A composite anti-fouling method and tool combining an anti-fouling alloy with a piezoelectric material

Abstract

The application discloses a composite anti-fouling method and tool combining an anti-fouling alloy with a piezoelectric material, and relates to the technical field of anti-fouling of fluid systems such as industrial circulating water and oil and gas transportation. The anti-fouling device is composed of an anti-fouling alloy sheet and a piezoelectric material, is installed and filled once, can change the outer diameter, the inner diameter, the number and the interval along with the circulating system, and can change the number and the distribution position of the piezoelectric material along with the water quality environment, so that the anti-fouling performance is optimized. The method combines the anti-fouling alloy element with the piezoelectric material, simultaneously plays the electrochemical effect and the positive piezoelectric effect of the alloy and the piezoelectric material in the fluid flow process, effectively inhibits or prevents the fouling phenomenon in the fluid, improves the anti-fouling efficiency and the system operation stability, and meanwhile, the method and the tool do not need an external energy source when used, are green and pollution-free, have a simple structure and are convenient to install, and can stably play the fouling inhibition role under conventional water quality conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention discloses a composite anti-scaling method and tool that combines an anti-scaling alloy with a piezoelectric material, relating to the field of anti-scaling technology for fluid systems such as industrial circulating water and oil and gas transportation. Background Technology

[0002] In the operation of various fluid transport and heat exchange facilities, such as industrial circulating water systems, oil and gas transportation, heat pipe networks, and heat exchange equipment, the fluids flowing through them naturally contain various mineral ions such as calcium, magnesium, carbonate, and sulfate. As the fluid continuously flows through the inner wall of the equipment, the original dissolution equilibrium is disrupted by factors such as temperature increases, pressure changes, water flow disturbances, and ion concentration enrichment. Ions that were originally in a dissolved state continuously precipitate insoluble salt crystals such as calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, and magnesium hydroxide. These crystals continuously adsorb, aggregate, and stack, slowly forming a continuous deposit layer—scale—from scattered particles. With prolonged continuous operation, the scale layer thickness continuously increases, gradually developing from an initial loose, thin layer of scale into a hard, dense scale with extremely strong adhesion, covering the inner surfaces of metal walls such as pipes, cavities, and heat exchange plates. This is a common physical deposition phenomenon in industrial fluid systems.

[0003] Scale has a much lower thermal conductivity than metal. When it adheres to the surface of heat exchange equipment, it significantly increases thermal resistance, directly leading to a substantial decrease in heat exchange efficiency, increased system energy consumption, and serious energy waste. Thick scale layers reduce the flow cross-section inside pipes, causing increased fluid resistance and reduced flow rate. In severe cases, it can even cause pipe blockage, affecting the normal operation of the entire system. Simultaneously, the scale layer easily creates an oxygen-deficient environment between the scale layer and the metal wall, inducing under-scale electrochemical corrosion, accelerating equipment rust and aging, and in severe cases, even causing pipe wall perforation and pipe rupture. This not only shortens the equipment's service life but also easily leads to production downtime, safety accidents, and high maintenance costs and economic losses for industrial production.

[0004] The crystallization process consists of three parts: supersaturation, nucleation, and crystal growth. After supersaturation, nanoscale dissolved salt clusters begin to form nuclei. Once they mature to a critical size, the nuclei become stable, and crystals form around the nuclei and grow into different crystal structures. The core reason for scaling is the disruption of the dissolution balance of scale-forming ions in the water. During equipment operation, rising water temperature, fluctuations in system pressure, continuous evaporation and concentration of water, and fluctuations in water pH all reduce the solubility of sparingly soluble salts, promoting the crystallization and precipitation of substances such as calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, and magnesium hydroxide. Simultaneously, the fine irregularities on the inner wall of the pipe provide attachment sites for crystals, and the continuous flow of water constantly carries new scale-forming ions to contact the scale, allowing the crystals to continuously grow, cross-link, and solidify. Furthermore, unstable water flow velocity, a high concentration of suspended solids in the water, and slight corrosion of the metal inner wall can further accelerate the formation and thickening of the scale layer, exacerbating the scaling problem.

[0005] Current scale and wax prevention technologies can be broadly categorized into two types: physical and chemical. Physical technologies include magnetic field, electric field, and ultrasonic scale and wax prevention, while chemical technologies primarily utilize chemical agents. Chemical scale and wax prevention is the most widely used, but the application time and quantity of the agents vary depending on the oil well, requiring strict control, and it also poses a certain degree of environmental pollution. Physical scale and wax prevention technologies are convenient to install and operate, but magnetic field technology is susceptible to external interference; electric field technology requires high-voltage power, consuming a large amount of electrical energy; and ultrasonic technology also consumes a significant amount of electrical energy and generates cavitation noise during operation.

[0006] Scale-inhibiting alloys primarily rely on electrochemical action to prevent scale buildup. Different metal components within the alloy form microscopic galvanic cells, continuously releasing free electrons upon contact with water flow. This alters the electrode potential of both the water and the metal surface, disrupting the nucleation conditions for scale crystals such as calcium carbonate and calcium sulfate, thus inhibiting their adhesion and growth on the equipment's inner walls. Simultaneously, it alters the scale crystal morphology, causing them to form loose flocs that are easily cleaned and carried away by the water flow. Scale-inhibiting alloys offer both scale prevention and corrosion protection, requiring no external power source or added chemicals. They are environmentally friendly and pollution-free, with a simple structure and easy installation. They can operate under normal fluid conditions for extended periods. Compared to chemical scale prevention methods, they effectively avoid problems such as chemical pollution and equipment corrosion, and can stably inhibit scale growth under normal water quality conditions.

[0007] Piezoelectric materials can generate a stable charge response under mechanical stress, and their chemical inertness ensures that they will not corrode or dissolve in high-temperature, high-pressure, and complex fluid environments, avoiding the introduction of secondary pollution. When mechanical stimuli such as vibrations and pressure changes generated by water flow act on piezoelectric materials, the internal crystal structure of the piezoelectric material will be distorted, resulting in an uneven distribution of positive and negative ions, thereby generating an electric field. This electric field creates a potential difference, forming a galvanic cell that hinders the combination of anode and cathode scale-forming ions, reducing the binding rate of scale ions. At the same time, a large number of electrons in the water are activated, changing the binding characteristics of impurities in the water with the surrounding medium, thereby changing the crystal morphology.

[0008] Therefore, a composite anti-scaling method and tool combining anti-scaling alloy and piezoelectric material was designed. Combining the advantages of alloy anti-scaling and piezoelectric material anti-scaling, the anti-scaling efficiency is improved, enabling it to adapt to various environments and meet the anti-scaling needs of different circulation systems. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a composite anti-scaling method and tool that combines anti-scaling alloy with piezoelectric material, so as to enhance and stabilize the anti-scaling effect of the anti-scaling alloy in the circulation system.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a composite anti-scaling method and tool combining an anti-scaling alloy and a piezoelectric material, the components of which are the anti-scaling alloy and the piezoelectric material. The anti-scaling alloy and piezoelectric material are installed and filled in a single step, and their outer diameter, inner diameter, quantity, and spacing can be adjusted according to the pipe diameter and the tool, thereby optimizing the performance of the anti-scaling tool. When fluid flows through the circulation system, due to the contact between the fluid and the anti-scaling alloy tool, countless tiny galvanic cells are formed on the alloy, generating a micro-field within the solution that hinders collisions between scale-forming ions. Simultaneously, the impact force of the flowing water continuously acts on the piezoelectric material, utilizing the positive piezoelectric effect to convert the fluid's mechanical energy into electrical energy, further hindering scale formation. Furthermore, the electrons generated by both alter the binding characteristics of impurities in the water with the surrounding medium, thereby changing the crystal morphology to a more easily cleanable form, making it easier to detach from the circulation system and achieving the anti-scaling effect.

[0011] Furthermore, the diameter of the anti-scaling alloy sheet is Ф40mm-Ф100mm;

[0012] Furthermore, the thickness of the anti-scaling alloy sheet is 5mm-20mm;

[0013] Furthermore, the diameter of the pores in the anti-scaling alloy sheet is Ф4mm-Ф12mm;

[0014] Furthermore, the anti-scaling alloy sheet has 10-50 holes, which can be adjusted according to actual requirements. The holes are fully penetrated and evenly distributed along the circumference.

[0015] Furthermore, the length of the square groove in the anti-scaling alloy sheet is 4mm-12mm;

[0016] Furthermore, the number of square grooves in the anti-scaling alloy sheet is 4-20, and the number can be adjusted according to actual requirements;

[0017] Furthermore, the depth of the square groove in the anti-scaling alloy sheet is 0.1mm-5mm;

[0018] Furthermore, the diameter of the central through hole of the anti-scaling alloy sheet is Ф2mm-Ф10mm, which is used for multiple anti-scaling alloy sheets connected in series;

[0019] Furthermore, the anti-scaling alloy is cast into a rod shape, horizontally sliced, and vertically perforated.

[0020] Furthermore, the anti-scaling alloy is composed of elements such as copper, zinc, nickel, tin, and iron, and has excellent anti-scaling properties;

[0021] Furthermore, the length of the square sheet-like piezoelectric material is 4mm-12mm;

[0022] Furthermore, the thickness of the square sheet piezoelectric material is 0.1mm-5mm;

[0023] Furthermore, the number of square sheet piezoelectric materials is 4-20, and the number can be adjusted according to actual requirements. They are placed in the square groove of the anti-scaling alloy sheet.

[0024] Compared with existing anti-scaling technologies, the advantages of this invention are:

[0025] This method combines alloy-based scale inhibitors with piezoelectric material-based scale inhibitors, stabilizing and enhancing the scale-inhibiting effect of the alloy, while expanding the application range of piezoelectric materials in scale prevention, thus improving the applicability of both alloy and piezoelectric scale inhibitors. Furthermore, the quantity, spacing, and inner / outer diameters of the alloy scale inhibitor sheets and piezoelectric materials can be adjusted according to actual production conditions to optimize scale-inhibiting performance. By organically combining alloy scale inhibitor elements with square-shaped piezoelectric materials, this method leverages the electrochemical and positive piezoelectric effects of both materials during fluid flow, effectively inhibiting or preventing scaling in the fluid, improving scale prevention efficiency and system stability. Moreover, the method and tools used require no external power source, are environmentally friendly and pollution-free, have a simple structure and are easy to install, and can stably inhibit scale formation under normal water quality conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the anti-scaling tool described in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a physical image of the anti-scaling tool described in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 Microscopic SEM images of scale formed in fluids that have not been treated with the anti-scaling tools described in this invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a microscopic SEM image of scale formed in a fluid treated with the anti-scaling tool described in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the present invention will be fully described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the embodiments described are only some implementations of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other technical solutions obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without departing from the core concept of the present invention are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0031] Example 1

[0032] A composite scale prevention method and tool combining an anti-scaling alloy and piezoelectric materials is disclosed. The tool's components are as follows: four anti-scaling alloy sheets, each measuring Ф60mm*10mm, with 12 holes measuring Ф9mm. Each anti-scaling alloy sheet contains six square grooves measuring 10mm*10mm*0.6mm, and a central through-hole measuring Ф6mm. A total of four square piezoelectric material sheets are placed within the device. The device was circulated in a 1W salinity fluid for three days to compare scale formation. The microstructure of the scale was observed using an electron microscope. The device achieved a scale prevention rate of 54.4162%.

[0033] Example 2

[0034] A composite scale prevention method and tool combining an anti-scaling alloy and piezoelectric materials is disclosed. The tool's components are as follows: four anti-scaling alloy sheets, each measuring Ф60mm*10mm, with twelve Ф9mm holes; six square grooves (10mm*10mm*0.6mm) within each sheet; a central through-hole measuring Ф6mm; and a total of six square piezoelectric material sheets. The device was circulated in a 1W salinity fluid for three days to compare scale formation. The microstructure of the scale was observed using an electron microscope. The device achieved a scale prevention rate of 63.9831%.

[0035] Comparative Example 1

[0036] A composite anti-scaling method and tool combining an anti-scaling alloy and piezoelectric materials is disclosed. The tool's components are as follows: four anti-scaling alloy sheets, each measuring Ф60mm*10mm, with 12 holes measuring Ф9mm. Each anti-scaling alloy sheet contains six square grooves measuring 10mm*10mm*0.6mm, and a central through-hole measuring Ф6mm. No square piezoelectric material is placed. The device was circulated in a 1W salinity fluid for three days to compare scaling. The microstructure of the scale was observed using an electron microscope. The device achieved an anti-scaling rate of 46.9977%.

[0037] Square-shaped piezoelectric materials are placed in a square groove of anti-scaling alloy sheets, with the side of the anti-scaling alloy sheet containing the square-shaped piezoelectric materials facing the water inlet. Four anti-scaling alloy sheets are connected in series at a certain distance and installed in the outer shell, which is then connected to the circulation system. When water flows into the anti-scaling alloy, the alloy releases metal cations. Some of these cations preferentially combine with scale-forming anions, preventing calcium and magnesium particles in the water from binding and thus hindering scale precipitation. Other cations adsorb onto the scale growth sites, altering the crystal structure. During flow, the pressure generated by the fluid acts on the piezoelectric material, distorting its internal crystal structure and causing uneven distribution of positive and negative ions, thus generating an electric field. This potential difference forms a galvanic cell, hindering the binding of scale-forming ions and reducing the binding rate of scale ions. Simultaneously, a large number of electrons in the water are activated, altering the binding characteristics of impurities in the water with the surrounding medium, thereby changing the crystal morphology. The combined action of the anti-scaling alloy and the piezoelectric material improves the anti-scaling efficiency and transforms the formed scale into soft scale, which is quickly carried away by the water flow. Furthermore, this method and tool can be modified according to actual production conditions to change the inner and outer diameters, quantity, and spacing of the anti-scaling alloy sheet and piezoelectric material, thereby optimizing the anti-scaling performance. At the same time, this tool is a one-time installation and filling tool that can prevent scale without the input of any materials or the consumption of any energy. It can fundamentally solve the serious environmental pollution caused by chemical agents and can adapt to various environments to meet the anti-scaling needs of different circulation systems.

Claims

1. A composite anti-scaling method and tool combining an anti-scaling alloy and a piezoelectric material, characterized in that, The alloy used is an anti-scaling alloy composed of various elements such as copper, zinc, nickel, tin, and iron.

2. A composite anti-scaling method and tool combining an anti-scaling alloy and a piezoelectric material, characterized in that, The aforementioned anti-scaling tool can be physically embedded with piezoelectric materials.

3. A composite anti-scaling method and tool combining an anti-scaling alloy and a piezoelectric material, characterized in that, The quantity and distribution of piezoelectric materials in the aforementioned anti-scaling tool can be adjusted according to the water quality environment.

4. A composite anti-scaling method and tool combining an anti-scaling alloy and a piezoelectric material, characterized in that, The tool can be used individually or in series. With different amounts of piezoelectric material, it can provide excellent anti-scaling function.

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