Continuous monitoring of gas emissions by means of a device comprising a wind-exposed element and at least one sensor coupled to the device

Abstract

A device (1) for monitoring gaseous emissions in industrial plants or when conveying fossil fuels, comprising a wind-exposed element (2), at least one traction cable (3), the at least one traction cable (3) having a first end (4) and a second end (5), the at least one traction cable (3), by way of the first end (4), being indirectly or directly connected to the wind-exposed element (2), at least one sensor (6), which is preferably arranged at least 1 m downstream of the wind-exposed element (2), more preferably 1-3 m downstream of the wind-exposed element (2), and is connected to the at least one traction cable (3), and a base station (7) comprising a traction cable storage device (8) to which the second end (5) of the at least one traction cable (3) is connected, the wind-exposed element (2) having a flow-facing concave surface (9) in order to generate a lifting force (F2) on the wind-exposed element (2) in the event of a wind flow force (F1) and thus to cause a traction force (FT) away from the direction of the base station (7) on the traction cable (3).

Description

[0001] Continuous monitoring of gas emissions by means of a device comprising a wind attack element and at least one sensor coupled to the device

[0002] The invention relates to a device for the continuous monitoring of gas emissions from an industrial plant or a production facility where emission gases are generated during production, for example, during the production of crude oil and / or natural gas, wherein strong winds prevail around the industrial plant or production facility, for example, regular wind speeds of at least 8.5 m / s. The invention further relates to a method for the continuous monitoring of emission output and its use for the early detection of leaks during the production of liquid and gaseous fuels and / or the transport of gaseous fuels.

[0003] A leak of hydrocarbons, including gaseous hydrocarbons and CO2, on an oil rig, in the petrochemical industry, in a tank farm, or in gas pipelines represents an economic loss, an environmental problem, and a safety concern. Emissions from industrial plants must also be controlled. Natural emissions of greenhouse gases from geophysical sources, such as volcanoes, geothermal plants, or swamps, must also be recorded: The gases released into the atmosphere exacerbate the greenhouse effect and are harmful to the environment. Particularly on offshore production facilities, strong winds create conditions that make such emission measurements problematic. It is therefore of great importance if escaping gases can be measured and quantified in real time, as measures to contain emissions, especially in the case of leaks, often need to be initiated immediately.

[0004] On drilling platforms, and thus in the offshore sector, emissions are monitored using drones equipped with sensors to track gas emissions. However, these drones are prone to crashing due to strong offshore winds. Another drawback of drone use is their limited ability to carry additional weight. Furthermore, drones rely on batteries for power, requiring regular recharging, which makes them unsuitable for continuous monitoring. Additionally, drones can only transmit data wirelessly from the air.

[0005] CN 203439271 U discloses a hovering system for ground monitoring for forest fire prevention, network surveillance, and commercial or military purposes. The monitoring system comprises a kite, a mobile photography system, and a monitoring unit. The kite is connected to a traction actuator via a traction line. The monitoring system also includes a battery that powers the photography system. The battery is located on the kite. The monitoring system according to CN 203439271 U has the disadvantage that the battery, as the power source, must be replaced regularly. Therefore, the system is not suitable for continuous monitoring. In addition, batteries are heavy, so little additional weight can be attached to the kite besides the power source.

[0006] Against this background, the object of the invention is to propose a device and a method that enable the continuous measurement of the concentration of gaseous pollutants in an exhaust gas sample with minimal maintenance. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide the device for the early detection of leaks during the transport of fossil fuels or gaseous fuels. The invention also aims to make the measurement of such pollutant concentrations more precise, simpler, and faster. The device according to the invention also enables the continuous measurement of pollutant concentrations in the air.

[0007] The problem is solved by the device and method according to the invention. Furthermore, the problem is solved by its use for the early detection of leaks.

[0008] The device according to the invention relates to a device for monitoring gaseous emissions in industrial plants or during the transport of fossil fuels, comprising

[0009] The advantage of the device according to the invention lies in the possibility of continuous measurement, of attaching more weight to the device than to a drone, and thus of being able to attach several sensors to the device.

[0010] Furthermore, the device according to the invention allows for more accurate measurements than drones, since the absence of propellers in the immediate vicinity of the sensor results in less turbulence.

[0011] The buoyant force according to the invention is an aerodynamic buoyant force. The aerodynamic force is the force exerted on a body by the air (or other gas) in which the body is located due to the relative motion between the body and the gas.

[0012] Aerodynamic force includes not only the aerodynamic lift force but also frictional resistance.

[0013] The Beaufort (Bft) scale categorizes wind strength into 13 strength ranges from 0 Bft (calm) to at least 12 Bft (hurricane).

[0014] On the high seas or in the offshore area, wind speeds are usually at least in force range 6 or ? and thus wind speeds of 10.8-13.8 m / s (6 Bft) and 13.9-17.1 m / s (7 Bft).

[0015] In one embodiment, the at least one traction cable has a length of 50 m to 1 km, preferably 100 m to 1 km. In another embodiment, the at least one traction cable storage unit is designed to pull and release a section at the second end of the at least one traction cable and to wind and unwind it at the base station.

[0016] In one embodiment, the device comprises a pull rope, wherein the pull rope and the wind-attack element are indirectly connected via an even number of straps or rods, the first end of each strap or rod being connected to the first end of the pull rope and the second end of each strap or rod being connected to the wind-attack element.

[0017] In one embodiment, the device comprises at least two pull ropes, each pull rope being directly connected at its first end to the wind attack element and at its second end to the pull rope storage unit.

[0018] Preferably the number of pull ropes is 2-8, more preferably the number of pull ropes is 2, 4, 6 or 8.

[0019] The sensors are technical components that detect physical and / or chemical measurements of the environment and convert them into an electrical signal.

[0020] In one embodiment, the at least one sensor is a gas sensor configured to measure a gaseous analyte, wherein the analyte is selected from a hydrocarbon gaseous under standard conditions, preferably methane, CO2, H2S or nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2).

[0021] Standard conditions are understood to be 20 °C and 1 atm = 101,325 kPa.

[0022] Preferably, the sensor is made of corrosion-resistant materials.

[0023] In one embodiment, the device has one sensor, preferably a gas sensor. In an alternative embodiment, the device has two or three sensors, at least one of which is a gas sensor.

[0024] In one embodiment, the device comprises a further sensor, a wind gauge, wherein the wind gauge is arranged at the base station or at least 1 m, preferably 1-3 m downstream from the wind attack element.

[0025] In one embodiment, the base station has a steering device designed to generate a controlled steering movement of the at least one pull rope such that a minimum lift force acts on the wind attack element to keep the air attack element in the air.

[0026] In one embodiment, the steering device includes a control unit configured to pull and release the at least one tow cable and to regulate the horizontal movement relative to the base, the base station being arranged on a base. Preferably, the base is a flat surface on an oil rig. In an alternative embodiment, the base is the upper deck of a ship. Another possible base is a section of beach.

[0027] In an alternative embodiment, the at least one sensor is connected to a data processing unit via an electrical connection.

[0028] The electrical connection is established via an electrical cable between one or more sensors and the data processing unit. The electrical cable is attached to or integrated into the pull rope.

[0029] Due to the direct electrical connection between the data processing unit and one or more sensors, a higher data transmission rate is possible compared to wireless transmission.

[0030] In one embodiment, the at least one sensor is connected to a data processing unit via a wireless connection.

[0031] In both wired electrical and wireless connections between one or more sensors and the data processing unit, the measuring circuit is integrated into the sensor or directly electrically connected to the sensor.

[0032] In one embodiment, the data processing unit is arranged on the base, preferably the data processing unit being encompassed by the base station or being electrically connected to it.

[0033] In one embodiment, the device is designed to transmit energy unidirectionally from the file processing unit to the at least one sensor, as well as data bidirectionally, in particular concerning the measured quantity.

[0034] At least one of the measured quantities is the concentration of a gaseous analyte, wherein the gaseous analyte is selected from a hydrocarbon that is gaseous under standard conditions, preferably methane, CO2, H2S or a nitrogen oxide (NO, NO2).

[0035] In one embodiment, the wind attack element has an aerodynamic profile and is designed as a screen or a wing.

[0036] Preferably, the material of the wind-resistant element, which is designed as a canopy, is made of a stable, tear-resistant, load-bearing, lightweight, thin, tightly woven, and as airtight as possible material. Possible materials include silk, nylon, or ripstop.

[0037] A ripstop fabric is woven from a combination of nylon and polyester yarns. The nylon yarn makes up between 40% and 80% of the fabric, while the polyester yarn makes up between 20% and 60% of the finished fabric. The fabric can be woven in a ripstop pattern. The front side of the ripstop fabric can be coated with one or more durable water-repellent and silicone coatings, while the back side is coated with polyurethane.

[0038] The ripstop fabric has an uncoated weight between 23 and 40 g / m². 2 , while the ripstop fabric has a coated weight between 29 and 50 g / m² 2 exhibits.

[0039] Preferably, the material of the towing rope and the one or more straps is made of a tear-resistant, lightweight, load-bearing and flexible material.

[0040] The invention further relates to a method for continuously measuring one or more gaseous analytes in the air, comprising the device according to one embodiment comprising a data processing unit, wherein i) the data processing unit supplies the at least one sensor with energy and ii) the data processing unit and the at least one sensor exchange data bidirectionally, wherein iii) the at least one sensor measures the analyte concentration without interruption.

[0041] In one embodiment, the analyte is selected from a hydrocarbon that is gaseous under standard conditions, preferably from methane, CO2, H2S or a nitrogen oxide (NO, NO2).

[0042] The invention also relates to the use of the device according to the invention or an embodiment thereof for the early detection of leaks during the transport of fossil fuels or during the transport of gaseous fuels, preferably in the offshore sector.

[0043] All embodiments of the device, method and use described above can be combined with each other, provided this is technically possible.

[0044] The invention is explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the embodiment shown in the drawing.

[0045] It shows

[0046] Fig. 1 shows the device according to the invention.

[0047] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the device according to the invention. The device comprises a wind-engaging element 2 and a plurality of belts 10, each having a first end 11 and a second end 12. The belts 10 can also be replaced by metal rods made of a light metal, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0048] The device according to the invention also comprises a traction cable 3, having a sensor or several sensors 6 at a first end 4 and a second end 5, and a base station 7 comprising a traction cable storage unit 8. The traction cable storage unit 8 is designed to pull and release a section of the traction cable and to wind and unwind it on the base station 7.

[0049] Each strap 10 or each rod 10 connects the pull rope 3 to the wind-attachment element 2, wherein the first end 11 of each plurality of straps 10 or rods 10 is connected to the first end of the pull rope 4, and the second end 12 of each plurality of straps 10 or rods 10 is connected to the wind-attachment element 2. Preferably, the connection is a mechanical connection.

[0050] The at least one sensor 6 is arranged at least 1 m downstream of the wind attack element 2, preferably 1-3 m downstream of the wind attack element 2. A position 1-5 m downstream of the wind attack element 2 is also possible. For example, the at least one sensor 6 is attached to the first end of the pull rope 4 or to a first end of one of the straps 11.

[0051] The device includes a steering device 13 configured to generate a controlled steering movement of the pull rope 3 such that a minimum lift force FAM acts on the wind attack element 2 to keep the air attack element aloft. The steering device 13 includes a control device 15 configured to pull and release the pull rope 3 and to regulate the horizontal movement relative to the base 14.

[0052] The wind attack element 2 has a concave surface 9 facing the airflow, which is designed to generate a lift force F2 on the wind attack element 2 when an airflow force Fi is present, thereby exerting a pulling force FT on the tow rope away from the direction of the base station 7. To ensure that the wind attack element 2, containing one or more sensors 6, is not positioned directly above the base surface in the air, the tow rope 3 has a length of at least 50 m, preferably a length of 50 m up to 1 km.

[0053] Reference symbol list

[0054] (1) Device

[0055] (2) Wind attack element

[0056] (3) Pull rope

[0057] (4) first end of the pull rope

[0058] (5) second end of the pull rope

[0059] (6) one or more sensors

[0060] (7) Base station

[0061] (8) Traction cable storage

[0062] (9) concave surface of the wind attack element facing the flow

[0063] (10) Straps or bars

[0064] (11) first end of rhymes or rods

[0065] (12) second end of rhymes or rods

[0066] (13) Steering device

[0067] (14) Base area

[0068] (15) Control device

[0069] (16) electrical connection

[0070] (17) Data processing unit

[0071] (18) wireless connection

[0072] (Fi) Flow force

[0073] (F2) Buoyancy force

[0074] (FT) Tensile force

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (1) for monitoring gaseous emissions in industrial plants or during the transport of fossil fuels, comprising a wind attack element (2), at least one pull rope (3), wherein the at least one pull rope (3) has a first end (4) and a second end (5), wherein the at least one pull rope (3) is directly or indirectly connected to the wind attack element (2) at its first end (4), at least one sensor (6), which is preferably arranged at least 1 m downstream of the wind attack element (2), more preferably 1-3 m downstream of the wind attack element (2) and is connected to the at least one pull rope (3), and a Base station (7) comprising a cable storage unit (8) to which the second end (5) of the at least one cable (3) is connected, wherein the wind attack element (2) has a flow-facing concave surface (9) in order to exert a lift force (F2) on the wind attack element in the event of a flow force (F1) of a wind. (2) to generate and thereby exert a pulling force (FT) on the haul rope (3) away from the direction of the base station (7).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one traction rope (3) has a length of 50 m to a length of 1 km.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one traction cable storage unit (8) is designed to pull and release a section at the second end (5) of the at least one traction cable (3) and to wind and unwind it on the base station (7).

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a pull rope (3), wherein the pull rope (3) and the wind attack element (2) are indirectly connected via an even number of straps (10) or poles (10), wherein the first end (11) of each strap (10) or pole (10) is connected to the first end of the pull rope (4) and the second end (12) of each strap (10) or pole (10) is connected to the wind attack element (2).

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3 comprising at least two traction ropes (3), wherein each traction rope (3) is directly connected at its first end (4) to the wind attack element (2) and at its second end (5) to the traction rope storage (8).

6. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one sensor (6) is a gas sensor (6) configured to measure a gaseous analyte, wherein the analyte is selected from a hydrocarbon that is gaseous under standard conditions, preferably from methane, CO2, H2S or nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2).

7. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the base station (7) has a steering device (13) which is configured to generate a controlled steering movement of the at least one traction cable (3) such that a minimum lift force (FAM) acts on the wind attack element (2) to keep the air attack element in the air.

8. Device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the steering device (13) has a control device (15) configured to pull and loosen the at least one pull rope (3) and to regulate the horizontal movement relative to one of the base surfaces (14), wherein the base station (7) is arranged on the base surface.

9. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one sensor (6) is connected to a data processing unit (17) via an electrical connection (16).

10. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one sensor (6) is / are connected to a data processing unit (17) via a wireless connection (18).

11. Device (1) according to one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the data processing unit (17) is arranged on the base (14), wherein preferably the data processing unit (17) is encompassed by the base station (7) or is electrically connected to it.

12. Device (1) according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the device (1) is configured to transmit energy unidirectionally from the data processing unit (17) to the at least one sensor (6), and data bidirectionally, in particular relating to the process variable.

13. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the wind attack element (2) has an aerodynamic profile and is designed as a screen or as a wing.

14. Method for continuously measuring one or more gaseous analytes in the air, comprising the device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein i) the data processing unit (17) supplies the at least one sensor (6) with energy and ii) the data processing unit (17) and the at least one sensor (6) exchange data bidirectionally, wherein iii) the at least one sensor (6) measures the analyte concentration without interruption.

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein the analyte is selected from a hydrocarbon that is gaseous under standard conditions, preferably from methane, CO2, H2S or a nitrogen oxide (NO, NO2).

16. Use of the device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 for the early detection of leaks during the transport of fossil fuels or during the transport of gaseous fuels, preferably the transport taking place in the offshore area.

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