Magnetic actuation device with crossed magnetic fields for reducing viscosity and deposition of crude oils and derivatives

Abstract

The present invention relates to a magnetic device with crossed magnetic fields for reducing the viscosity and deposition of crude oils and derivatives, for application in the oil sector, more specifically in the field of pipes and fluid networks. The proposed device uses permanent magnets located outside the tube, oriented in the "North-South" and "East-West" directions, with the advantage of operating with a radial magnetic flux oriented towards the centre of the tube, ensuring orthogonality between the fluid flow and the direction of the magnetic field. The magnetic cross-field actuation device (DMCC) comprises a central tube (1), preferably made of stainless steel; a casing (2), preferably made of stainless steel; and a plurality of magnets (3), preferably made of rare-earth metals.

Description

[0001] MAGNETIC ACTIVATION DEVICE WITH CROSSED MAGNETIC FIELDS FOR REDUCING VISCOSITIES AND SCALE IN CRUDE OILS AND DERIVATIVES

[0002] Field of invention

[0003] This invention patent relates to a magnetic device with crossed magnetic fields for reducing viscosity and fouling of crude oils and derivatives, applied in the oil and gas industry, specifically in pipelines and fluid networks. The proposed device utilizes permanent magnets housed externally to the pipe, oriented in the north-south and east-west directions, and has the advantage of operating with a radial magnetic flux oriented toward the center of the pipe, ensuring orthogonality between the fluid flow and the direction of the magnetic field.

[0004] Fundamentals of the invention

[0005] As known in technical circles, the Lorentz force is the force that electric and magnetic fields exert on electrically charged particles. The strength of this force depends on the flow velocity vectors, the magnetic field strength, and the angle between these two vectors, and is maximized when these vectors are mutually perpendicular.

[0006] The first applications of magnetic fields on fluids date back to the 19th century in Vietnam (Studying the Mechanism of Magnetic Field Influence on Paraffinic Crude Oil Viscosity and Wax Deposition Reductions. Nguyen Phuenge and Nguyen Van Vuong et al., Paper SPE 68749), where natural magnets, magnetite, were used to prevent scale formation in laundries and kitchens. In the mid-1950s, the first device equipped with an internally housed circular permanent magnet appeared, subject to patent GB625732A, designed to prevent scale in steam boilers and thermal systems by causing the magnetic field lines to orient perpendicular to the flow velocity vector. The action of magnetic fields on water is presented by Boichenko and Sapogin (Jounal of Engineering Physics (1977) 33: 980). This study explores the magnetic treatment of water, with exclusive emphasis on the water molecule itself and its H ions. +and OH. According to this model, when water flows through a magnetic field transverse to the flow direction, the Lorentz force causes the ions to undergo a circular motion that, when combined with their natural translational motion, transforms into a cycloidal motion, dragging water molecules, which are polar, and organizing them along the ions' circular path. The water molecules dragged by the ions' circular motion bind to each other in an orderly manner, forming a hexagonal structure similar to the aromatic ring of benzene, causing an increase in the electric dipole angle of these molecules, resulting in phenomena related to the magnetic activation of water.

[0007] In 1981, the authors Kochmarskii, V.Z., Kuls'kii, L.A. and Krivtsov, V. (Khimiya i Tekhnologiya Vody Vol.4.n.3 pp.217-222, 1981) presented the work "Aftereffects of magnetic antifouling treatment" based on statistical mechanics, followed by experimental proofs. These authors expand the proposal of Boichenko and Sapogin and include the ions of salts dissolved in water in the form of Ca 2+ and COa 2- , as participants in the process. This study observed that the action of the transverse magnetic field also causes these ions to undergo a cycloidal motion resulting from translational and rotational movements, which also drag the water molecules, organizing them. Additionally, the transverse magnetic field exerts forces in opposite directions on these ions, bringing them together in the form of CaCOa, which in turn act as nuclei for various reactions, preventing the deposition of salts.

[0008] This study is then reaffirmed by Bush KW et al. (Laboratory Studies Involving Magnetic Water Treatment Devices. Paper #251, CORROSIONS 84), who further propose that the electric current generated when water flows through a transverse magnetic field produces an initial precipitation of dissolved salts in the water, acting as nucleation centers for reactions that occur between the water and other constituents. In 2008, researchers Pang Xiaofeng and Deng Bo (“The changes of macroscopic features and microscopic structures of water under the influence of a magnetic field,” Physica B: Physics of Condensed Matter, Volume 403, Issue 19-20, pp. 3571-3577) determined the behavior of magnetically activated water using infrared and ultraviolet absorption, Raman scattering, and X-ray diffraction techniques, confirming the ordered restructuring of water when subjected to the effects of magnetic fields.

[0009] The non-patent documents mentioned above describe the research path into magnetic water activation. However, it is noted that no document or publication specifies the optimal conditions for magnetic water activation, with regard to parameters such as water hardness (amount of dissolved salts), flow velocity, flow regime, pH, among others. Furthermore, no conditions for magnetic activation are specified, such as the magnetic field strength and time required to achieve the desired effects. The only information that is consistently evident is the need for the magnetic field to be transverse to the flow velocity.

[0010] Regarding the reduction of viscosity of crude oils and the prevention of the formation of organic scale, most of the technical literature analyzes the effects of magnetic activation of these fluids with an experimental emphasis, with the Lorentz force as physical support.

[0011] In 1997, Marques and Rocha (Paper SPE 38990) presented electron micrographs highlighting the differences between raw crude oils and those treated magnetically. The study demonstrated that the magnetic field induces the breakdown of macromolecules, "clusters," resulting in a reduction in viscosity and organic fouling.

[0012] More recently, in 2021, Chen Jiang et al (Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 629 2021) quantitatively demonstrate the viscosity reduction of four crude oil options, with API degrees of 15.4 s at 32.87 s , when subjected to magnetic fields. Electron micrographs are presented, illustrating the breakdown of macromolecules of different types of crude oil under the influence of magnetic fields, resulting in viscosity reductions of up to 25%.

[0013] In order to better define the state of the art, searches were carried out in national and international patent banks, finding the following relevant prior art.

[0014] Chinese patent CN2898291 Y, titled "Method for reducing the viscosity of shale oil and preventing wax formation associated with a magnetic agent," discloses a method for reducing viscosity and preventing wax formation in shale oil using a magnetic agent. The process triggers a free radical polymerization reaction on the surface using methyl methacrylate to produce modified magnetic nanoparticles. The synergistic interaction between the magnetic field and the external magnetic field results in a change in the morphological structure of the wax crystals present in the shale oil and an improvement in their arrangement, reducing the viscosity of the shale oil and slowing scale deposition.

[0015] Chinese patent CN1031729C, titled "Wax-Proof Permanent Magnetic Oil Pump," refers to a permanent magnet oil well pump designed to prevent wax formation, used to extract oil in an oilfield. This pump features permanent magnets positioned between the upper inner and outer clamping sleeves, as well as between the lower inner and outer clamping sleeves. Due to the use of non-ferromagnetic materials in the clamping sleeves, intense magnetic fields are generated in these areas. When crude oil passes through the clamping sleeves, it is subjected to the magnetic fields, preventing wax formation. This invention has advantages such as simple structure, easy fabrication, leak prevention, and effectiveness in preventing wax formation.

[0016] It is observed that patents CN2898291 Y and CN1031729C make use of magnetic fields without specifying the relative positioning of the magnetic field to the flux, unlike the present patent, which has a new arrangement for the permanent magnets that intensifies the viscosity reductions caused by the magnetic field.

[0017] Brazilian patent BR202022007569-2, from the same inventor as the present patent, entitled “Device for reducing oil viscosity and dissolving incrustations in piping” reveals equipment to be installed in sections of piping, with the aim of promoting the reduction of viscosity of oil and its derivatives in oil plants, onshore and offshore installations, reducing organic and inorganic incrustations in addition to promoting the dissolution of existing ones.

[0018] Patent BR202022007569-2, despite solving the problems initially proposed, continued development to improve its performance. Thus, unlike patent BR202022007569-2, a new arrangement was implemented in the segmented magnets of this patent, including a galvanized steel sheet that "directs" the magnetic fields from the face of the magnet not in contact with the pipe to the inside of the pipe, significantly reducing oil viscosity and scale deposits. To improve the equipment's service life, a resin is now used to attach the permanent magnets, ensuring that the magnet remains fixed even when subjected to accelerations exceeding 2000 m / s. 2 , considerably reducing the possibility of unexpected changes in the magnetic field.

[0019] "MAGNETIC ACTIVATION DEVICE WITH CROSSED MAGNETIC FIELDS FOR REDUCING THE VISCOSITY AND SCALE OF CRUDE OILS AND DERIVATIVES," the subject of this patent, was developed to improve the performance of existing magnetic devices for reducing viscosity and oil scale, and to overcome the disadvantage of unwanted magnet displacement when subjected to high vibrations. It offers the advantages of greater viscosity and scale reduction, greater vibration resistance, and reduced magnetic field dispersion.

[0020] The prior art presents the following technical problems and shortcomings, which were solved by the present invention, shown below: Magnetic viscosity reduction devices are constantly subject to vibration during operation. Therefore, it is common in prior art devices for the permanent magnets to move after frequent use, causing the magnetic field to shift and misalign its perpendicularity to the oil flow, reducing the effectiveness of these devices. This is solved by the present invention through the use of high-strength epoxy resin that coats the magnets, ensuring greater adhesion and fixation even when subjected to high vibrations;

[0021] The magnetic field of many prior art devices naturally dissipates, causing the forces to disperse internally and not remain perpendicular to the flow velocity, reducing their effectiveness. This patent resolves this issue by applying galvanized steel sheets to their external surfaces, whose properties allow for partial reflection of the magnetic field, enhancing the effect of the magnets under the fluid; and

[0022] In current devices, magnets are positioned uniformly, with the magnetic poles evenly spaced, which reduces the effectiveness of the magnetic field. This problem is resolved by a new arrangement of magnets with poles aligned sequentially perpendicularly, north-south and east-west, resulting in a radial field orientation toward the center of the tube, maximizing magnetic flux.

[0023] The inventors, who have extensive experience in the oil industry, observed inefficiencies in the magnetic devices currently on the market for viscosity reduction. Seeking to improve existing techniques, numerous experiments were conducted to determine the different parameters that affect the intensity and direction of magnetic flux.

[0024] Initially, the inventors recognized the importance of positioning the magnets, which, when placed externally to the tube, reduce pressure losses and prevent obstructions that occur when placed inside the devices. However, externally placed permanent magnet circuits experience magnetic flux spreading, causing much of the field to not be transverse to the velocity vector, reducing the effect of the Lorentz force on the fluid.

[0025] Seeking to solve this problem, several studies were conducted by the inventors who, inspired by the action of galvanized plates in the magnetic fields of aircraft, culminated in the discovery that if the magnets were coated on their external face, the portion that is not in contact with the pipe, with a thin sheet of galvanized steel, greater than 0.3 mm, the external component of the magnetic field of each magnet is partly reflected towards the interior of the equipment, increasing the value of the radial field oriented towards the center of the pipe.

[0026] Continuing their experiments, the inventors determined that if magnets magnetized in the north-south direction are alternately combined with magnets with their poles positioned perpendicularly, in the "east-west" direction, the result is a magnetic field oriented radially toward the center of the tube and, therefore, transverse to the flow velocity. However, for the resulting field to be radial and oriented toward the center of the tube, the precise combination of different magnetic field intensities is necessary, fields that are easily influenced by the position of the magnets that generate them.

[0027] Seeking to keep the two magnetic assemblies, north-south and east-west, rigidly positioned to prevent the resulting magnetic field from losing its orientation, the inventors sought different alternatives and determined a suitable high-strength resin. To complete the proposed devices, the magnets were glued in their proper positions to the outside of the tube, which was covered with galvanized steel sheet metal and completely coated with resin, transforming the device into a single unit.

[0028] In this way, a more efficient magnetic device for viscosity reduction was achieved, which guaranteed the positions relative to the desired magnetic orientations and maximized the radial magnetic flux oriented towards the center of the tube.

[0029] Brief description of the drawings For a better understanding of the present patent, the following figures are attached: it illustrates the perspective sectional view of the crossed-field magnetic activation device (DMCC), demonstrating the position of the central tube (1), housing (2) and the magnets (3); it illustrates the front sectional view of the crossed-field magnetic activation device (DMCC), placing emphasis on the location of the metal foil (4) and the resin layer (5); it illustrates the perspective view of the set of magnets (3) when fixed by the resin (5); and it demonstrates the arrangement of the north (N) and south (S) poles of the magnets (3) of the crossed-field magnetic activation device (DMCC).

[0030] Description of the invention

[0031] As shown in figure 1, the crossed field magnetic activation device (DMCC) is composed of a central tube (1), preferably made of stainless steel, a casing (2), preferably made of stainless steel, and a plurality of magnets (3), preferably made of rare earths.

[0032] As shown in figures 2 and 3, the plurality of magnets (3) are fixed around the outside of the central tube (1) using an adhesive, of the DP460 type or similar, and surrounded by a metal sheet (4); the metal sheet (4) is composed of a steel alloy, treated by the galvanization process, with a minimum thickness of 0.3 mm; the magnets (3) surrounded by the metal sheet (4) are then covered by a layer of resin (5), of the Bisphenol A type or similar, so that all gaps are filled.

[0033] Examples of embodiments of the invention

[0034] According to figure 4, the magnets (3) must be arranged in a cross-arrangement, so that their longitudinal and transverse north (N) and south (S) polarities are interspersed along the circumference of the central tube (1). The metal foil (4) must surround the magnets (3) in a curved manner so that the resulting magnetic field is reflected into the interior of the central tube (1).

[0035] The magnets (3), already glued to the central tube (1) and wrapped in metal foil (4), are positioned inside the casing (2) where the resin (5) is then injected, thus ensuring that the gaps between the magnets (3) are filled consistently.

[0036] The resin (5) mitigates oxidation of the magnets (3) and ensures greater stability of the assembly, even in environments with high vibrations, reducing the possibility of unwanted changes in the magnetic fields due to improper movements of the magnets (3).

[0037] To verify the effectiveness of the Cross-Field Magnetic Activation (CMCD), the authors built a full-scale installation with 5.5-inch piping and conducted tests to verify the device's effectiveness when applied to oils of varying viscosities. The results are summarized in the following table.

[0038] Table 1 - Viscosities with and without the crossed-field magnetic activation device (CMCD)

[0039] Although the experiment was carried out on 5.5-inch pipes, the scale of the crossed-field magnetic activation device (CMCD) can be easily increased or decreased by simply changing the number, size and intensity of magnets (3) to suit the new diameter, making it possible to design and build magnetic activators with customized purposes.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. MAGNETIC ACTIVATION DEVICE WITH CROSSED MAGNETIC FIELDS FOR REDUCING VISCOSITIES AND SCALE OF CRUDE OILS AND DERIVATIVES, consisting of a central tube (1), casing (2) and a plurality of magnets (3), characterized in that the plurality of magnets (3), preferably of rare earths, are fixed around the outside of the central tube (1) by means of an adhesive, of the type DP460 or similar, and surrounded by a metal sheet (4); the metal sheet (4) is composed of a steel alloy, treated by the galvanization process, with a minimum thickness of 0.3 mm; the magnets (3), surrounded by the metal foil (4), are covered by a layer of resin (5), of the Bisphenol A type or similar, so that all the gaps are filled, in which the magnets (3) have a crossed arrangement, so that their longitudinal and transversal north (N) and south (S) polarities are interspersed around the circumference of the central tube (1).

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