Pipeline anti-corrosion and anti-scale device, system and method

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of corrosion prevention of oil field pipelines, in particular to a pipeline corrosion and scale prevention device, system and method. Comprising a device shell, and at least one anti-corrosion structure and at least one scale inhibition structure are detachably connected in the device shell; the anti-corrosion structure comprises a sacrificial anode, the sacrificial anode is connected with a first flange plate through a connecting plate, and the first flange plate is detachably connected with a flange plate located on the device shell. The fixed scale inhibition bar comprises a screen pipe and a scale inhibition bar body arranged in the screen pipe, the screen pipe is connected with a second flange plate, and the second flange plate is detachably connected with a flange plate on the device shell. The device integrating corrosion prevention and scale prevention is arranged, and the device effectively replaces a traditional mode of adding a large amount of liquid medicament by utilizing the dissolving characteristic of the sacrificial anode and the characteristic of the scale inhibition rod, so that the workload and the cost of field operation are greatly reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of corrosion and scale prevention for oilfield pipelines, specifically to a pipeline corrosion and scale prevention device, system, and method. Background Technology

[0002] Among the existing oilfield pipeline failures and leaks, internal corrosion is the most serious, accounting for over 70% of all pipeline failures and leaks, making it a major factor affecting pipeline safety. To address this issue, one approach is to utilize internal pipeline coating technology, which forms a protective barrier to slow down the corrosion rate by isolating the medium from direct contact with the pipeline metal. However, even with this coating technology, it is difficult to completely eliminate the existence of pinholes and other micro-leaks in the anti-corrosion layer. These leaks can become channels for corrosive media to penetrate. Furthermore, due to the heat effect and structural changes during the welding process, the continuity and density of the internal anti-corrosion layer in the pipeline weld area are often worse than in other areas, making it a weak link in the overall anti-corrosion system.

[0003] Another type is sacrificial anode cathodic protection technology. However, this technology is mainly used in the field of external pipeline corrosion protection. It protects the pipeline metal from corrosion damage by sacrificing the electrochemical corrosion of the anode material itself. However, this technology is less used in internal pipeline corrosion protection.

[0004] On the other hand, scaling is another major factor affecting the stable operation of oil pipelines. Scaling not only reduces the flow capacity of the pipeline and increases energy consumption, but may also cause safety accidents such as pipeline blockage. Traditional solutions include adding liquid scale inhibitors, but this method has problems such as large workload and high investment costs. Scale inhibitors need to be added regularly and continuously to maintain their effective concentration in the pipeline.

[0005] Currently, pipeline corrosion prevention and scale prevention are often treated as two separate units, requiring two different operating procedures or methods to address on-site corrosion and scale problems. Internal pipeline corrosion prevention mainly relies on applying an anti-corrosion coating or adding corrosion inhibitors, while scale formation is primarily mitigated by adding scale inhibitors or installing centralized scale-forming devices. Both corrosion inhibitors and scale inhibitors are liquid agents, requiring continuous application, which increases workload and operating costs. Furthermore, the quality of the internal anti-corrosion coating at critical locations such as welds is often difficult to guarantee, resulting in insufficient coating continuity and density. Therefore, addressing these shortcomings, the present invention aims to solve the problem of combining corrosion prevention and scale prevention while ensuring both. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In response to the problems mentioned in the prior art, this invention proposes a pipeline anti-corrosion and anti-scaling device, system and method that combines the two functions of anti-corrosion and anti-scaling, achieving integration. This not only improves the level of anti-corrosion and anti-scaling, but also reduces the workload of staff and lowers operating costs.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: This invention discloses a pipeline anti-corrosion and anti-scaling device, comprising a device housing, wherein at least one set of anti-corrosion structures and at least one set of anti-scaling structures are detachably connected within the device housing; the anti-corrosion structure includes a sacrificial anode, which is connected to a first flange plate via a connecting plate, and the first flange plate is detachably connected to a flange located on the device housing; the anti-scaling structure includes a screen tube and an anti-scaling rod disposed within the screen tube, the screen tube being connected to a second flange plate, and the second flange plate being detachably connected to a flange located on the device housing.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, the device housing is provided with an oil inlet and an oil outlet at both ends.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, a current sensor is provided on the sacrificial anode, and a gravity sensor is also provided on the sacrificial anode and the scale inhibition structure.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the device housing is also provided with at least one set of high-pressure flushing ports.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the sieve tube is provided with a number of through holes.

[0012] A pipeline corrosion and scale prevention system includes multiple sets of pipeline corrosion and scale prevention devices as described above; It also includes a data acquisition unit, a data analysis and processing unit, and a process control unit. One end of the data analysis and processing unit is connected to the data acquisition unit, and the other end is connected to the process control unit. The process control unit is connected to the pipeline anti-corrosion and anti-scaling device.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the data acquisition unit is used to collect the water content of the medium in the pipeline, the weight of the sacrificial anode, the current, and the weight of the scale inhibitor rod.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, the process control unit includes an electric valve for controlling the on / off state of the pipeline anti-corrosion and anti-scaling device.

[0015] A method for preventing corrosion and scaling in pipelines, the method being applied to the aforementioned pipeline corrosion and scaling prevention system, includes the following steps: The moisture content of the medium in the pipeline is obtained through the data acquisition unit, and then uploaded to the data analysis and processing unit. Depending on the moisture content of the medium, the process control unit activates one or more sets of pipeline anti-corrosion and anti-scaling devices.

[0016] As a further improvement of the present invention, the data acquisition unit acquires the current of the sacrificial anode, and the process control unit flushes the sacrificial anode and scale inhibitor rod according to the current; the data acquisition unit acquires the weight of the sacrificial anode / scale inhibitor rod, and replaces the sacrificial anode / scale inhibitor rod according to the weight.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention achieves the following technical effects: This invention addresses the two common problems of corrosion and scaling in oilfield production by incorporating a device that integrates corrosion prevention and scaling prevention. This device utilizes the dissolution properties of sacrificial anodes and the characteristics of scale inhibitor rods to effectively replace the traditional method requiring large amounts of liquid reagents, thereby significantly reducing the workload and cost of on-site operations. Furthermore, the device includes a replacement structure, solving the problems of frequent replacement of sacrificial anodes and scale inhibitor rods and high maintenance costs, ensuring the device can function stably for a long time and achieving long-term utilization of corrosion and scaling prevention.

[0018] This invention achieves corrosion and scale prevention through a control system. This control system is precise and automated. On one hand, it selects and activates one or more sets of corrosion and scale prevention devices by collecting the water content of the medium, avoiding resource waste. On the other hand, by integrating current and gravity sensors, it senses and monitors the usage and consumption rate of corrosion and scale prevention materials, significantly improving material utilization efficiency. Furthermore, it dynamically adjusts the corrosion and scale prevention strategy based on real-time data, thereby greatly enhancing the overall corrosion and scale prevention performance of the system. In addition, the device and system of this invention are mainly applied to oilfield pipelines and oilfield stations, enabling corrosion and scale prevention operations. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline anti-corrosion and anti-scaling device of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 AA section and BB section in the diagram; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline anti-corrosion and anti-scaling system of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline anti-corrosion and anti-scaling system of the present invention.

[0020] Attached reference numerals: 1. Oil inlet; 2. Oil outlet; 3. Sacrificial anode; 4. Connecting plate; 5. Second flange plate; 6. Connecting threaded head; 7. Screen tube; 8. Through hole; 9. Scale inhibitor rod; 10. High-pressure flushing port. Detailed Implementation

[0021] In the following description, only certain exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the drawings and description are considered to be exemplary in nature and not restrictive.

[0022] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, 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 invention.

[0023] Furthermore, 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 indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0024] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0025] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0026] It should be understood that, when used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or collections thereof.

[0027] It should also be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0028] It should also be further understood that the term "and / or" as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes such combinations.

[0029] The accompanying drawings illustrate various structural schematic diagrams according to embodiments disclosed in this invention. These drawings are not to scale, and some details have been enlarged for clarity, and some details may have been omitted. The shapes of the various regions and layers shown in the drawings, as well as their relative sizes and positional relationships, are merely exemplary and may deviate from reality due to manufacturing tolerances or technical limitations. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can design regions / layers with different shapes, sizes, and relative positions as needed.

[0030] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention discloses a pipeline anti-corrosion and anti-scaling device, comprising a device housing, wherein at least one set of anti-corrosion structure and at least one set of anti-scaling structure are detachably connected within the device housing; the anti-corrosion structure includes a sacrificial anode 3, which is connected to a first flange plate via a connecting plate 4, and the first flange plate is detachably connected to a flange located on the device housing; the anti-scaling structure includes a screen tube 7 and an anti-scaling rod 9 disposed within the screen tube 7, one end of the screen tube 7 being connected to a second flange plate 5, and the second flange plate 5 being detachably connected to the flange on the device housing.

[0032] The housing of the device in the embodiment is preferably cylindrical, and its length can be designed to be different lengths such as 1m and 1.5m according to the actual application, and its diameter can be designed to be different specifications such as φ500 and φ650 according to the actual application. Figure 1As shown, the top of the device housing has openings, preferably two, each with a flange welded to it. One opening is connected to a sacrificial anode 3, and the other opening is connected to a scale-inhibiting structure. Of course, the number of openings and flanges is not limited here. Depending on the severity of corrosion and scaling on site, various anti-corrosion and anti-scaling structures can be selected, such as 1 set of sacrificial anode 3 + 1 set of scale-inhibiting rods 9, 1 set of sacrificial anode 3 + 2 sets of scale-inhibiting rods 9, or 2 sets of sacrificial anode 3 + 1 set of scale-inhibiting rods 9. The number of sacrificial anode 3 and scale-inhibiting rods 9 can be increased or decreased according to actual needs.

[0033] Figure 2 As shown, in the embodiment, a connecting plate 4 is welded to the inner wall of the first flange plate of the device. The sacrificial anode 3 is fixed to the connecting plate 4 by bolts. The sacrificial anode 3 can adopt a trapezoidal or rod-shaped structure. The first flange plate and the flange are fixed to achieve corrosion protection of the sacrificial anode 3 in the pipeline. After the sacrificial anode 3 is consumed, the first flange plate and the flange are disassembled for replacement.

[0034] Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the inner wall of the second flange plate 5 is welded with a threaded head 6, and the screen tube 7 is filled with a scale inhibitor rod 9. In this embodiment, the scale inhibitor rod 9 is preferably solid, and the screen tube 7 is made of non-metallic material. The screen tube 7 is connected to the second flange plate 5 through the threaded head 6. In actual use, 3-4 sets of threaded heads 6 can be welded according to the size of the second flange plate 5, and 3-4 sets of scale inhibitor structures can be installed. After the scale inhibitor rod 9 is consumed, the second flange plate 5 and the flange are disassembled and replaced.

[0035] The device housing is provided with an oil inlet 1 and an oil outlet 2 at both ends. In this embodiment, the oil inlet 1 and the oil outlet 2 at both ends of the device housing are used to facilitate the passage of the medium through the device. During the passage of the medium, the sacrificial anode 3 inside the device housing is used to achieve corrosion prevention, and the scale inhibitor 9 is used to prevent scale buildup.

[0036] In this embodiment, the oil inlet 1 and oil outlet 2 at both ends of the device are also provided with connecting flanges, and the device is installed in the original pipeline through the connecting flanges.

[0037] The sacrificial anode 3 is equipped with a current sensor, and the sacrificial anode 3 and the scale inhibition structure are also equipped with a gravity sensor. The data acquisition unit acquires the current of the sacrificial anode 3, and the process control unit flushes the sacrificial anode 3 and the scale inhibition rod 9 according to the current; the data acquisition unit acquires the weight of the sacrificial anode 3 / scale inhibition rod 9, and replaces the sacrificial anode 3 / scale inhibition rod 9 according to the weight.

[0038] In this embodiment, the current sensor can transmit the detected current data of the sacrificial anode 3 to the data analysis and processing unit. The data analysis and processing unit determines the operating efficiency of the sacrificial anode 3. When the detected current data decreases by 40% compared to the initial current data, the system alarms. At the same time, the process control unit will start the high-pressure water flushing process to flush the sacrificial anode 3 and the screen tube 7, thereby achieving automatic cleaning of the sacrificial anode 3 and the scale inhibitor rod 9, reducing the adhesion of sludge to the sacrificial anode 3 and the scale inhibitor rod 9 in the process, and maximizing the efficiency of the sacrificial anode 3 and the scale inhibitor rod 9.

[0039] The gravity sensor in this embodiment can transmit the detected gravity data to the data analysis and processing unit. When the gravity of the sacrificial anode 3 or the scale inhibitor rod 9 decreases to 20% of its initial weight, the system alarms to replace the sacrificial anode 3 or the scale inhibitor rod 9. At the same time, the process control unit can switch to the pipeline anti-corrosion device of other parallel processes, thereby achieving the replacement of the sacrificial anode 3 or the scale inhibitor rod 9 in the pipeline while ensuring the overall system operates without stopping.

[0040] The device housing is also provided with at least one set of high-pressure flushing ports 10. In this embodiment, the high-pressure flushing ports 10 are provided to allow high-pressure water to be introduced to flush the sacrificial anode 3 and scale inhibitor rod 9 inside the device housing, thereby reducing the deposits on the sacrificial anode 3 and scale inhibitor rod 9 and improving the corrosion and scale prevention efficiency.

[0041] The screen tube 7 is provided with a plurality of through holes 8. In this embodiment, the screen tube 7 is provided with through holes 8 with a diameter of 10 mm. The purpose of providing through holes 8 is to prevent scale from forming on the inner wall of the screen tube 7 or at the through holes 8. When the medium passes through the screen tube 7, the scale inhibitor rod 9 can adsorb or decompose the scale components in the fluid, reduce the deposition of scale on the inner wall of the screen tube 7, thereby extending the service life of the screen tube 7 and maintaining the filtration efficiency of the screen tube 7 and the unobstructed flow of fluid. At the same time, the through holes 8 play a filtering role, blocking solid particles or other impurities when the medium passes through.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, a pipeline corrosion and scale prevention system includes multiple sets of pipeline corrosion and scale prevention devices as described above; it also includes a data acquisition unit, a data analysis and processing unit, and a process control unit. One end of the data analysis and processing unit is connected to the data acquisition unit, and the other end is connected to the process control unit. The process control unit is connected to the pipeline corrosion prevention devices. The pipeline corrosion and scale prevention system in this embodiment is mainly used in oilfield pipelines and oilfield stations. Preferably, the system has three sets of pipeline corrosion and scale prevention devices. Each set of devices is installed at the lowest point of the pipeline or at areas prone to corrosion and scale formation. Furthermore, each set of devices is independently installed and does not interfere with others. The number of pipeline corrosion prevention devices is not limited here and can be increased or decreased according to actual use.

[0043] The data acquisition unit is used to collect the water content of the medium in the pipeline, the weight of the sacrificial anode 3, the current, and the weight of the scale inhibitor rod 9. In this embodiment, the data acquisition unit can collect the water content of the medium in the pipeline and use the water content to calculate the impurity content in the pipeline. Specifically, the water content of the medium is collected by a water content analyzer.

[0044] The process control unit includes an electric valve for controlling the on / off switching of the pipeline corrosion protection device. Figure 3 As shown, there are two electric valves in this system. The two electric valves are respectively located at the left and right ends of the pipeline corrosion protection device to realize the opening and closing of the pipeline corrosion protection device.

[0045] The data analysis and processing unit in this embodiment is used for remote data transportation, enabling remote online monitoring, and analyzing and processing the data collected by the data acquisition unit.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a method for preventing corrosion and scaling in pipelines, including the following steps: Step 1: Collect the moisture content of the medium in the pipeline using a moisture analyzer and upload the data to the data analysis and processing unit; Step 2: The data analysis and processing unit analyzes and processes the collected medium moisture content and sends instructions to the process control unit. When the medium moisture content is ≤30%, the electric valves before and after the No. 1 anti-corrosion and anti-scaling device open, and No. 2 and No. 3 close. When the medium moisture content is 30% to 60% (inclusive), the electric valves before and after the No. 1 and No. 2 anti-corrosion and anti-scaling devices open, and No. 3 closes. When the medium moisture content is >60%, the electric valves before and after the No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 anti-corrosion and anti-scaling devices all open, and all three sets of anti-corrosion and anti-scaling devices are activated.

[0047] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0048] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art. The above content is only for illustrating the technical concept of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications made based on the technical concept proposed in this invention shall fall within the scope of protection of the claims of this invention.

Claims

1. A pipeline anti-corrosion and anti-scaling device, characterized in that, The device includes a housing, and at least one set of anti-corrosion structures and at least one set of scale-inhibiting structures are detachably connected inside the housing. The anti-corrosion structure includes a sacrificial anode (3), which is connected to a first flange plate via a connecting plate (4). The first flange plate is detachably connected to a flange located on the device housing. The scale inhibition structure includes a screen tube (7) and a scale inhibition rod (9) disposed inside the screen tube (7). The screen tube (7) is connected to the second flange plate (5), and the second flange plate (5) is detachably connected to the flange on the device housing.

2. The pipeline anti-corrosion and anti-scaling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device housing is provided with an oil inlet (1) and an oil outlet (2) at both ends.

3. The pipeline anti-corrosion and anti-scaling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sacrificial anode (3) is equipped with a current sensor, and the sacrificial anode (3) and the scale inhibition structure are also equipped with a gravity sensor.

4. The pipeline anti-corrosion and anti-scaling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device housing is also provided with at least one set of high-pressure flushing ports (10).

5. The pipeline anti-corrosion and anti-scaling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sieve tube (7) is provided with several through holes (8).

6. A pipeline anti-corrosion and anti-scaling system, characterized in that, Includes multiple sets of pipeline anti-corrosion and anti-scaling devices as described in any one of claims 1 to 5; It also includes a data acquisition unit, a data analysis and processing unit, and a process control unit. One end of the data analysis and processing unit is connected to the data acquisition unit, and the other end is connected to the process control unit. The process control unit is connected to the pipeline anti-corrosion and anti-scaling device.

7. The pipeline anti-corrosion and anti-scaling system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The data acquisition unit is used to collect the water content of the medium in the pipeline, the weight of the sacrificial anode (3), the current, and the weight of the scale inhibitor rod (9).

8. The pipeline corrosion protection system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The process control unit includes an electric valve for controlling the on / off state of the pipeline anti-corrosion and anti-scaling device.

9. A method for preventing corrosion and scaling in pipelines, characterized in that, The method, when applied to the pipeline corrosion and scale prevention system as described in claim 6, includes the following steps: The moisture content of the medium in the pipeline is obtained through the data acquisition unit, and then uploaded to the data analysis and processing unit. Depending on the moisture content of the medium, the process control unit activates one or more sets of pipeline anti-corrosion and anti-scaling devices.

10. The pipeline corrosion prevention method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The data acquisition unit acquires the current of the sacrificial anode, and the process control unit flushes the sacrificial anode and scale inhibitor rod based on the current. The data acquisition unit obtains the weight of the sacrificial anode / scale inhibitor rod and replaces the sacrificial anode / scale inhibitor rod according to the weight.

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