Infrared wax melting self-powered oil pipeline paraffin remover and operation method

Abstract

The invention discloses an oil pipeline paraffin remover in the technical field of crude oil production, and relates to an infrared paraffin melting self-powered oil pipeline paraffin remover and an operation method. An infrared wax melting self-powered oil pipeline paraffin remover comprises a ceramic ball, a ceramic electrical bar, a switch, a high-energy battery and the like. The high-energy battery is used for supplying power to the ceramic electrical bar, so that the ceramic electrical bar is heated, the generated heat energy heats the paraffin deposits through the multi-air-gap ceramic ball in a conduction and infrared radiation mode, the paraffin deposits are melted and then discharged out of an oil conveying pipeline along with crude oil, and therefore the purposes of removing paraffin and dredging the pipeline are achieved. The invention essentially belongs to a thermal method, is a pure physical method, does not influence the original physicochemical properties of crude oil, and has the advantages of self-regulation of heat source temperature reduction during smooth oil transportation and heat source temperature rise during blockage, small useless heat loss, high heat energy utilization rate, simplicity and convenience in production, debugging, use and operation and the like; the defects and deficiencies existing in the prior art are overcome.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of oil pipeline dewaxing and descaling technology in the field of crude oil production technology, specifically an infrared melting wax self-powered oil pipeline dewaxing device and its operation method. Background Technology

[0002] Scale buildup in pipelines is inevitable during the transportation of waxy crude oil. Paraffin wax precipitates at temperatures ranging from 24°C to -50°C, while crude oil's ignition point is between 150°C and 260°C, and the pressure in crude oil pipelines ranges from 0.5 to 1.6 MPa. This necessitates measures during the extraction, storage, and transportation processes. Addressing the issue later, when pipeline pressure differentials increase and pipe diameters decrease, becomes far less effective. This is determined by the inherent characteristics of crude oil. Crude oil in our country has inherently unfavorable characteristics, requiring significant effort in extraction, storage, and transportation, unlike crude oil from the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, and Russia, where periodic pipeline cleaning is often sufficient.

[0003] To prevent wax deposition, research is required on the physicochemical properties of crude oil, the fluidity of crude oil, the temperature field of the soil environment for pipeline transportation, and subsequent pipeline integrity management (mainly pipeline cleaning).

[0004] Currently, the following methods can be used to prevent paraffin wax from depositing during oil extraction, storage, and transportation: 1. Take measures to insulate oil pipelines; 2. Paraffin wax from storage tanks must not be allowed to enter oil pipelines; 3. Regularly clean the residual oil in the storage tank; 4. Mix crude oils with different paraffin contents; 5. Use various methods to heat the transported petroleum; 6. Maintain formation pressure above degassing pressure; 7. Extract oil under stable conditions; 8. Use solvents to improve the solubility of petroleum; 9. Use effective oil pipe coating; 10. Use paraffin deposition inhibitors.

[0005] However, no cleaning method can completely prevent oil pipeline contamination. Therefore, people have been researching various methods to remove existing paraffin crystal deposits during oil transportation.

[0006] Methods for removing paraffin deposits from the inner surface of pipes include: 1. Water chemistry method: use hot water with added inhibitors or chemical agents to flush the oil pipeline.

[0007] 2. Mechanical methods: Using scrapers of various structures to remove paraffin deposits. This mainly involves pipe cleaning. There are many types of pipe cleaning tools, and each case needs to be analyzed specifically. The common method of using dewaxing balls to remove deposited paraffin is based on this principle. Essentially, it only scrapes the paraffin from the thick deposit area to the thin area, but it does not fundamentally remove the paraffin.

[0008] 3. Wave action method: Use sound waves, ultrasonic waves, and blasting waves to remove paraffin.

[0009] 4. Magnetic method: This method uses a magnetic field to remove paraffin wax. In principle, it uses a strong magnetic field to change the arrangement of paraffin molecules and inhibit paraffin crystallization. However, its actual effect is limited.

[0010] 5. Thermal methods, which use steam, high-pressure high-temperature liquid, or electric current to remove paraffin, suffer from reduced effectiveness due to the long pipelines buried deep underground and the rapid drop in oil temperature.

[0011] Pipeline cleaning is a costly undertaking, and there is no single, universally applicable method. More often than not, a combination of methods is used, and these methods can only slow down wax deposition. Furthermore, oil production must be temporarily halted during cleaning. Companies prioritize economic efficiency and routinely employ water chemistry methods and the use of dewaxing balls.

[0012] Some of the existing methods mentioned above are only in the experimental application stage or applied on a small scale. The specific measures and methods to be adopted must be determined in combination with operational data, crude oil properties, operating cycle, and construction conditions.

[0013] Therefore, this application proposes an infrared wax melting self-powered oil pipeline wax cleaner and its operating method. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The purpose of this invention is to provide an infrared-powered self-powered paraffin removal device for oil pipelines and its operating method, which is essentially a thermal method. A high-energy battery powers a ceramic heating rod, causing it to heat up. The heat generated is transmitted through multi-gap ceramic balls via conduction and infrared radiation to heat the paraffin deposits, causing them to melt. The melted paraffin is then discharged from the oil pipeline along with the crude oil, thus achieving the purpose of removing paraffin and unblocking the pipeline.

[0015] The technology used in this invention is a purely physical method, which will not affect the original physical and chemical properties of crude oil. It has the advantages of self-regulation function, such as lower heat source temperature when oil transportation is smooth and higher heat source temperature when blocked, low useless heat loss, high thermal energy utilization rate, and simple operation for production, debugging and use, so as to solve the defects and shortcomings of the existing technologies mentioned above.

[0016] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an infrared wax melting self-powered oil pipeline wax remover, comprising a ceramic ball, a ceramic heating rod, a switch, and a high-energy battery. The ceramic ball is a multi-gap ceramic ball with a cylindrical through-hole that fits tightly with the outer diameter of the ceramic heating rod. The cylindrical through-hole is used to insert the heating end of the ceramic heating rod, and the ceramic heating rod and the cylindrical through-hole of the ceramic ball are precisely bonded together using a ceramic adhesive. Two leads of the ceramic heating rod are fitted with yellow wax tubing of the same inner diameter. One of the two leads is connected to the positive terminal of the first high-energy battery via a toggle switch. The terminals of the toggle switch must be insulated with heat-shrink tubing. Subsequently, the second to seventh high-energy batteries are connected end-to-end via 20mm high-temperature resistant wires. The negative terminal of the last (seventh) battery is connected to the other end of the two leads of the ceramic heating rod via a high-temperature resistant wire.

[0017] Note that all wiring must be multi-strand high-temperature resistant wires with a core cross-sectional area greater than 1 square millimeter and a temperature of 200℃ or higher.

[0018] Except for the ceramic ball, the rest of the parts are fitted with carbon fiber sleeves with an inner diameter of 18 mm and a wall thickness of 0.2 mm; the battery spacing is adjusted to about 20 mm; then, heat shrink tubing with an inner diameter of 20 mm and a length of 30 mm is placed on the outer sleeve of the carbon fiber sleeve at each battery, and the tubing is shrunk with a heat gun.

[0019] Secure the lead wire of the ceramic heating rod and the carbon fiber sleeve with cable ties.

[0020] An operating method for a self-powered infrared wax melting oil pipeline dewaxing device includes the following steps: S100: High-energy battery voltage detection; if it is below 24V, charge the battery. S200: Turn on the power switch, preheat for 1 minute, and check if the temperature rise is normal. If not, troubleshoot the problem. S300: The infrared wax melting self-powered oil pipeline wax remover of the present invention is inserted into the oil pipeline through the wax remover inlet; S400: The infrared wax melting self-powered oil pipeline wax remover of this invention is recovered at the crude oil output pipe port and cleaned for reuse; In step S300, when the infrared wax melting self-powered oil pipeline wax remover of the present invention is put into the oil pipeline through the wax remover inlet, the outer diameter of the ceramic balls is 20 mm to 44 mm, the outer diameter is spaced 2 to 3 mm apart, the time interval is 10 to 15 minutes, and they are put in order from small to large.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. The purpose of this invention is to provide an infrared-powered self-powered wax removal device for oil pipelines, which is essentially a thermal method. A high-energy battery powers a ceramic heating rod, causing it to heat up. The generated heat energy passes through a multi-gap ceramic ball, heating the paraffin deposits via conduction and infrared radiation, causing them to melt. The melted paraffin is then discharged from the oil pipeline along with the crude oil, thus achieving the purpose of removing paraffin and unblocking the pipeline.

[0022] 2. The technology used in this invention is a purely physical method and will not affect the original physicochemical properties of crude oil.

[0023] 3. The method adopted in this invention has the advantages of self-regulation function, which reduces the temperature of the heat source when the oil flow is smooth and increases the temperature of the heat source when the flow is blocked, has low useless heat loss, high heat energy utilization rate, and is easy to operate in production, debugging and use.

[0024] 4. The power source for the motion in the method of this invention is the crude oil conveying pressure, so no additional power source is required. 5. The surface temperature of the ceramic balls used in this invention can be customized according to user requirements.

[0025] 6. The purpose of this invention is to provide a reusable, economical and practical infrared wax melting self-powered oil pipeline wax remover.

[0026] The aforementioned technical advantages address the shortcomings and deficiencies of current technologies. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram of the present invention; In the diagram: 1. Multi-gap ceramic ball; 2. Ceramic heating rod; 3. Ceramic heating rod lead-out end; 4. Toggle switch; 5. First high-energy battery; 6. High-temperature resistant wire; 7. Second high-energy battery; 8. Carbon fiber tube; 9. Heat shrink tubing; 10. High-temperature resistant wire; 11. Seventh high-energy battery; 12. High-temperature resistant wire; 13. Cable tie. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] In this embodiment, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an infrared wax melting self-powered oil pipeline wax cleaner, comprising a ceramic ball (1), a ceramic heating rod (2), a toggle switch (4), and a high-energy battery (7) (11), etc. The ceramic ball (1) is a multi-gap ceramic ball with a cylindrical through hole that fits tightly with the outer diameter of the ceramic heating rod (2). The cylindrical through hole is used to insert the heating end of the ceramic heating rod (2). The ceramic heating rod (2) and the cylindrical through hole of the ceramic ball (1) are precisely bonded together with ceramic adhesive. The two wire ends (3) of the ceramic heating rod (2) are fitted with yellow wax tubes of the same inner diameter. One of the two wire ends (3) is connected to the positive terminal of the first high-energy battery (5) through a toggle switch (4). The wiring terminal of the toggle switch (4) must be insulated with heat shrink tubing. The second to seventh high-energy batteries (11) are connected end to end through a 20 mm high-temperature resistant wire (6). The negative terminal of the last (seventh) high-energy battery (11) is connected to the other end of the two wire ends (3) of the ceramic heating rod (2) through a high-temperature resistant wire (12).

[0030] The high-energy batteries (7) and (11) are 16340 power high-energy lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. All wires must be multi-strand high-temperature resistant wires with a core cross-sectional area greater than 1 square millimeter and a temperature of 200℃ or higher.

[0031] Except for the ceramic ball (1), the rest of the parts are fitted with a carbon fiber sleeve (8) with an inner diameter of 18 mm and a wall thickness of 0.2 mm; and the battery spacing is adjusted to about 20 mm; then, heat shrink tubing (9) with an inner diameter of 20 mm and a length of 30 mm is fitted over the carbon fiber sleeve (8) at each battery, and shrinks it with a heat gun. The lead end of the ceramic heating rod and the carbon fiber sleeve (8) are secured with cable ties (13).

[0032] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. This invention relates to a self-powered infrared wax-melting pipeline dewaxing device in the field of crude oil production technology, comprising ceramic balls, ceramic heating rods, a switch, and a high-energy battery. The high-energy battery powers the ceramic heating rods, causing them to heat up. The heat generated is transmitted through the multi-gap ceramic balls via conduction and infrared radiation, melting the paraffin deposits. The melted paraffin is then discharged from the pipeline along with the crude oil, thus achieving the purpose of removing paraffin and unblocking the pipeline.

2. The infrared wax melting self-powered oil pipeline wax cleaner involved in this invention comprises a ceramic ball (1), a ceramic heating rod (2), a toggle switch (4), and a high-energy battery (7) (11). The ceramic ball (1) is a multi-gap ceramic ball with a cylindrical through hole that fits tightly with the outer diameter of the ceramic heating rod (2). The cylindrical through hole is used to insert the heating end of the ceramic heating rod (2). The ceramic heating rod (2) and the cylindrical through hole of the ceramic ball (1) are tightly bonded together with ceramic adhesive. The two wire ends (3) of the ceramic heating rod (2) are fitted with yellow wax tubes with the same inner diameter as the wire ends. One of the two wire ends (3) is connected to the positive terminal of the first high-energy battery (5) through a toggle switch (4). The wiring terminal of the toggle switch (4) must be insulated with heat shrink tubing. The second to seventh high-energy batteries (11) are connected end to end through a 20 mm high-temperature resistant wire (6). The negative terminal of the last (seventh) high-energy battery (11) is connected to the other end of the two wire ends (3) of the ceramic heating rod (2) through a high-temperature resistant wire (12). Except for the ceramic ball (1), the rest of the parts are fitted with a carbon fiber sleeve (8) with an inner diameter of 18 mm and a wall thickness of 0.2 mm; and the battery spacing is adjusted to about 20 mm; then, heat shrink tubing (9) with an inner diameter of 20 mm and a length of 30 mm is fitted over the carbon fiber sleeve (8) at each battery, and shrinks it with a heat gun. The lead end of the ceramic heating rod and the carbon fiber sleeve (8) are secured with cable ties (13).

3. The ceramic ball (1) according to claim 2 is a multi-gap ceramic ball, including heat conductors of other materials and shapes.

4. The ceramic heating rod (2) according to claim 2, including heating elements of other materials and shapes.

5. The high-energy battery (7) (11) according to claim 2 is a 16340 high-energy lithium-ion rechargeable battery, including high-energy batteries and rechargeable batteries of other media and shapes.

6. The power source for the motion in the method of this invention is the crude oil conveying pressure, so no additional power source is required.

7. The surface temperature of the ceramic ball used in this invention can be customized according to user requirements.

8. An operating method for an infrared wax melting self-powered oil pipeline wax remover, comprising the following steps: S100: High-energy battery voltage detection; if it is below 24V, charge the battery. S200: Turn on the power switch, preheat for 1 minute, and check if the temperature rise is normal. If not, troubleshoot the problem. S300: The infrared wax melting self-powered oil pipeline wax remover of the present invention is inserted into the oil pipeline through the wax remover inlet; S400: The infrared wax melting self-powered oil pipeline dewaxing device of this invention is recovered at the crude oil output port and cleaned for reuse; In step S300, when the infrared wax melting self-powered oil pipeline wax remover of the present invention is put into the oil pipeline through the wax remover inlet, the outer diameter of the ceramic balls is 20 mm to 44 mm, the outer diameter is spaced 2 to 3 mm apart, the time interval is 10 to 15 minutes, and they are put in order from small to large.

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