Buried pipeline cathode protection intelligent monitoring and stray current protection system and method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of buried metal buried pipeline corrosion protection, and discloses a buried pipeline cathode protection intelligent monitoring and stray current protection system and method, and the system comprises a monitoring module, a control module, a protection execution module, and a power supply and communication module. The method corresponds to the system. According to the buried pipeline cathode protection intelligent monitoring and stray current protection system and method, a closed-loop control system integrating intelligent sensing, decision making and execution is constructed, real-time, accurate and self-adaptive protection on the buried pipeline cathode protection state and stray current interference is achieved, the timeliness and reliability of corrosion protection are improved, and the service life of the system is prolonged. Damage to the buried pipeline caused by insufficient protection or over-protection is effectively restrained, the operation and maintenance cost of the whole life cycle is reduced through predictive maintenance capacity, and then a solid technical guarantee is provided for integrity management and long-term safe operation of the buried pipeline.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of buried metal buried pipeline corrosion protection, and particularly relates to a buried pipeline cathodic protection intelligent monitoring and stray current protection system and method. BACKGROUND

[0002] Buried metal buried pipelines are long-term exposed to complex soil environments and face severe electrochemical corrosion threats. In addition, with the increasing density of electrified railways, high-voltage transmission lines and other facilities, the stray current interference on buried pipelines is becoming increasingly serious and dynamic. Traditional cathodic protection systems rely on regular manual inspection and parameter measurement, which have significant monitoring blind spots and response lags, and cannot real-time grasp the real protection state of buried pipelines. At the same time, existing stray current protection methods are passive and extensive, and cannot accurately and quickly adjust to changes in interference source intensity and direction. In the environment where complex geology and variable interference sources coexist, the existing technical system cannot build an intelligent corrosion control system that can dynamically adapt and accurately protect, resulting in risks such as accelerated local corrosion of buried pipelines, uneven cathodic protection effect, and reduced anode life, which poses hidden dangers to the long-term safe operation of buried pipelines. SUMMARY

[0003] The purpose of the present application is to provide a buried pipeline cathodic protection intelligent monitoring and stray current protection system and method to solve the technical problems raised in the background.

[0004] To achieve the above purpose, the present application discloses the following technical solutions: In a first aspect, the present application discloses a buried pipeline cathodic protection intelligent monitoring and stray current protection system, comprising: a monitoring module configured to real-time collect cathodic protection state parameters and stray current interference parameters of a buried pipeline; a control module in communication connection with the monitoring module and configured to receive and analyze the state parameters and the interference parameters, and generate corresponding cathodic protection control instructions and stray current drainage instructions; a protection execution module connected with the control module and configured to execute cathodic protection output according to the control instructions, and execute stray current drainage operation according to the drainage instructions; a power supply and communication module for supplying power to the monitoring module, the control module and the protection execution module, and realizing data communication within the system and with a remote monitoring center.

[0005] Optionally, the monitoring module comprises: a plurality of potential sensors arranged along the buried pipeline for measuring the pipe-to-soil potential; a current sensor for measuring the output current of the sacrificial anode; Soil resistivity sensor, used to measure the apparent resistivity of the soil around buried pipelines; Stray current sensors are used to detect the voltage and current density of DC stray currents and AC stray currents induced on buried pipelines.

[0006] Optionally, the monitoring module also includes a long-term reference electrode and a polarization probe. The long-term reference electrode is buried near the buried pipeline to provide a stable potential reference. The polarization probe is made of the same material as the buried pipeline and is used to measure the power-off potential and self-corrosion potential of the buried pipeline.

[0007] Optionally, the protection execution module includes: The cathodic protection unit includes several groups of sacrificial anodes, which are electrically connected to the buried pipeline via anode cables and output protective current according to the control command. The stray current drainage unit includes a solid-state decoupler and a drainage zinc strip. The solid-state decoupler automatically connects the drainage circuit when it detects that the stray current exceeds a preset threshold according to the drainage command, and guides the stray current to the drainage zinc strip for discharge.

[0008] Optionally, the sacrificial anode is a zinc alloy anode package, which is buried on both sides of the buried pipeline, 0.3 to 1.0 meters away from the pipe wall, and buried at a depth below the frost layer.

[0009] Optionally, the control module has a built-in adaptive algorithm, which is used to dynamically adjust the target protection potential of the cathodic protection unit based on the real-time monitored soil resistivity and ambient temperature data, and to dynamically set the start-up threshold of the stray current drainage unit based on the AC current density or DC potential offset value measured by the monitoring module.

[0010] Optionally, the system also includes an early warning module, which is connected to the control module and configured to issue an alarm to the management personnel via sound and light, SMS or network platform when the status parameter or interference parameter exceeds the safe range.

[0011] Optionally, the control module includes a data calculation unit, which is configured as follows: Receive and fuse multi-source heterogeneous data from different sensors in the monitoring module; Local edge computing is performed on the fused data to extract feature data that characterizes the corrosion status and interference intensity of buried pipelines. The feature data is sent to the instruction generation unit of the control module or uploaded through the power supply and communication module.

[0012] Optionally, the control module further includes an analysis and decision unit, which is configured to: Receive feature data and historical time-series data from the data calculation unit; It also calls a pre-set corrosion kinetics model to calculate the current corrosion rate of the buried pipeline and predict its remaining lifespan. Maintenance decision recommendations are generated based on the calculation results.

[0013] Secondly, this application discloses an intelligent monitoring and stray current protection method for cathodic protection of buried pipelines, applied to the intelligent monitoring and stray current protection system for cathodic protection of buried pipelines as described above. The method includes: The monitoring module collects cathodic protection status parameters and stray current interference parameters of buried pipelines in real time. The control module receives and analyzes the status parameters and the interference parameters, and generates cathodic protection control commands and stray current drainage commands based on the analysis results; The protection execution module performs cathodic protection current output operation according to the cathodic protection control command, and performs stray current drainage operation according to the stray current drainage command; The monitoring module, the control module, and the protection execution module are powered by a power supply and communication module, and a data communication link is established within the system and with the remote monitoring center.

[0014] Beneficial effects: The intelligent monitoring and stray current protection system and method for cathodic protection of buried pipelines of the present invention, by constructing a closed-loop control system integrating intelligent perception, decision-making and execution, realizes real-time, accurate and adaptive protection of cathodic protection status and stray current interference of buried pipelines, improves the timeliness and reliability of corrosion protection, effectively suppresses buried pipeline damage caused by insufficient or overprotection, and reduces the operation and maintenance cost of the whole life cycle through predictive maintenance capabilities, thereby providing a solid technical guarantee for the integrity management and long-term safe operation of buried pipelines. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of the intelligent monitoring and stray current protection system for cathodic protection of buried pipelines provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of a cathode protection unit provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the stray current drainage unit provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Reference numerals: 101, Monitoring module; 102, Intelligent control module; 103, Protection execution module; 103a, Cathodic protection unit; 103b, Stray current drainage unit; 104, Power supply and communication module; 201, Buried pipeline; 202, Sacrificial anode; 203, Anode cable; 204, Interference source; 205, Solid-state decoupler; 206, Drain zinc strip. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. 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.

[0019] In this document, the term "comprising" is intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, 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, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0020] This embodiment provides a method such as Figure 1 The buried pipeline cathodic protection intelligent monitoring and stray current protection system shown includes a monitoring module 101, a control module 102, a protection execution module 103, and a power supply and communication module 104. These modules work together to form an automated closed loop from perception and decision-making to execution.

[0021] In detail The monitoring module 101 is configured to collect cathodic protection status parameters and stray current interference parameters of the buried pipeline 201 in real time. The buried pipeline 201 is a combination pipeline of plastic-coated steel pipe and PCCP pipe.

[0022] Optionally, the monitoring module 101 includes: Multiple potential sensors are deployed along the buried pipeline 201, for example, at intervals of 0.5-1.0 kilometers, to measure the pipeline-to-ground potential. This data is the most critical parameter for determining whether the pipeline is in a state of adequate cathodic protection. A current sensor, connected in series in the circuit of the sacrificial anode 202, is used to measure the output current of the sacrificial anode 202, that is, to accurately measure the magnitude of the protective current output of each group or each section of anodes, so as to evaluate the working status and consumption rate of the anodes. Soil resistivity sensors are buried in the soil near pipelines to measure the apparent resistivity of the soil around the buried pipelines. Soil resistivity directly affects the distribution range of cathodic protection current and the output efficiency of the sacrificial anode. Stray current sensors are installed at intersections or parallel sections where pipelines intersect with interference sources 204 such as high-voltage lines and electrified railways. They are used to detect the voltage and current density of DC stray currents (manifested as a positive shift in pipe-to-ground potential) and AC stray currents (manifested as AC voltage and current density) induced on buried pipelines.

[0023] Optionally, the monitoring module 101 also includes a long-term reference electrode and a polarization probe. The long-term reference electrode is buried near the buried pipeline to provide a stable and reliable reference potential for the potential sensor, ensuring the accuracy of the pipe-to-ground potential measurement. A MnO2 reference electrode can be used in PCCP pipe sections, while a Cu / CuSO4 reference electrode can be used in steel pipe sections. The polarization probe is made of the same material as the buried pipeline 201 and is buried synchronously with the pipeline. It is used to measure the de-energization potential and self-corrosion potential of the buried pipeline. By measuring the de-energization potential of the probe, the influence of IR drop can be eliminated, and the true polarization potential of the pipeline can be obtained.

[0024] The control module 102 is communicatively connected to the monitoring module 101 and is configured to receive and analyze status parameters and interference parameters, and generate corresponding cathodic protection control commands and stray current drainage commands. It can be integrated into an intelligent test pile or area control box in the field.

[0025] Optionally, the control module 102 includes: Command generation unit: Receives all data from monitoring module 101 and runs an adaptive algorithm internally. This algorithm can dynamically adjust the target potential of cathodic protection according to the real-time soil resistivity. For example, it can be appropriately negative in low resistivity soil and appropriately positive in high resistivity soil. At the same time, it can dynamically set the start threshold of stray current drainage unit 103b according to the AC current density or DC potential offset value measured by stray current sensor to achieve precise intervention. Data computing unit: It has edge computing capabilities, receives and fuses multi-source heterogeneous data such as potential, current and resistivity from different sensors, performs edge computing such as preliminary calculation and feature extraction on the fused data locally, extracts feature data to characterize the corrosion status and interference intensity of buried pipelines, reduces communication burden and improves system response speed, and sends the feature data to the instruction generation unit of control module 102 or uploads it through power supply and communication module 104.

[0026] Further optionally, the control module 102 also includes an analysis and decision unit, configured as follows: It receives feature data and historical time series data from the data calculation unit, calls the preset corrosion kinetic model, calculates the current corrosion rate of the buried pipeline 201, predicts the remaining service life of its sacrificial anode 202, and generates maintenance decision suggestions based on the calculation results, such as automatically generating maintenance decision suggestions such as "anode replacement early warning" or "drainage system optimization".

[0027] Feasible approach is to use a pre-defined corrosion kinetics model to quantitatively assess the corrosion status of pipelines based on monitoring data. This model can be one known in the art, such as a power-law model based on Faraday's law, a decay exponential model, or a combination or improvement thereof. Specifically, the model receives feature data from the data fusion and edge computing unit, including but not limited to: pipeline polarization potential, soil resistivity, ambient temperature, and stray current density. The model calculates the real-time corrosion rate of the pipeline metal by analyzing the intrinsic correlation between these parameters and the corrosion rate. Further, the analysis and decision unit predicts the remaining life of critical pipeline components and the consumption of sacrificial anodes by integrating the real-time corrosion rate over time and combining it with the original pipeline wall thickness.

[0028] The protection execution module 103 is connected to the control module 102 and is configured to: execute cathodic protection output according to control instructions and execute stray current drainage operation according to drainage instructions.

[0029] Optionally, the protection execution module 103 includes: The cathodic protection unit 103a includes several sacrificial anode groups, each sacrificial anode group having two sacrificial anodes 202. Preferably, the sacrificial anodes 202 are zinc alloy anode packages, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the sacrificial anode 202 is electrically connected to the buried pipeline 201 via the anode cable 203. The two sacrificial anodes 202 of each sacrificial anode group are buried on both sides of the buried pipeline 201, 0.3 to 1.0 meters (optional 0.5 meters) from the pipe wall, at a depth below the frost layer. When the control module 102 determines that the protection is insufficient, it will drive the cathodic protection unit 103a to output more protective current to the pipeline by optimizing the connection circuit and other means. The stray current drainage unit 103b includes a solid-state decoupler 205 and a drainage zinc strip 206, such as Figure 3As shown, the path of the interference current generated by interference source 204 is: from interference source 204 → buried pipeline 201 → solid-state decoupler 205 → drainage zinc strip 206 → dissipation into the ground. When the solid-state decoupler 205 detects stray current exceeding a preset threshold according to the drainage command, it automatically connects the drainage circuit, guiding the stray current to the drainage zinc strip 206 for discharge. That is, when the stray current sensor detects that the interference intensity from interference source 204 exceeds the set threshold, the control module 102 sends a drainage command to the solid-state decoupler 205, causing it to automatically connect the drainage circuit. At this time, the stray current on the buried pipeline 201 will be guided to the drainage zinc strip 206 through this circuit and safely discharged into the ground, thereby eliminating the corrosion threat of stray current to the pipeline.

[0030] The power supply and communication module 104 provides power to the monitoring module, control module, and protection execution module, and enables data communication within the system and with the remote monitoring center.

[0031] Optionally, the power supply and communication module 104 includes: Power supply unit: It typically adopts a power supply mode of solar panels + batteries to provide a continuous and stable power supply for various modules in the field environment; Communication Unit: Employing wireless communication technologies such as 4G / 5G or LoRa, it establishes local area network communication between various components within the system and the control module 102. On the other hand, it transmits the characteristic data processed by the data computing unit, maintenance suggestions from the analysis and decision-making unit, and various alarm information to the remote monitoring center, thereby realizing centralized monitoring and intelligent management of the pipeline.

[0032] In this embodiment, the system also includes an early warning module, which is connected to the control module 102 and is configured to be immediately triggered when the status parameter or interference parameter exceeds the preset safety range, and to issue an alarm to the management personnel through sound and light, SMS or network platform.

[0033] Based on the above, the buried pipeline cathodic protection intelligent monitoring and stray current protection system of this embodiment continuously collects multi-dimensional data such as pipeline-to-ground potential, sacrificial anode output current, soil environmental parameters, and stray current interference through monitoring modules 101 widely deployed along the pipeline. The control module 102, acting as the central hub, uses built-in adaptive algorithms and data models to fuse, analyze, and intelligently diagnose the above information, dynamically generating and issuing optimized cathodic protection control commands and stray current drainage commands. The protection execution module 103 accurately responds to the commands, adjusting the output of the sacrificial anode group or controlling the on / off state of the solid-state decoupler to achieve precise compensation for the pipeline protection status and effective guidance and discharge of stray currents. The entire system is supported by an independent power supply and communication module 104, ensuring long-term stable operation and remote data interaction in the field environment.

[0034] Furthermore, the traditional passive protection mode, which relies on manual, periodic, and experience-based methods, is transformed into an all-weather, automated, and predictable active protection mode. This not only solves the inherent defects of traditional cathodic protection systems, such as large monitoring blind spots, slow response, and insufficient protection accuracy, but also enables rapid adaptation to complex operating conditions and variable interference sources. Moreover, through predictive maintenance capabilities, it improves the safety management level and operational efficiency of pipelines, enhances the overall protection reliability of pipelines, and extends their service life, providing a solid technical guarantee for the integrity management of long-distance pipelines.

[0035] This embodiment provides a second aspect of an intelligent monitoring and stray current protection method for cathodic protection of buried pipelines, applied to the intelligent monitoring and stray current protection system for cathodic protection of buried pipelines as described above. The method includes: The cathodic protection status parameters and stray current interference parameters of the buried pipeline 201 are collected in real time by the monitoring module 101. The control module 102 receives and analyzes the status parameters and interference parameters, and generates cathodic protection control commands and stray current drainage commands based on the analysis results; The protection execution module 103 performs cathodic protection current output operation according to the cathodic protection control command, and performs stray current drainage operation according to the stray current drainage command; The power supply and communication module 104 supplies power to the monitoring module 101, control module 102 and protection execution module 103, and establishes data communication links within the system and with the remote monitoring center.

[0036] In the embodiments provided by this invention, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, middleware, code, or any suitable combination thereof. For hardware implementation, the processor can be implemented in one or more of the following: application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to implement the functions described herein, or combinations thereof. For software implementation, some or all of the processes of the embodiments can be performed by a computer program instructing the associated hardware. During implementation, the program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable storage medium. Computer-readable storage media include computer storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any medium that facilitates the transmission of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium accessible to a computer. Computer-readable storage media can include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code having the form of instructions or data structures and accessible to a computer.

[0037] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A smart monitoring and stray current protection system for cathodic protection of buried pipelines, characterized in that, include: The monitoring module is configured to collect cathodic protection status parameters and stray current interference parameters of buried pipelines in real time. The control module, which is communicatively connected to the monitoring module, is configured to: receive and analyze the status parameters and the interference parameters, and generate corresponding cathodic protection control commands and stray current drainage commands; The protection execution module, connected to the control module, is configured to: execute cathodic protection output according to the control command, and execute stray current drainage operation according to the drainage command; The power supply and communication module provides power to the monitoring module, the control module, and the protection execution module, and enables data communication within the system and with the remote monitoring center.

2. The intelligent monitoring and stray current protection system for cathodic protection of buried pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The monitoring module includes: Multiple potential sensors are deployed along the buried pipeline to measure the pipeline-to-ground potential; A current sensor is used to measure the output current of the sacrificial anode; Soil resistivity sensor, used to measure the apparent resistivity of the soil around buried pipelines; Stray current sensors are used to detect the voltage and current density of DC stray currents and AC stray currents induced on buried pipelines.

3. The intelligent monitoring and stray current protection system for cathodic protection of buried pipelines according to claim 2, characterized in that, The monitoring module also includes a long-term reference electrode and a polarization probe. The long-term reference electrode is buried near the buried pipeline to provide a stable potential reference. The polarization probe is made of the same material as the buried pipeline and is used to measure the power-off potential and self-corrosion potential of the buried pipeline.

4. The intelligent monitoring and stray current protection system for cathodic protection of buried pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protection execution module includes: The cathodic protection unit includes several groups of sacrificial anodes, which are electrically connected to the buried pipeline via anode cables and output protective current according to the control command. The stray current drainage unit includes a solid-state decoupler and a drainage zinc strip. The solid-state decoupler automatically connects the drainage circuit when it detects that the stray current exceeds a preset threshold according to the drainage command, and guides the stray current to the drainage zinc strip for discharge.

5. The intelligent monitoring and stray current protection system for cathodic protection of buried pipelines according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sacrificial anode is a zinc alloy anode package, which is buried on both sides of the buried pipeline, 0.3 to 1.0 meters away from the pipe wall, and buried below the frost layer.

6. The intelligent monitoring and stray current protection system for cathodic protection of buried pipelines according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control module has a built-in adaptive algorithm, which is used to dynamically adjust the target protection potential of the cathodic protection unit based on the real-time monitored soil resistivity and ambient temperature data, and to dynamically set the start-up threshold of the stray current drainage unit based on the AC current density or DC potential offset value measured by the monitoring module.

7. The intelligent monitoring and stray current protection system for cathodic protection of buried pipelines according to claim 6, characterized in that, The system also includes an early warning module, which is connected to the control module and is configured to issue an alarm to the management personnel via sound and light, SMS or network platform when the status parameter or interference parameter exceeds the safe range.

8. The intelligent monitoring and stray current protection system for cathodic protection of buried pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control module includes a data computing unit, which is configured as follows: Receive and fuse multi-source heterogeneous data from different sensors in the monitoring module; Local edge computing is performed on the fused data to extract feature data that characterizes the corrosion status and interference intensity of buried pipelines. The feature data is sent to the instruction generation unit of the control module or uploaded through the power supply and communication module.

9. The intelligent monitoring and stray current protection system for cathodic protection of buried pipelines according to claim 8, characterized in that, The control module further includes an analysis and decision-making unit, which is configured to: Receive feature data and historical time-series data from the data calculation unit; It also calls a pre-set corrosion kinetics model to calculate the current corrosion rate of the buried pipeline and predict its remaining lifespan. Maintenance decision recommendations are generated based on the calculation results.

10. A method for intelligent monitoring and stray current protection of cathodic protection for buried pipelines, applied to the intelligent monitoring and stray current protection system for cathodic protection of buried pipelines as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The method includes: The monitoring module collects cathodic protection status parameters and stray current interference parameters of buried pipelines in real time. The control module receives and analyzes the status parameters and the interference parameters, and generates cathodic protection control commands and stray current drainage commands based on the analysis results; The protection execution module performs cathodic protection current output operation according to the cathodic protection control command, and performs stray current drainage operation according to the stray current drainage command; The monitoring module, the control module, and the protection execution module are powered by a power supply and communication module, and a data communication link is established within the system and with the remote monitoring center.

Images