System for determining and imaging wax deposition and corrosion in pipelines

Abstract

The system for determining and imaging wax deposition and corrosion in pipelines relate to systems for determining wax deposition and corrosion by one or both of two techniques. In both techniques, a source of neutron radiation is directed at the pipeline. In one technique, a neutron detector surrounded by an absorption shield defining a collimation window counts neutrons reflected back to the detector by back diffusion or backscatter radiation. In the other technique, a gamma ray detector measures gamma rays emitted when the emitted neutrons are absorbed in the pipeline. A neutron moderator-reflector is placed around three sides of the pipeline to increase the likelihood of neutron capture. A gamma detector surrounded by a gamma absorption shield defining a collimation window counts neutron capture gamma rays. An energy window can be taken for selection of Fe and H gamma rays for high precision imaging.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of prior U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 14 / 717,158, filed May 20, 2015, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 497,304, filed Jan. 15, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,151,722, issued on Oct. 6, 2015.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to the determination of the extent of deposition of wax and / or corrosion in a pipeline, and particularly to a system for determining and imaging wax deposition and corrosion in a pipeline that uses a neutron source, neutron and / or gamma ray detectors, and backscatter diffusion collimation.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Paraffin and asphalt deposition in crude oil transport is a very costly problem in oil industry. The accumulation of wax on the inner surface of pipes reduces flow and may cause a blockage in a pipeline that may stop oil production. Prediction of deposit thicknes...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is about a system that can detect and visualize wax buildup and corrosion in pipelines. It uses two techniques: one involves measuring the neutulas that bounce back from the pipeline, and the other involves measuring the g Networks of neutron detectors and a neutron moderator-reflector are placed around the pipeline to increase the likelihood of detecting these particles. The system can help to identify areas of problem in pipelines and take necessary measures to prevent damage.

Problems solved by technology

Paraffin and asphalt deposition in crude oil transport is a very costly problem in oil industry.

The accumulation of wax on the inner surface of pipes reduces flow and may cause a blockage in a pipeline that may stop oil production.

Prediction of deposit thickness is very difficult due to the complex compositions of crude oil.

Wax deposition in pipelines can be very costly for plant operation in the oil industry.

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