A pipe cleaning system

Abstract

The application discloses a pipeline cleaning system and relates to the technical field of crude oil conveying equipment, and aims to solve the problem that workers cannot know the deformation condition of a pipeline, thereby affecting the normal transportation of crude oil in the pipeline. The pipeline cleaning system comprises a pipeline pig, a differential pressure sensor and a processor. The pipeline pig is used for moving in the pipeline to remove impurities in the pipeline. The differential pressure sensor is arranged on the pipeline pig. During the movement of the pipeline pig in the pipeline, the differential pressure sensor is used for detecting the pressure difference of the medium in the pipeline on the front and back sides of the pipeline pig. The processor is connected with the differential pressure sensor and is configured to receive the pressure difference detected by the differential pressure sensor. If the number of times of large changes of the pressure difference at the same position of the pipeline is greater than or equal to a first preset number of times, it is judged that the position of the pipeline is deformed. The large change of the pressure difference refers to the fact that the value of the pressure difference is increased or decreased by a value greater than or equal to a first preset value within a first preset time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of crude oil transportation equipment technology, and in particular to a pipeline cleaning system. Background Technology

[0002] Freshly extracted crude oil is processed and then transported through pipelines. To ensure the normal transportation of crude oil, the relevant technologies usually lay the pipelines underground to avoid external interference and damage.

[0003] However, when the pipeline deforms, it may obstruct the crude oil and affect the normal transportation of crude oil. Since the pipeline is laid underground, the staff cannot know the deformation of the pipeline, which affects the staff's judgment of the crude oil transportation work, and thus affects the normal transportation of crude oil in the pipeline. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a pipeline pigging tool that aims to solve the problem that workers cannot know the deformation of the pipeline, which affects the normal transportation of crude oil in the pipeline.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] This application provides a pipeline cleaning system, including a pipeline pig, a differential pressure sensor, and a processor. The pipeline pig is used to move within a pipeline to remove impurities. The differential pressure sensor is located on the pipeline pig and is used to detect the pressure difference between the medium in the pipeline before and after the pig during its movement within the pipeline. The processor is connected to the differential pressure sensor and is configured to:

[0007] The pressure difference is detected by the differential pressure sensor.

[0008] If the number of significant changes in pressure difference at the same location in the pipeline is greater than or equal to a first preset number, then it is determined that deformation has occurred at that location in the pipeline. A significant change in pressure difference refers to an increase or decrease in pressure difference within a first preset time period that is greater than or equal to a first preset value.

[0009] With the above settings, if the pressure difference between the front and back sides of the pig increases or decreases significantly when the pig moves to a certain position in the pipeline during the first cleaning process, it indicates that the resistance encountered by the pig at this point increases or decreases significantly, meaning that there are impurities in the pipeline or the pipe wall has deformed at this point.

[0010] If the number of times the pressure difference changes significantly at the same location in the pipeline is greater than or equal to the first preset number, that is, the resistance change encountered by the pipeline pig when it moves to that location during the subsequent pipeline cleaning process is small, it indicates that there is deformation in the pipeline at that location, with the pipeline wall concave inward or bulging outward, causing the inner diameter of the pipeline at that location to become smaller or larger.

[0011] Specifically, taking the example that a pig can remove impurities at the same location by passing through it 3 times under normal circumstances, if the pig passes through the same location 4 times or more (exceeding the normal number), such as 4, 5, 6 times, etc. (that is, the first preset number can be 4, 5, 6 times, etc.), but the pressure difference of the pig still changes significantly when it moves to that location, it indicates that the large change in pressure difference is not caused by impurities, but by pipeline deformation.

[0012] In this way, the pressure difference between the two sides of the pipeline pig can be detected by the differential pressure sensor to determine whether the pipeline has deformed. This allows the staff to carry out pipeline cleaning or maintenance work according to the specific situation in subsequent work, so as to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the medium when it is transmitted through the pipeline.

[0013] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to:

[0014] If the number of large changes in pressure difference at the same location in the pipeline is greater than or equal to 1 and less than a first preset number, it is determined that impurities are prone to accumulate at that location in the pipeline, where the first preset number is greater than 1.

[0015] In some embodiments, the pipeline cleaning system further includes a pressure sensor disposed on the pipeline pig. During the movement of the pipeline pig within the pipeline, the pressure sensor detects the pressure of the medium within the pipeline. A processor connected to the pressure sensor is also configured to receive the pressure detected by the pressure sensor. If the number of significant pressure differences at the same location in the pipeline exceeds a first preset number, and the number of significant pressure changes exceeds a second preset number, then it is determined that deformation has occurred at that location in the pipeline. A significant pressure change refers to a pressure increase or decrease within a second preset time period exceeding a second preset value.

[0016] In some embodiments, the pipeline cleaning system further includes a temperature sensor disposed on the pipeline pig, the temperature sensor being used to detect the temperature of the medium within the pipeline. A processor connected to the temperature sensor is configured to receive the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. If the temperature of the medium at a certain location in the pipeline is less than or equal to a preset temperature, it is determined that the insulation layer at that location in the pipeline is ruptured.

[0017] In some embodiments, the pipeline cleaning system includes a support pipe. The system also includes an attitude sensor disposed on the pipeline cleaning system for detecting the angular velocity of the support pipe rotating about its own axis relative to the pipeline. A processor connected to the attitude sensor is further configured to receive the angular velocity detected by the attitude sensor. If, at the same location on the pipeline, the angular velocity is less than or equal to a preset angular velocity, and the number of significant pressure differential changes is greater than or equal to a first preset number, then it is determined that deformation has occurred at that location on the pipeline.

[0018] In some embodiments, the pipeline cleaning system further includes a memory electrically connected to a differential pressure sensor for storing pressure differences detected by the differential pressure sensor.

[0019] In some embodiments, the pipeline cleaning system includes a support tube and a cleaning element surrounding the support tube for removing impurities from the pipeline. The system also includes pressure and temperature sensors, all located within the support tube.

[0020] In some embodiments, the temperature sensor and the pressure sensor are located on the same side of the differential pressure sensor along the radial direction of the support tube, and the temperature sensor and the pressure sensor are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the support tube.

[0021] In some embodiments, the pig also includes a housing, which is located inside the support pipe, and the pressure sensor, temperature sensor and differential pressure sensor are all located inside the housing.

[0022] In some embodiments, the pipe cleaning system further includes a circuit board with a memory. A pressure sensor, a differential pressure sensor, and a temperature sensor are all connected to the memory to store the pressure detected by the pressure sensor, the pressure difference detected by the differential pressure sensor, and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor in the memory. And / or, the pipe cleaning system further includes a circuit board. The thickness direction of the circuit board is perpendicular to the axial direction of the support pipe. The pressure sensor, differential pressure sensor, and temperature sensor are all located on one side of the circuit board in the thickness direction. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the pipe cleaning system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the middle box.

[0026] Reference numerals: 100, pig; 1, housing; 11, mounting hole; 12, connecting flange; 15, first side wall; 16, second side wall; 2, pressure sensor; 21, third detection end; 22, second body; 3, differential pressure sensor; 31, first body; 32, first detection end; 33, second detection end; 4, temperature sensor; 41, fourth detection end; 42, third body; 5, circuit board; 20, pig body; 201, cleaning component; 202, support pipe; 30, tracker. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or relative positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and for simplification, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Unless otherwise specified, the above-mentioned orientational descriptions can be flexibly set in practical applications, provided that the relative positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings are satisfied.

[0029] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0030] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "communication" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. They can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] In embodiments of this application, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0032] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0033] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0034] This application provides a pipe cleaning system, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the pipe cleaning system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the internal structure of the inner casing 1. The pipeline cleaning system includes a pipeline pig 100, which is used to clean impurities inside the pipeline. The pipeline can be a crude oil pipeline, a natural gas pipeline, etc. This application uses the pipeline pig 100 to clean impurities inside a crude oil pipeline as an example.

[0035] Specifically, the pig 100 is installed inside the pipeline (e.g., a crude oil pipeline), and the pig 100 is in sealed contact with the inner wall of the pipeline. As crude oil is continuously extracted, it will be processed (e.g., dehydration, desalination, etc.) and then input into the pipeline and transported through the pipeline. As the processed crude oil continues to enter the pipeline, the pressure of the medium on one side of the pig 100 (i.e., the rear side when the pig 100 moves) will gradually increase. When the pressure difference on both sides of the pig 100 is sufficient to drive the pig 100 to move, the pig 100 will move under the push of the medium.

[0036] The pig 100 has a first end and a second end, with the first end positioned in front of the second end as the pig 100 moves within the pipeline.

[0037] The pigging device 100 includes a support pipe 202 and a housing 1. The housing 1 is connected to the support pipe 202.

[0038] The axial direction of the support pipe 202 is opposite to the moving direction of the pig 100. Figure 1 (As shown in the X direction) the box 1 is connected to the support tube 202 and one end opening of the support tube 202 is sealed.

[0039] The pigging device 100 also includes a cleaning element 201. The cleaning element 201 surrounds the support pipe 202 and is used to remove impurities from the pipe.

[0040] Specifically, as the pig 100 moves within the pipeline, the cleaning component 201 can seal the gap between the support pipe 202 and the pipeline.

[0041] For example, the number of cleaning components 201 can be one or more, such as two, three, four, etc.

[0042] For example, the cross-sectional shape of the support tube 202 can be circular, triangular, square, etc.

[0043] With the above setup, as the pig 100 moves inside the pipeline, the cleaning component 201 can seal the gap between the support pipe 202 and the pipeline because the housing 1 blocks one end of the support pipe 202. Therefore, the pig 100 can block the pipeline, thereby enabling the pig 100 to move under the pressure difference of the medium on both sides.

[0044] In this way, as the pig 100 moves inside the pipeline, the cleaning component 201 comes into contact with the pipeline and can remove impurities attached to the pipeline (for example, when the pig 100 moves in a crude oil pipeline, it can remove wax and other impurities attached to the pipeline; when the pig 100 moves in a natural gas pipeline, it can remove water, oil and other impurities in the pipeline), so as to realize the cleaning function of the pig 100 on the pipeline.

[0045] For example, the clearing component 201 can be an abutment plate, an abutment block, etc.

[0046] For example, the cleaning component 201 can be made of rubber, silicone, or similar materials. This allows the cleaning component 201 to be press-fitted into the pipe, increasing the pressure between the cleaning component 201 and the pipe. This improves the sealing effect of the cleaning component 201 on the gap between the support and the pipe, and enhances its ability to remove impurities from the pipe. Furthermore, using rubber, silicone, or similar materials for the cleaning component 201 also prevents damage to the pipe, extending its service life.

[0047] In some examples, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, along the axial direction of the support pipe 202, the box body 1 is located at the first end of the support pipe 202 and partially extends out of the support pipe 202. The box body 1 is provided with a connecting flange 12, which is connected to the end face of the first end of the support pipe 202.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the pipeline cleaning system also includes a differential pressure sensor 3 and a processor.

[0049] The differential pressure sensor 3 is installed in the pig 100. During the process of the pig 100 moving in the pipeline, the differential pressure sensor 3 is used to detect the pressure difference between the medium in the pipeline on both sides of the pig 100.

[0050] The processor is connected to differential pressure sensor 3 and is configured as follows:

[0051] The pressure difference is detected by differential pressure sensor 3.

[0052] If the number of significant changes in pressure difference at the same location in the pipeline is greater than or equal to a first preset number, then it is determined that deformation has occurred at that location in the pipeline. A significant change in pressure difference refers to an increase or decrease in pressure difference within a first preset time period that is greater than or equal to a first preset value.

[0053] It should be noted that the first preset time refers to the time required for the pig 100 to move a certain distance. For example, if the time for the pig 100 to move 0.1m is 0.1s, then the first preset time can be set to 0.1s to determine the increase or decrease in pressure difference during the 0.1m movement of the pipeline. Based on the magnitude of the increase or decrease in pressure difference within the first preset time, the rate at which the pressure difference increases or decreases when the pig moves a certain distance can be determined. If the rate of increase in pressure difference is too rapid, it indicates an abnormality in that part of the pipeline.

[0054] The first preset value refers to the value at which the pressure difference between the front and rear sides of the pig 100 exceeds the normal fluctuation range (e.g., 0-0.05MPa) during the movement of the pig 100. The first preset value is greater than the pressure difference between the front and rear sides when the pig 100 moves normally at the same position. When the pressure difference between the front and rear sides of the pig 100 is greater than the first preset value, it indicates that the pressure difference changes significantly when the pig 100 moves to that position, exceeding the normal fluctuation range of the pressure difference, thus determining that there are impurities accumulated at that location or the pipe wall has deformed.

[0055] With the above settings, when the pig 100 moves to a certain position in the pipeline during the first pipeline cleaning process, the pressure difference between the front and back sides of the pig 100 increases or decreases significantly. This indicates that the resistance encountered by the pig 100 at this point increases or decreases significantly, meaning that there are impurities in the pipeline or the pipe wall is deformed at this point.

[0056] If the number of times the pressure difference changes significantly at the same location in the pipeline is greater than or equal to the first preset number, that is, when the pipeline pig 100 moves to that location during the subsequent pipeline cleaning process, the resistance it encounters will still increase or decrease significantly, it indicates that there is deformation in the pipeline at that location, with the pipeline wall concave inward or bulging outward, causing the inner diameter of the pipeline at that location to become smaller or larger.

[0057] Specifically, taking the example that the pig 100 can remove impurities at the same location by passing through it 3 times under normal circumstances, if the pig 100 passes through the same location 4 times or more (exceeding the normal number), such as 4 times, 5 times, 6 times, etc. (that is, the first preset number can be 4 times, 5 times, 6 times, etc.), but the pressure difference of the pig 100 still changes significantly when it moves to that location, it indicates that the large change in pressure difference is not caused by impurities, but by pipeline deformation.

[0058] In this way, the pressure difference between the front and back sides of the pig 100 can be detected by the differential pressure sensor 3 to determine whether the pipeline has deformed. This allows the staff to carry out pipeline cleaning or maintenance work according to the specific situation in subsequent work, so as to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the medium when it is transmitted through the pipeline.

[0059] Understandably, in the above circumstances, if the pressure difference at the same location in the pipeline increases significantly, it indicates that the pipe wall is concave inward, and if the pressure difference at the same location in the pipeline decreases significantly, it indicates that the pipe wall is bulging outward.

[0060] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to:

[0061] If the number of large changes in pressure difference at the same location in the pipeline is greater than or equal to 1 and less than a first preset number, it is determined that impurities are prone to accumulate at that location in the pipeline, where the first preset number is greater than 1.

[0062] With the above settings, when the number of times the pressure difference changes significantly at the same location in the pipeline is greater than or equal to 1, it indicates that when the pig 100 moves to the same location in the pipeline during the first pipeline cleaning process, the pressure difference between the front and back sides of the pig 100 increases or decreases significantly. This indicates that the resistance encountered by the pig 100 at this location increases or decreases significantly, meaning that there are impurities in the pipeline or the pipe wall is deformed at this location.

[0063] When the number of times the pressure difference changes significantly at the same location in the pipeline is less than the first preset number, it indicates that the resistance encountered by the pig 100 when moving to that location during the subsequent pipeline cleaning process gradually decreases, and impurities exist at that location in the pipeline and are gradually removed.

[0064] Specifically, taking the example that the pig 100 can remove impurities at the same location by passing through it 3 times under normal circumstances, if the number of times the pig 100 passes through the same location is less than 4 times (i.e., in line with the normal number), such as 1 time, 2 times, or 3 times, and the pressure difference of the pig 100 does not change significantly when it moves to that location, it means that the pressure difference at that location is caused by impurities. As the number of times the pig 100 cleans impurities increases, the impurities will gradually decrease, and the pressure difference will gradually decrease. After 1 time, 2 times, or 3 times, the pressure difference will return to the normal range (i.e., the increase or decrease in the pressure difference value within the first preset time is less than the first preset value), indicating that the impurities have been cleaned up.

[0065] In this way, the pressure difference between the front and back sides of the pig 100 can be detected by the differential pressure sensor to determine the distribution location of impurities in the pipeline. This makes it easier for staff to clean or maintain the pipeline according to the specific situation in subsequent work, so as to further ensure the safe and efficient operation of the medium when it is transmitted through the pipeline.

[0066] It should be noted that during the process of cleaning impurities in the pipeline, the more times the pressure difference at the same location in the pipeline changes significantly, the more difficult it is to clean the impurities at that location, and the more times the pipeline cleaning machine needs to work to complete the cleaning of the impurities at that location.

[0067] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the pipeline cleaning system also includes a pressure sensor 2, which is located in the pig 100. During the movement of the pig 100 within the pipeline, the pressure sensor 2 is used to detect the pressure of the medium within the pipeline.

[0068] The processor is connected to pressure sensor 2 and is also configured to receive pressure detected by pressure sensor 2.

[0069] If the number of significant pressure differences at the same location in the pipeline exceeds a first preset number, and the number of significant pressure changes exceeds a second preset number, then it is determined that deformation has occurred at that location in the pipeline. A significant pressure change refers to a pressure increase or decrease within a second preset time period that is greater than or equal to a second preset value.

[0070] The second preset time refers to the time required for the pig 100 to move a certain distance. For example, if the time for the pig 100 to move 0.1m is 0.1s, then the second preset time can be set to 0.1s to determine the pressure increase or decrease during the 0.1m pipeline movement. Based on the magnitude of the pressure increase or decrease within the first preset time, the rate of pressure increase or decrease when the pig moves a certain distance can be determined. If the pressure increases too quickly, it indicates an abnormality in that section of the pipeline.

[0071] The second preset value refers to the value at which the pressure of the medium in the pipeline exceeds the normal fluctuation range (e.g., 1.6MPa-12MPa) during the movement of the pig 100. The second preset value is greater than the pressure of the medium when the pig 100 moves normally at the same position. When the pressure is greater than the first preset value, it indicates that the pressure change is large when the pig 100 moves to that position, exceeding the normal fluctuation range of the pressure of the medium in the pipeline, thus determining that there are impurities accumulated at that location or the pipe wall has been deformed.

[0072] It should be noted that the medium flows from the high-pressure side to the low-pressure side in the pipeline. Therefore, as the medium flows a greater distance, the pressure of the medium in the pipeline will gradually decrease.

[0073] It should be noted that when the pressure of the medium in the pipeline detected by pressure sensor 2 increases or decreases significantly, it indicates that the medium accumulated at that point in the pipeline or the pipe wall has deformed, causing a change in the cross-sectional area of ​​the medium during flow, thereby causing a change in the pressure of the medium at that point.

[0074] With the above settings, if the number of large changes in pressure difference at the same location in the pipeline is greater than or equal to the first preset number, and if the number of large changes in pressure of the medium in the pipeline detected by pressure sensor 2 is greater than or equal to the second preset number, it indicates that deformation has occurred at that location in the pipeline.

[0075] Specifically, taking the example that the pig 100 can remove impurities at the same location by passing through it 3 times under normal circumstances, if the pig 100 passes through the same location 4 times or more (exceeding the normal number), such as 4, 5, 6 times, etc. (that is, the second preset number can be 4, 5, 6 times, etc.), but the pressure of the medium at that location still changes significantly, it indicates that the significant pressure change is not caused by impurities, but by pipeline deformation.

[0076] In this way, compared to judging whether the pipeline has deformed by relying solely on differential pressure sensor 3, the combined use of differential pressure sensor 3 and pressure sensor 2 to jointly judge whether the pipeline has deformed can avoid errors in the judgment result caused by data errors of differential pressure sensor 3, thereby improving the accuracy of judging whether the pipeline has deformed. This allows the staff to more accurately understand whether the pipeline has deformed, so as to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the medium when it is transmitted through the pipeline.

[0077] In some embodiments, if the number of large-scale pressure differences at the same location in the pipeline is greater than or equal to 1 and less than a first preset number, and the number of large-scale pressure changes is greater than or equal to 1 and less than a second preset number, then it is determined that impurities are prone to accumulate at that location in the pipeline.

[0078] With the above settings, if the number of large-scale pressure differences at the same location in the pipeline is greater than or equal to 1 and less than the first preset number, it indicates that the differential pressure sensor 3 determines that impurities are prone to accumulate at that location in the pipeline. Based on this, if the number of large-scale pressure changes is greater than or equal to 1 and less than the second preset number, it can be determined that impurities are prone to accumulate at that location in the pipeline.

[0079] In this way, compared to judging whether impurities are prone to accumulate at a certain location in the pipeline solely through differential pressure sensor 3, the combined use of differential pressure sensor 3 and pressure sensor 2 to jointly judge whether impurities are prone to accumulate at the same location in the pipeline can avoid errors in the judgment result caused by data errors from differential pressure sensor 3. This improves the accuracy of judging whether impurities are prone to accumulate at the same location in the pipeline, enabling staff to more accurately understand whether impurities are prone to accumulate at the same location in the pipeline, thus ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the medium when it is transmitted through the pipeline.

[0080] Based on this, in some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the pipeline cleaning system also includes a temperature sensor 4, which is installed in the pipeline pig 100. The temperature sensor 4 is used to detect the temperature of the medium in the pipeline.

[0081] The processor is connected to temperature sensor 4 and is configured as follows:

[0082] The temperature detected by temperature sensor 4 is received.

[0083] If the temperature of the medium at a certain location in the pipeline is less than or equal to the preset temperature, it is determined that the insulation layer at that location in the pipeline is ruptured.

[0084] It is understandable that as the medium flows in the pipe, the temperature of the medium will gradually decrease, and the process of decreasing the temperature of the medium is continuous. If the temperature of the medium at a certain location in the pipe decreases significantly, it indicates that the heat loss rate of the medium at that location is too fast.

[0085] It should be noted that the preset temperature refers to the temperature of the medium at a certain location in the pipeline under normal conditions (e.g., 20°, 30°, 40°, etc.).

[0086] With the above settings, the temperature of the medium can be determined by the temperature detected by temperature sensor 4. If the temperature of the medium at a certain location in the pipeline is lower than the preset temperature at that location, it indicates that the heat loss at that location is too fast, meaning that the insulation layer of the pipeline is damaged and cannot effectively insulate the pipeline.

[0087] In this way, staff can obtain information about the damage to the pipeline's insulation layer through temperature sensor 4, and thus choose whether the insulation layer needs to be replaced or maintained, further ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the medium when it is transmitted through the pipeline.

[0088] The insulation layer of the pipe can be insulating rock wool, glass wool, aerogel, etc., wrapped around the outer wall of the pipe.

[0089] As the pig 100 moves within the pipeline, it is affected by the pressure difference between the media on both sides and the friction between the cleaning component 201 and the inner wall of the pipeline, causing the support pipe 202 to rotate relative to the pipeline around its own axis.

[0090] In some embodiments, the pipeline cleaning system further includes an attitude sensor disposed on the pig 100 for detecting the angular velocity of the support pipe 202 rotating relative to the pipeline about its own axis.

[0091] The processor is connected to the attitude sensor and is also configured to:

[0092] Receive the angular velocity detected by the attitude sensor.

[0093] If, at the same location on the pipeline, the rotational speed is less than or equal to the preset angular velocity, and the number of large changes in pressure difference is greater than or equal to the first preset number, then it is determined that deformation has occurred at that location on the pipeline.

[0094] It should be noted that the preset angular velocity refers to the angular velocity of the support pipe 202 rotating around its own axis relative to the pipeline at a certain position of the pipeline under normal conditions (e.g., 1 r / min, 2 r / min, etc.).

[0095] With the above settings, if the number of large changes in pressure difference at the same location in the pipeline is greater than or equal to the first preset number, and the attitude sensor detects that the angular velocity of the support pipe 202 rotating relative to the pipeline around its own axis is less than or equal to the preset angular velocity, it indicates that deformation has occurred at that location in the pipeline.

[0096] Specifically, when the pig 100 is affected by impurities or pipeline deformation during its movement, the resistance encountered by the pig 100 during its movement will increase, thereby restricting the rotation of the support pipe 202 around its own axis. When the angular velocity of the support pipe 202 around its own axis relative to the pipeline is less than or equal to the angular velocity of the support pipe 202 around its own axis relative to the pipeline under normal conditions, it indicates that there are impurities or deformation in the pipeline at that location.

[0097] In this way, compared to judging whether the pipeline has deformed solely by differential pressure sensor 3, the combined use of differential pressure sensor 3 and attitude sensor to jointly determine whether the pipeline has deformed avoids errors in the judgment result caused by data errors from differential pressure sensor 3, thereby improving the accuracy of judging whether the pipeline has deformed. This allows staff to more accurately understand whether the pipeline has deformed, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the medium when it is transmitted through the pipeline.

[0098] In some embodiments, if the number of large changes in pressure difference at the same location in the pipeline is greater than or equal to 1 and less than a first preset number, and the angular velocity of the support pipe 202 rotating relative to the pipeline about its own axis is greater than a preset angular velocity, then it is determined that impurities are prone to accumulate at that location in the pipeline.

[0099] With the above settings, compared to relying solely on differential pressure sensor 3 to determine whether impurities are prone to accumulate at a certain location in the pipeline, the combination of differential pressure sensor 3 and attitude sensor can improve the accuracy of determining whether impurities are prone to accumulate at the same location in the pipeline. This allows staff to more accurately understand whether impurities are prone to accumulate at the same location in the pipeline, thus ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the medium when it is transmitted through the pipeline.

[0100] In some embodiments, the pipeline cleaning system further includes a memory electrically connected to the differential pressure sensor 3 for storing the pressure difference detected by the differential pressure sensor 3.

[0101] In this way, the pressure difference detected by the differential pressure sensor 3 can be stored in the memory. This allows staff to easily obtain the pressure difference detected by the differential pressure sensor 3 after the pig 100 is removed from the pipeline. The processor can then process the pressure difference detected by the differential pressure sensor 3 to determine if pipeline deformation has occurred. This allows the processor (e.g., a mobile phone, computer) to be located outside the pipeline, simplifying the structure of the pig 100. Furthermore, the pressure difference detected by the differential pressure sensor 3 can be stored for convenient subsequent use.

[0102] In other embodiments, the processor (e.g., CPU) can be placed on the circuit board, and the operator can directly obtain the data processed by the processor (i.e., determine whether the same position of the pipe is deformed or prone to impurity accumulation).

[0103] In some examples, such as Figure 1 As shown, the pig 100 also includes a tracker 30, which is located inside the support tube 202 and is used to detect the position of the pig 100.

[0104] For example, the differential pressure sensor 3, pressure sensor 2, and temperature sensor 4 are housed inside the support tube, so that the differential pressure sensor 3, pressure sensor 2, and temperature sensor 4 can directly contact the medium, thereby enabling the differential pressure sensor 3 to detect the pressure difference, the pressure sensor 2 to detect the pressure, and the temperature sensor 4 to detect the temperature.

[0105] For example, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, differential pressure sensor 3, pressure sensor 2 and temperature sensor 4 are all located inside housing 1.

[0106] In this way, housing 1 can protect differential pressure sensor 3, pressure sensor 2 and temperature sensor 4, preventing them from being damaged due to immersion in the medium.

[0107] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the housing 1 has multiple mounting holes 11.

[0108] The differential pressure sensor 3 includes a first body 31, a first detection end 32 and a second detection end 33, with the first detection end 32 and the second detection end 33 extending out of the housing 1 through a mounting hole 11 respectively.

[0109] The pressure sensor 2 includes a second body 22 and a third detection end 21, with the third detection end 21 extending out of the housing 1 through a mounting hole 11.

[0110] With the above configuration, the first detection end 32, the second detection end 33, and the third detection end 21 can all extend out of the housing 1 through the mounting hole 11, thereby enabling the differential pressure sensor 3 to detect the pressure difference of the medium on both sides of the pig 100. This also enables the pressure sensor 2 to detect the pressure of the medium on one side of the pig 100 in the direction of its movement, allowing personnel to obtain information about the distribution of impurities in the pipeline and determine whether the pipeline has deformed.

[0111] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, along the moving direction of the pig 100, the housing 1 includes a first side wall 15 and a second side wall 16 arranged opposite to each other, and both the first side wall 15 and the second side wall 16 are provided with mounting holes 11.

[0112] The first detection end 32 of the differential pressure sensor 3 extends out of the housing 1 through a mounting hole 11 on the first side wall 15, and the second detection end 33 extends out of the housing 1 through a mounting hole 11 on the second side wall 16, so as to ensure that the differential pressure sensor 3 can detect the pressure difference of the medium on both sides of the pig 100.

[0113] In some examples, the temperature sensor 4 includes a third body 42 and a fourth sensing end 41, which extends out of the housing 1 through a mounting hole 11 to detect the temperature of the medium.

[0114] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, along the radial direction of the support tube 202, the temperature sensor 4 and the pressure sensor 2 are located on the same side of the differential pressure sensor 3. And along the axial direction of the support tube 202, the temperature sensor 4 and the pressure sensor 2 are arranged sequentially.

[0115] With the above arrangement, compared to the pressure sensor 2 or temperature sensor 4 being located on the side of the differential pressure sensor 3 along the axial direction of the support tube 202, the pressure sensor 2 and temperature sensor 4 being located on the side of the differential pressure sensor 3 along the radial direction of the support tube 202 can avoid the pressure sensor 2, temperature sensor 4 and differential pressure sensor 3 occupying a large space along the axial direction of the support tube 202. At the same time, the temperature sensor 4 and the pressure sensor 2 are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the support tube 202, which can avoid the pressure sensor 2, temperature sensor 4 and differential pressure sensor 3 occupying a large space along the radial direction of the support tube 202, thereby improving the integration of the pressure sensor 2, temperature sensor 4 and differential pressure sensor 3 and facilitating the spatial arrangement of the pressure sensor 2, temperature sensor 4 and differential pressure sensor 3.

[0116] It is understandable that, under the above circumstances, when the pressure sensor 2, temperature sensor 4, and differential pressure sensor 3 are all located inside the housing, it can prevent the dimensions of the housing 1 in the axial direction or in the radial direction of the support tube 202 from being too large, thereby facilitating the spatial arrangement of the housing 1.

[0117] In some embodiments, the pig 100 further includes a circuit board 5, on which a memory is disposed. The pressure sensor 2, temperature sensor 4, and differential pressure sensor 3 are all connected to the circuit board to store the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 2, the pressure difference detected by the differential pressure sensor 3, and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 4 in the memory.

[0118] With the above settings, the pressure detected by pressure sensor 2, the pressure difference detected by differential pressure sensor 3, and the temperature detected by temperature sensor 4 can be transmitted to the memory via circuit board 5 and stored in the memory to save the pressure detected by pressure sensor 2, the pressure difference detected by differential pressure sensor 3, and the temperature detected by temperature sensor 4.

[0119] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the thickness direction of the circuit board 5 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the support tube 202, and the pressure sensor 2, temperature sensor 4 and differential pressure sensor 3 are all on one side of the thickness direction of the circuit board 5.

[0120] With the above configuration, compared to the thickness direction of circuit board 5 being aligned with the axial direction of support tube 202, the thickness direction of circuit board 5 being perpendicular to the axial direction of support tube 202, and pressure sensor 2, temperature sensor 4, and differential pressure sensor 3 all being located on one side of the thickness direction of circuit board 5, the space occupied by circuit board 5, differential pressure sensor 3, pressure sensor 2, and temperature sensor 4 along the thickness direction of the circuit board is smaller. This can improve the integration of circuit board 5, differential pressure sensor 3, pressure sensor 2, and temperature sensor 4, and facilitate the space arrangement of circuit board 5, differential pressure sensor 3, pressure sensor 2, and temperature sensor 4.

[0121] In some examples, such as Figure 2 As shown, the circuit board 5 is housed inside the housing 1, thus providing protection for the circuit board 5 through the housing 1.

[0122] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A pipe cleaning system, characterized in that, include: A pipeline pig (100) is used to move within a pipeline to remove impurities from the pipeline; Differential pressure sensor (3), the differential pressure sensor (3) is installed on the pig (100), and during the process of the pig (100) moving in the pipeline, the differential pressure sensor (3) is used to detect the pressure difference between the medium in the pipeline and the front and back sides of the pig (100); The processor, connected to the differential pressure sensor (3), is configured to: Receive the pressure difference detected by the differential pressure sensor (3); If the number of times the pressure difference changes significantly at the same location in the pipeline is greater than or equal to a first preset number, then it is determined that the pipeline has deformed at that location; wherein, the significant change in pressure difference means that the value of the pressure difference increases or decreases by a value greater than or equal to a first preset value within a first preset time period.

2. The pipe cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processor is also configured to: If the number of times the pressure difference changes significantly at the same location in the pipeline is greater than or equal to 1 and less than a first preset number, then it is determined that impurities are prone to accumulate at that location in the pipeline, wherein the first preset number is greater than 1.

3. The pipe cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a pressure sensor (2), which is disposed on the pig (100); during the process of the pig (100) moving in the pipeline, the pressure sensor (2) is used to detect the pressure of the medium in the pipeline; The processor is connected to the pressure sensor (2) and is further configured to: Receive the pressure detected by the pressure sensor (2); If the number of significant changes in the pressure difference at the same location in the pipeline is greater than or equal to a first preset number, and the number of significant changes in pressure is greater than or equal to a second preset number, then it is determined that the pipeline has deformed at that location; wherein, significant changes in pressure refer to the pressure value increasing or decreasing by a value greater than or equal to a second preset value within a second preset time period.

4. The pipe cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A temperature sensor (4) is installed in the pig (100) and is used to detect the temperature of the medium in the pipeline. The processor is connected to the temperature sensor (4) and is configured to: Receive the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (4); If the temperature of the medium at a certain location in the pipeline is less than or equal to a preset temperature, it is determined that the insulation layer at that location in the pipeline is ruptured.

5. The pipe cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pig (100) includes a support tube (202); The pipeline cleaning system also includes an attitude sensor located on the pig (100) for detecting the angular velocity of the support pipe (202) rotating about its own axis relative to the pipeline; The processor is connected to the attitude sensor and is also configured to: Receive the angular velocity detected by the attitude sensor; If, at the same location on the pipeline, the angular velocity is less than or equal to a preset angular velocity, and the number of large changes in the pressure difference is greater than or equal to a first preset number, then it is determined that deformation has occurred at that location on the pipeline.

6. The pipe cleaning system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, It also includes a memory, which is electrically connected to the differential pressure sensor (3) and is used to store the pressure difference detected by the differential pressure sensor (3).

7. The pipe cleaning system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The pipeline cleaning device (100) includes a support pipe (202) and a cleaning component (201), the cleaning component (201) surrounding the support pipe (202) for removing impurities from the pipeline; The pipeline cleaning system also includes a pressure sensor (2) and a temperature sensor (4), which are all located inside the support pipe (202).

8. The pipe cleaning system according to claim 7, characterized in that, Along the radial direction of the support tube (202), the temperature sensor (4) and the pressure sensor (2) are located on the same side of the differential pressure sensor (3), and along the axial direction of the support tube (202), the temperature sensor (4) and the pressure sensor (2) are arranged in sequence.

9. The pipe cleaning system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The pigging device (100) also includes a housing (1), which is located inside the support pipe (202). The pressure sensor (2), the temperature sensor (4), and the differential pressure sensor (3) are all located inside the housing (1).

10. The pipe cleaning system according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a circuit board (5), on which a memory is provided. The pressure sensor (2), the differential pressure sensor (3) and the temperature sensor (4) are all connected to the circuit board (5) to store the pressure detected by the pressure sensor (2), the pressure difference detected by the differential pressure sensor (3) and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (4) in the memory. And / or, the pipe cleaning system also includes a circuit board (5); The thickness direction of the circuit board (5) is perpendicular to the axial direction of the support tube (202); The pressure sensor (2), the differential pressure sensor (3), and the temperature sensor (4) are all located on one side of the circuit board (5) in the thickness direction.

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