layer is checked using finite element analysis. The structural reinforcement layer can be formed by alternating winding of high-strength, high-modulus materials at multiple angles. Through simulation analysis and experimental verification, the relationship between the burst pressure and winding tension of the composite pipe under different winding angles is determined, thereby finding the optimal combination of winding angle and winding tension. A heating system and an intelligent temperature control and monitoring system are integrated inside the structural reinforcement layer. The temperature-sensing optical fiber in the heating cable can monitor the temperature distribution inside the pipe in real time. The photovoltaic panel can charge the energy storage module, and the energy storage module can provide power to the intelligent control system. The structure, including the control module, heating module, and monitoring module, provides electrical energy. The temperature insulation layer is designed with thermal conductivity theory in mind. Through apparent thermal conductivity testing and analysis, the width and thickness of the nano-superinsulating material are perfectly matched with the pipe size. It is wrapped around the outside of the structural reinforcement layer in a winding manner. The nano-superinsulating material uses advanced nanotechnology. The fiber reinforcement layer uses ultra-strong and tough fiber bundles (such as carbon fiber and aramid fiber) for secondary winding reinforcement, optimizing the fiber arrangement and density, and reinforcing the temperature insulation layer with a fiber network. The protective layer is made of high wear-resistant, anti-aging, and UV-resistant polymer material extruded and molded according to the extruder model and the melting characteristics of the material. The joint insulation sleeve is filled with high-performance insulation coating.

[0008] Preferably, the composite flexible pipe includes an inner fluid interface layer, a structural reinforcement layer connected to the surface of the inner fluid interface layer, a temperature insulation layer connected to the surface of the structural reinforcement layer, a fiber reinforcement layer connected to the surface of the temperature insulation layer, and a protective layer connected to the surface of the fiber reinforcement layer.

[0009] Preferably, the mounting box is fixedly connected to the composite flexible pipe, and the interior of the structural reinforcement layer is equipped with temperature measuring optical fiber and heating cable.

[0010] Preferably, the temperature-measuring optical fiber is electrically connected to the monitoring module, and the heating cable is electrically connected to the heating module.

[0011] Preferably, a communication module is fixedly installed on the intelligent control module, and the monitoring module, heating module, and communication module are all electrically connected to the intelligent control module.

[0012] Preferably, the joint insulation sleeve is sleeved with the composite flexible pipe, the joint insulation sleeve is fitted with the connecting ring, and the inner surface of the joint insulation sleeve is provided with an insulation coating.

[0013] Preferably, the threaded ring cap is sleeved with the composite flexible pipe, the threaded ring cap is fitted with the connecting ring, and the threaded ring cap is threadedly connected to the joint insulation sleeve.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0015] This oilfield gathering and transportation heating flexible composite pipe, through its innovative multi-layer composite structure design and intelligent temperature control and heating monitoring system, significantly improves the overall performance of the intelligent fiber-reinforced insulation heating flexible composite pipe. The high-strength, high-modulus material reinforcement layer and the nano-super-insulating insulation layer are perfectly combined to ensure the pipeline's pressure resistance, bending resistance, and excellent insulation and heating effect. At the same time, the integrated intelligent system monitors the pipeline status in real time and provides timely warnings of potential problems, achieving efficient, safe, and reliable pipeline operation. It integrates high performance, efficient heating, excellent insulation, and intelligent management. The joint insulation sleeve is used to insulate the connection joint, and with the threaded ring cap, two composite flexible pipes can be easily and quickly connected. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the heated flexible composite pipe for oilfield gathering and transportation according to this utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the composite flexible pipe of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the composite flexible pipe structure of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 4 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the mounting box of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the joint insulation sleeve of this utility model.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Mounting box; 2. Connector insulation sleeve; 3. Photovoltaic panel; 4. Energy storage module; 5. Intelligent control module; 6. Heating module; 7. Monitoring module; 8. Connecting ring; 9. Threaded ring cap; 10. Inner fluid interface layer; 11. Structural reinforcement layer; 12. Temperature isolation layer; 13. Fiber reinforcement layer; 14. Protective layer; 15. Temperature measuring optical fiber; 16. Heating cable. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0023] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the utility model will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0024] To reduce heat loss, oilfield hot crude oil pipelines typically incorporate different types of porous foamed insulation composite layers on their exteriors. However, due to the inability to achieve a perfect fit between the insulation material and the pipeline, and the inherent water-retention capacity of the insulation material, existing buried insulated pipelines are more prone to corrosion and perforation, resulting in more severe corrosion. Currently, the insulation materials used in oilfield pipelines require significant thickness, leading to high breakage rates, easy deformation, easy settling, severe aging and pulverization, and unstable material structures, resulting in uneven insulation performance and high heat loss. Existing insulated pipes require manual installation and employ a two-step molding process, with numerous and difficult-to-control factors affecting on-site operations, resulting in low laying efficiency and high operation and maintenance costs. Flexible composite pipes for oil gathering and transportation offer advantages such as high flexibility, no need for counterweights, adaptability to various terrain conditions, and ease of installation, and have been widely used in oilfields. However, because the design of flexible composite pipes did not consider insulation and heating functions, they experience significant temperature drops, high heat loss, and substantial fuel loss along the pipeline route during medium transport. With the development of major oilfields in China, there are more and more scattered oil wells on the periphery that are far away. These oil wells have low production, poor oil properties, and are far from the established production system. In order to solve the problem of low production, low temperature, high condensation and long distance between oil wells, it is difficult to transport oil at room temperature. Therefore, the oilfield has put forward an urgent need for the promotion and application of integrated heat-insulated heating pipes and the upgrading of the products.

[0025] Existing thermal insulation composite pipe designs primarily rely on vacuum insulation and the use of foamed materials for insulation. Patent CN115839442A, titled "A Flexible Composite Pipe with Vacuum Insulation Function," discloses a flexible composite pipe with vacuum insulation by designing a vacuum cavity within the pipe body to prevent heat loss from high-temperature materials, ensuring that the high-temperature materials inside the inner core remain at a high temperature. However, manufacturing the vacuum cavity requires high-precision processes and equipment, increasing the complexity and cost of the production process. Furthermore, the vacuum level of the vacuum cavity may gradually decrease after prolonged use, leading to a decline in insulation performance. Patent CN115703273A, titled "An Integrated Flexible Composite Pipe and Its Preparation Method," discloses a method for preparing an integrated flexible composite pipe. This method involves extruding an outer insulation layer onto a reinforcing layer to obtain an integrated flexible composite pipe. The outer insulation layer is prepared from a mixture of PE and additives, forming a closed-loop network-like porous structure, thereby achieving insulation of the pipe body. However, the outer insulation layer is prepared from a mixture of PE and additives, including foaming agents, fillers, stabilizers, and regulators. The types and proportions of these additives need to be precisely controlled to ensure the stable performance of the external insulation layer. Improper formulation may affect the insulation effect, mechanical properties, and aging resistance. Furthermore, the use of additives may have some environmental impact; therefore, special attention must be paid to environmental protection during production and waste disposal.

[0026] Please see Figures 1-5 This utility model provides an embodiment of a heated flexible composite pipe for oilfield gathering and transportation, comprising a composite flexible pipe, an installation box 1, and a joint insulation sleeve 2. A photovoltaic panel 3 is fixedly installed at the front end of the installation box 1. An energy storage module 4 is fixedly installed on the left side inside the installation box 1, and an intelligent control module 5 is fixedly installed on the right side inside the installation box 1. A heating module 6 and a monitoring module 7 are fixedly installed on the side of the intelligent control module 5 inside the installation box 1. A connecting ring 8 is fixedly installed on the surface of the composite flexible pipe, and a threaded ring cap 9 is provided on the side of the connecting ring 8 on the surface of the composite flexible pipe. The heating module 6 and the monitoring module 7 are installed using temperature measuring light. Fiber 15 monitors the temperature distribution inside the pipe in real time, and transmits data to the intelligent control module 5 in conjunction with the monitoring module 7. The data is then transmitted to the remote monitoring center or mobile APP via the communication module to detect the condition of the pipe. Heating cables 16 are evenly distributed inside the pipe body. Based on the feedback from the temperature measuring fiber 15, heat can be quickly transferred to the pipe. The joint insulation sleeve 2 is fitted onto the interface of the two composite flexible pipes. By screwing the threaded ring cap 9, the threaded ring cap 9 is fixed to the joint insulation sleeve 2 and tightly pressed against both sides of the connecting ring 8, thereby completing the docking of the two composite flexible pipes.

[0027] Please see Figures 1-4In this embodiment, the composite flexible pipe includes an inner fluid interface layer 10, a structural reinforcement layer 11 connected to the surface of the inner fluid interface layer 10, a temperature insulation layer 12 connected to the surface of the structural reinforcement layer 11, a fiber reinforcement layer 13 connected to the surface of the temperature insulation layer 12, and a protective layer 14 connected to the surface of the fiber reinforcement layer 13. The mounting box 1 is fixedly connected to the composite flexible pipe. A temperature-sensing optical fiber 15 and a heating cable 16 are disposed inside the structural reinforcement layer 11. The temperature-sensing optical fiber 15 is electrically connected to the monitoring module 7, and the heating cable 16 is electrically connected to the heating module 6. A communication module is fixedly installed on the intelligent control module 5. The monitoring module 7, the heating module 6, and the communication module are all connected to... The intelligent control module 5 is electrically connected and integrates a set of temperature-sensing optical fiber 15 and heating cable 16 inside the structural reinforcement layer 11. It works with the intelligent control module 5 to process and control the heating module 6 and the monitoring module 7. The temperature-sensing optical fiber 15 monitors the temperature distribution inside the pipe in real time. The monitoring module 7 transmits data to the intelligent control module 5 and transmits the data to a remote monitoring center or mobile APP through the communication module to detect the condition of the pipe. The heating cable 16 is evenly distributed inside the pipe. Based on the feedback from the temperature-sensing optical fiber 15, it performs precise temperature and time control according to actual needs, ensuring that it is activated only when heating is needed, and can quickly transfer heat to the pipe to improve heating efficiency.

[0028] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 5 In this embodiment, the joint insulation sleeve 2 is sleeved with the composite flexible pipe, and the joint insulation sleeve 2 is fitted with the connecting ring 8. The inner surface of the joint insulation sleeve 2 is provided with an insulation coating. The threaded ring cap 9 is sleeved with the composite flexible pipe, and the threaded ring cap 9 is fitted with the connecting ring 8. The threaded ring cap 9 is threadedly connected to the joint insulation sleeve 2. The joint insulation sleeve 2 is sleeved at the interface of the two composite flexible pipes, so that the connecting rings 8 on the pipes are tightly fitted with the joint insulation sleeve 2. This facilitates the sliding of the threaded ring cap 9 to the joint insulation sleeve 2 and the connecting ring 8. By screwing the threaded ring cap 9, the threaded ring cap 9 is threadedly fixed to the joint insulation sleeve 2 and tightly presses the two sides of the connecting ring 8, thereby completing the docking of the two composite flexible pipes.

[0029] During operation, a set of temperature-sensing optical fiber 15 and heating cable 16 are integrated inside the structural reinforcement layer 11. This works in conjunction with the intelligent control module 5 to process and control the heating module 6 and monitoring module 7. The temperature-sensing optical fiber 15 monitors the temperature distribution inside the pipe in real time, and the monitoring module 7 transmits data to the intelligent control module 5. Data is then transmitted to a remote monitoring center or mobile app via a communication module to monitor the pipe's condition. The heating cable 16 is evenly distributed inside the pipe. Based on feedback from the temperature-sensing optical fiber 15, precise temperature and time control is implemented according to actual needs, ensuring that heating is only activated when required. This allows for rapid heat transfer to the pipe, improving heating efficiency. The joint insulation sleeve 2 is fitted onto the interface of the two composite flexible pipes, ensuring that the connecting rings 8 on the pipes are tightly fitted with the joint insulation sleeve 2. This facilitates the sliding of the threaded ring cap 9 to the joint insulation sleeve 2 and connecting ring 8. By tightening the threaded ring cap 9, the threaded ring cap 9 is threadedly fixed to the joint insulation sleeve 2, and the two sides of the connecting ring 8 are tightly pressed together, thus completing the docking of the two composite flexible pipes.

[0030] Through the above steps, the temperature distribution inside the pipe is monitored in real time using the temperature-sensing optical fiber 15. The monitoring module 7 transmits the data to the intelligent control module 5, and the data is transmitted to the remote monitoring center or mobile APP through the communication module to detect the condition of the pipe. The heating cable 16 is evenly distributed inside the pipe. Based on the feedback from the temperature-sensing optical fiber 15, heat can be quickly transferred to the pipe. This solves the problem that the insulation design of flexible composite pipe may have insufficient insulation performance, lacks intelligent control function, and cannot adjust the insulation status or perform remote monitoring according to actual needs.

Claims

1. A heating flexible composite pipe for use in oilfield gathering and transportation, comprising a composite flexible pipe, characterized in that: It also includes an installation box (1) and a connector insulation sleeve (2). A photovoltaic panel (3) is fixedly installed at the front end of the installation box (1). An energy storage module (4) is fixedly installed on the left side inside the installation box (1). An intelligent control module (5) is fixedly installed on the right side inside the installation box (1). A heating module (6) and a monitoring module (7) are fixedly installed on the side of the intelligent control module (5) inside the installation box (1). A connecting ring (8) is fixedly installed on the surface of the composite flexible pipe. A threaded ring cap (9) is provided on the side of the connecting ring (8) on the surface of the composite flexible pipe. The composite flexible pipe includes an inner fluid interface layer (10). A structural reinforcement layer (11) is connected to the surface of the inner fluid interface layer (10). A temperature isolation layer (12) is connected to the surface of the structural reinforcement layer (11). A fiber reinforcement layer (13) is connected to the surface of the temperature isolation layer (12). A protective layer (14) is connected to the surface of the fiber reinforcement layer (13). The installation box (1) is fixedly connected to the composite flexible pipe. A temperature measuring fiber (15) and a heating cable (16) are provided inside the structural reinforcement layer (11).

2. The heated flexible composite pipe for oilfield gathering and transportation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature measuring fiber (15) is electrically connected to the monitoring module (7), and the heating cable (16) is electrically connected to the heating module (6).

3. The heated flexible composite pipe for oilfield gathering and transportation according to claim 1, characterized in that: A communication module is fixedly installed on the intelligent control module (5). The monitoring module (7), heating module (6) and communication module are all electrically connected to the intelligent control module (5).

4. The heated flexible composite pipe for oilfield gathering and transportation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The joint insulation sleeve (2) is sleeved with the composite flexible pipe, and the joint insulation sleeve (2) is fitted and connected with the connecting ring (8). The inner surface of the joint insulation sleeve (2) is provided with an insulation coating.

5. The heated flexible composite pipe for oilfield gathering and transportation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The threaded ring cap (9) is sleeved with the composite flexible pipe, the threaded ring cap (9) is fitted with the connecting ring (8), and the threaded ring cap (9) is threaded with the joint insulation sleeve (2).

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