Electromotive cleaning of assets

Abstract

An asset cleaning system may include an asset in an unclean state and a vessel containing a host fluid, where the vessel has a shape and a size that are configured to receive the asset, immersed in the host fluid. The asset cleaning system may also include a cathode disposed within the host fluid in the vessel, where the cathode avoids direct contact with the asset. The asset cleaning system may also include a power source electrically coupled to the cathode and the asset, where the power source, when activated, provides direct current power, where the cathode, an electrolyte in the host fluid, and the asset complete an electrical circuit with the power source, and where the electrolyte is configured to react with impurities on the asset when the power source is activated.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01ELECTROMOTIVE CLEANING OF ASSETSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 63 / 683,127 titled “ELECTROMOTIVE CLEANING OF ASSETS” and filed on August 14, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application is related to cleaning assets and, more particularly, to cleaning assets using electromotive technology.BACKGROUND

[0003] Assets (pipelines, tanks, etc.) impacted with mercury, scale, and / or other hazardous substances pose a significant risk, particularly during asset retirement. In the current art, these assets are cleaned by submersion in large tanks of concentrated sulfuric acid, by mechanical abrasion, and / or by high pressure (e.g., 2500 bar) water jetting. These various cleaning methods in the current art are costly in terms of time and expenses (e.g., labor, chemicals, setting up and taking down scaffolding, etc.). These various cleaning methods in the current art also pose potential dangers (e.g., use of hazardous chemicals, handling resulting hazardous waste, high pressures) to a user. These various cleaning methods in the current art also produce a large amount of hazardous liquid waste that needs to be properly handled and disposed of.

[0004] For example, subsea pipelines that are being decommissioned in the current art are broken down into sections (e.g., 12 meters long), removed from the subsea environment, transported to a special treatment facility on land, submerge the sections of pipe in a vessel filled with sulfuric acid for a period of time (e.g., 8 hours, 48 hours) long enough to remove a sufficient amount (e.g., no more than 20 mg / kg of pipe) of one or more various contaminants (e.g., mercury, naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM), scale), and then delivered to a smelter at another location for scrap recycling. However, the pipelines may only be delivered for scrap if they meet a hazardous waste limit (e.g., no more than 20 mg / kg total mercury). This costly process involves large amounts of sulfuric acid and waste disposal, and there are health and safety risks to people and the environment due to the sulfuric acid and resulting waste.Attorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01SUMMARY

[0005] In general, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to an asset cleaning system. The asset cleaning system can include an asset in an unclean state. The asset cleaning system can also include a vessel containing a host fluid, where the vessel has a shape and a size that are configured to receive the asset, immersed in the host fluid, and where the host fluid includes an electrolyte. The asset cleaning system can also include a cathode disposed within the host fluid in the vessel. The asset cleaning system can further include a power source having a first terminal electrically coupled to the cathode and a second terminal electrically coupled to the asset, where the power source, when activated, provides direct current power, where the cathode, the electrolyte in the host fluid, and the asset complete an electrical circuit with the power source, and where the electrolyte in the host fluid is configured to react with impurities on an outer surface of the asset when the power source is activated.

[0006] In yet another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method for cleaning an asset. The method can include inserting a cathode relative to the asset within a host fluid in a vessel, where the cathode avoids direct contact with the asset, where the cathode is electrically coupled to a first terminal of a direct current power source, and where the host fluid includes an electrolyte. The method can also include activating the direct current power source for a period of time, where the electrolyte in the host fluid is configured to react with impurities on an outer surface of the asset when the power source is activated to form a product that is separable from the asset.

[0007] These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The drawings illustrate only example embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope, as the example embodiments may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the example embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or positions may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the drawings, the same reference numerals used in different figures may designate like or corresponding but not necessarily identical elements.

[0009] FIG. 1A shows a cross-sectional view of an asset in the form of a pipe for which example embodiments may be used.Attorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01

[0010] FIG. IB shows a photograph of a detailed view of deterioration of the asset of FIG. 1 A.

[0011] FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a system for cleaning assets using electromotive technology according to certain example embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 3 shows a system diagram of a controller of an asset cleaning system according to certain example embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 4 shows a computing device according to certain example embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a method for cleaning an asset according to certain example embodiments.

[0015] FIGS. 6 through 8 show images of an asset over time during an electromotive cleaning process according to certain example embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 9 shows a graph of mercury on an asset using different cleaning techniques, including electromotive cleaning according to certain example embodiments.

[0017] FIGS. 10 through 14 show images of another asset over time during an electromotive cleaning process according to certain example embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 15 shows a graph of mercury on an asset using different cleaning techniques, including electromotive cleaning according to certain example embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 16 shows a graph of erosion of assets based on different current densities using electromotive cleaning according to certain example embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 17 shows another graph of erosion of assets based on different current densities using electromotive cleaning according to certain example embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 18 shows a graph of steel removal versus mercury removal using electromotive cleaning according to certain example embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 19 shows a subassembly of a metal asset cleaning system according to certain example embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 20 shows a subassembly of a metal asset cleaning system that includes the subassembly of FIG. 19 according to certain example embodiments.

[0024] FIGS. 21A and 21B show various views of another subassembly of a metal asset cleaning system according to certain example embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 22 shows a subassembly of a metal asset cleaning system that includes the subassembly of FIGS. 21 A and 2 IB according to certain example embodiments.

[0026] FIGS. 23A and 23B show various views of still another subassembly of a metal assetAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 cleaning system according to certain example embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 24 shows a spacing component of a metal asset cleaning system according to certain example embodiments.

[0028] FIGS. 25A and 25B show yet another subassembly of a metal asset cleaning system according to certain example embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 26 shows another subassembly of a metal asset cleaning system according to certain example embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 27 shows yet another subassembly of a metal asset cleaning system according to certain example embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 28 shows another subassembly of a metal asset cleaning system according to certain example embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 29 shows an exploded view of yet another subassembly of a metal asset cleaning system according to certain example embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The example embodiments discussed herein are directed to systems, apparatus, methods, and devices for cleaning assets using electromotive technology. Use of example embodiments may allow for cleaning assets in a controlled environment or while the assets are in situ. As defined herein, an asset is an object that is susceptible to having contaminants (e.g., corrosion, mercury) accumulate on one or more of its outer surfaces. Examples of an asset may include, but are not limited to, a pipe (e g., from a pipeline, from a piping network used in a manufacturing process), a collar, a structure (e.g., a structure used to support a piping network, a base to support a vessel, an understructure of a platform), an I-beam, an electrical enclosure (e.g., a junction box), a vessel (e.g., a tank), a valve, a fastening device (e.g., a bolt, a screw, a rivet, a nut, a washer), a bracket, a riser, a flange, a pig launcher, and a cover (e.g., used as a roof or overhang). An asset may be a standalone component or an assembly of components (e.g., a pipeline segment of 8 pipes). Use of example embodiments for cleaning assets using electromotive technology may be designed to comply with certain standards and / or requirements.

[0034] As defined herein, cleaning an asset means removing some or all impurities along an outer surface of an asset. Such impurities may include, but are not limited to, oxide, hydroxide, sulfide, mercury, and zinc. In some cases, these impurities may be considered hazardous or toxic materials, and so removing these impurities may present health and safety issues if they are notAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 processed and / or handled in a prescribed manner. Examiner embodiments are designed to result in capturing these impurities as a solid (rather than a liquid or a gas), thereby greatly reducing or eliminating any risk that these impurities may cause when the asset is cleaned.

[0035] Example embodiments using electromotive cleaning technology is a sustainable process that uses a low voltage direct current (DC) power and a host fluid that includes electrolytes (e.g., seawater) to clean or otherwise treat assets (e.g., pipelines, tanks, heat exchangers) that are contaminated (e.g., with mercury, with NORM, with scale). Specifically, example embodiments use the assets having contamination as sacrificial anodes when DC power is applied. The contaminants that need to be removed are largely embedded in the corrosion matrices on the outer surface of an asset (e.g., the exterior of a pipeline), and example embodiments use an electromotive process to accelerate the corrosion process to make those contaminants easier to remove and to keep those contaminants in solid form for easier handling and disposal.

[0036] After cleaning using example embodiments, the assets are rendered clean and suitable for recycling. Electromotive cleaning using example embodiments is based on the principle of using an impressed DC current for corrosion protection, but in this case the impacted assets are submerged in the host fluid. Also, in this case, the electrical current is reversed so that the contaminated assets act as a sacrificial anode using electromotive force, which is the difference in electrical potential between two electrodes immersed in the host fluid (i.e., an electrolyte solution).

[0037] When a DC current is applied in this environment, an electrochemical reaction occurs that dissolves the top layer of the assets and creates solid ferrous iron hydroxides. Mercury, NORM, scale, and other waste materials adhered to the surface of the assets are then easily removed by mechanical agitation or rinsing. The host fluid may be reused indefinitely for cleaning or otherwise treatment of multiple assets or groups thereof. This efficiency may improve over time as the concentration of dissolved species within the host fluid naturally increases over time. As the mercury, NORM, scale, and other contaminant wastes are not dissolved into the liquid and remain in solid form, the hazardous waste can be easily separated from the host fluid.

[0038] Example embodiments offer several advantages over the current art. For example, electromotive cleaning using example embodiments is cost-effective. Electromotive cleaning requires only a low voltage power source, a readily available host fluid (e.g., seawater), and simple and low cost equipment (e.g., a steel electrode, wires, metallic brushes). Unlike acid, host fluid such as seawater does not become depleted and may be recycled for multiple treatments.Attorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01Electromotive cleaning eliminates the use of acid and greatly reduces the volume of the waste, both of which constitute about 70% of the cost of conventional cleaning with acid.

[0039] As another example, electromotive cleaning using example embodiments is fast relative to currently used cleaning methods. Specifically, electromotive cleaning can achieve a high degree of decontamination in a short period of time because the electrochemical reaction is rapid and efficient. For instance, electromotive cleaning may clean pipeline sections or tank surfaces in 1 to 4 hours of treatment in comparison with day(s) for conventional cleaning.

[0040] As yet another example, electromotive cleaning using example embodiments is safe relative to currently used cleaning methods. Specifically, electromotive cleaning eliminates the exposure of workers to hazardous substances (e.g., large submersion pools of sulfuric acid) and working with high pressure waterjets from a scaffolding at heights. Electromotive cleaning using example embodiments operates at a low voltage (e.g., less than 30 volts DC), which is inherently safe for direct human contact.

[0041] As still another example, electromotive cleaning using example embodiments is sustainable relative to currently used cleaning methods. Specifically, electromotive cleaning is an environmentally friendly process that does not generate harmful emissions (e.g., sulfur dioxide, mercury vapor). Electromotive cleaning may conserve water and energy by using seawater, which may be recycled and has a low power requirement. Electromotive cleaning vastly minimizes the volume of waste generation and facilitates required for waste management. By contrast, with some conventional treatments, acid is depleted with each treatment cycle, and mercury, NORM, scale, and / or other contaminant materials is dissolved in the liquid such that the entire volume of depleted acid becomes hazardous waste.

[0042] The use of the terms “about”, “approximately”, and similar terms applies to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of ordinary skill in the art would consider as a reasonable amount of deviation to the recited numeric values (i.e., having the equivalent function or result). For example, this term may be construed as including a deviation of ±10 percent of the given numeric value provided such a deviation does not alter the end function or result of the value. Therefore, a value of about 1% may be construed to be a range from 0.9% to 1.1%. Furthermore, a range may be construed to include the start and the end of the range. For example, a range of 10% to 20% (i.e., range of 10%- 20%) includes 10% and also includes 20%, and includes percentages in between 10% and 20%,Attorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Similarly, a range of between 10% and 20% (i.e., range between 10% - 20%) includes 10% and also includes 20%, and includes percentages in between 10% and 20%, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein.

[0043] It is understood that when combinations, subsets, groups, etc. of elements are disclosed (e.g., combinations of components in a composition, or combinations of steps in a method), that while specific reference of each of the various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these elements may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. By way of example, if an item is described herein as including a component of type A, a component of type B, a component of type C, or any combination thereof, it is understood that this phrase describes all of the various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these components.

[0044] For example, in some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include only a component of type A. In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include only a component of type B. In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include only a component of type C. In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include a component of type A and a component of type B. In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include a component of type A and a component of type C. In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include a component of type B and a component of type C. In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include a component of type A, a component of type B, and a component of type C.

[0045] In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include two or more components of type A (e.g., Al and A2). In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include two or more components of type B (e.g., Bl and B2). In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include two or more components of type C (e.g., Cl and C2). In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include two or more of a first component (e.g., two or more components of type A (Al and A2)), optionally one or more of a second component (e.g., optionally one or more components of type B), and optionally one or more of a third component (e.g., optionally one or more components of type C).

[0046] In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include two or more of a first component (e.g., two or more components of type B (Bl and B2)), optionally one or more of a second component (e.g., optionally one or more components of type A), and optionally oneAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 or more of a third component (e.g., optionally one or more components of type C). In some embodiments, the item described by this phrase could include two or more of a first component (e.g., two or more components of type C (Cl and C2)), optionally one or more of a second component (e.g., optionally one or more components of type A), and optionally one or more of a third component (e.g., optionally one or more components of type B).

[0047] If a component of a figure is described but not expressly shown or labeled in that figure, the label used for a corresponding component in another figure may be inferred to that component. Conversely, if a component in a figure is labeled but is not described, the description for such component may be substantially the same as the description for the corresponding component in another figure. The numbering scheme for the various components in the figures herein is such that each component is a three-digit number or a four-digit number, and corresponding components in other figures have the identical last two digits. For any figure shown and described herein, one or more of the components may be omitted, added, repeated, and / or substituted. Accordingly, embodiments shown in a particular figure should not be considered limited to the specific arrangements of components shown in such figure.

[0048] Further, a statement that a particular embodiment (e.g., as shown in a figure herein) does not have a particular feature or component does not mean, unless expressly stated, that such embodiment is not capable of having such feature or component. For example, for purposes of present or future claims herein, a feature or component that is described as not being included in an example embodiment shown in one or more particular drawings is capable of being included in one or more claims that correspond to such one or more particular drawings herein.

[0049] Example embodiments of cleaning assets using electromotive technology will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of cleaning assets using electromotive technology are shown. Cleaning assets using electromotive technology may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of cleaning assets using electromotive technology to those of ordinary skill in the art. Like, but not necessarily the same, elements (also sometimes called components) in the various figures are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency.

[0050] Terms such as “first”, “second”, “primary,” “secondary,” “above”, “below”, “inner”,Attorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01“outer”, “distal”, “proximal”, “end”, “top”, “bottom”, “upper”, “lower”, “side”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear”, and “within”, when present, are used merely to distinguish one component (or part of a component or state of a component) from another. This list of terms is not exclusive. Such terms are not meant to denote a preference or a particular orientation, and they are not meant to limit embodiments of cleaning assets using electromotive technology. In the following detailed description of the example embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0051] FIG. 1A shows a cross-sectional view of an asset 145 in the form of a steel pipe for which example embodiments may be used. FIG. IB shows a photograph of a detailed view of deterioration of the asset 145 of FIG. 1A. The asset 145 of FIG. 1 is contaminated from being used in the field (e.g., as a subsea pipeline) over a period of time. The contamination of the asset 145 has resulted in transforming the asset 145 into a number of layers. In this example, there are a total of four layers. While FIG. 1A shows that the layers are smooth and discretely defined, in reality, as shown in FIG. IB, each layer may have undulating borders that may be mixed with part of an adjacent layer.

[0052] The outer layer 171 of the asset 145 is substantially uncontaminated as the fluid 175 (e g., natural gas) inside the asset 145 is the cause of the contamination. lust inside the outer layer 171 is a layer 172 of scale (e.g., iron oxide, sulfide). Inside the layer 172 of scale is a layer 173 of mercury sulfide (HgS). The layer 173 may be relatively thin (e.g., a few microns thick). Inside the layer 173 of mercury sulfide (HgS) is a layer 174 of wax and asphalt with debris from formation fines (with HgS), rust (with HgS), and dissolved elemental mercury. The layer 174 is directly exposed to the fluid 175.

[0053] In the detailed view of FIG. IB, the layer 172 of scale form unevenly along the inner surface of the outer layer 171. The layer 172 of scale has a number (in this case, three) of sublayers 176 that show the non-discrete transition between the layer 172 of scale and the outer layer 171 and the non-discrete transition between the layer 172 of scale and the layer 173 of HgS. Sublayer 176-1, adjacent to the outer layer 171, is made up mostly of metal scale. Sublayer 176-2, between sublayer 176-1 and the layer 173 of HgS, is made up mostly of formation material (e.g., Al, Ti,Attorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01Si). Each of the two sublayers 176-3 is a Hg-rich pocket within sublayer 176-2. The sublayers 176-3 are adjacent to the layer 173 of HgS and receive the Hg from the layer 173 of HgS. FIG. IB shows that the layer 173 of HgS is relatively very thin (e.g., 0.1 mm) compared to the layer 172 of scale and the layer 174.

[0054] FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a system 200 for cleaning assets 245 using electromotive technology according to certain example embodiments. The system 200 of FIG. 2 includes an example asset cleaning system 290, one or more users 251 (including one or more optional user systems 255), and a network manager 280. The asset cleaning system 290 may include one or more host fluid component sources 228, a vessel 261, an optional condition control apparatus 278, a mobility apparatus 265, an optional processing system 295, one or more sensor devices 260, one or more controllers 204, one or more power sources 254, a material conveyance system 288, and one or more valves 285. The vessel 261 is configured to hold a host fluid 229, one or more assets 245, one or more electrical connectors 252, one or more cathodes 253, and one or more products 239. In some cases, the asset cleaning system 290 may also include the host fluid 229, the one or more assets 245, the one or more electrical connectors 252, the one or more cathodes 253, and the one or more products 239.

[0055] The components shown in FIG. 2 are not exhaustive, and in some embodiments, one or more of the components shown in FIG. 2 may not be included in the example system 200. Any component of the system 200 may be discrete or combined with one or more other components of the system 200. Also, one or more components of the system 200 may have different configurations. For example, one or more sensor devices 260 may be disposed within or disposed on other components (e.g., the material conveyance system 288, a valve 285, a fluid component source 228, the vessel 261). As another example, a controller 204, rather than being a stand-alone device, may be part of one or more other components (e.g., a fluid component source 228, one or more of the power source 254, the condition control apparatus 278) of the system 200.

[0056] Incorporating the description above with respect to FIGS. 1A and IB, each host fluid component source 228 of the system 200 of FIG. 2 may hold one or more host fluid components 227. A host fluid component source 228 may include, but is not limited to, a natural vessel (e.g., land that forms walls to contain saltwater) and a man-made storage tank or other type of vessel. Each host fluid component 227 may be or include a liquid, a solid, and / or a gas. A host fluid component 227 may be in the form of a liquid, a gas, and / or a solid. A single host fluid componentAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01227 or a mixture of multiple host fluid components 227 may be disposed in a host fluid component source 228.

[0057] Examples of a host fluid component 227 may include, but are not limited to, salt crystals, saltwater, freshwater, sodium, calcium, potassium, chloride, phosphate, magnesium, sodium hydroxide, sodium chloride, hydrochloric acid, and acetic acid. In some cases, multiple host fluid components 227 may be combined to form a host fluid 229. In some other cases, a single host fluid component 227 may also be a host fluid 229.

[0058] The host fluid components 227 are moved from each host fluid component source 228 toward the vessel 261 using a conveyance system 288. The conveyance system 288 may be configured to extract one or more of the host fluid components 227 from a host fluid component source 228 and / or convey one or more of the host fluid components 227 through the conveyance system 288 toward the vessel 261. The conveyance system 288 may additionally or alternatively be configured mix multiple host fluid components 227 into the host fluid 229 before the host fluid 229 reaches the vessel 261. Alternatively, multiple host fluid components 227 may be delivered separately from a host fluid component source 228 to the vessel 261. In such a case, the host fluid 229 is formed in the vessel 261 when the various host fluid components 227 are combined in the vessel 261.

[0059] The conveyance system 288 may include one or more of a number of pieces of equipment to perform its function. Examples of such equipment may include, but are not limited to, a compressor, a motor, a pump, a conveyer, a truck or other vehicle, a rail system, a crane, a shaker, a vibrator, piping, a fan, a blower, a valve (e.g., valve 285), a controller (e.g., controller 204), and a sensor device (e.g., sensor device 260). Some or all of the conveyance system 288 may operate using a controller (e.g., controller 204). In addition, or in the alternative, one or more users 251 may perform one or more of the various functions required to move one or more of the host fluid components 227 and / or one or more of the host fluids 229 using the conveyance system 288. The conveyance system 288 may include any components, devices, subsystems, etc. that transport the host fluid components 227 and the host fluid 229 within the system 200 from one component to another component. The conveyance system 288 may be configured to transport solids, liquids, and / or gases.

[0060] For example, in order to transport liquids and gases within the system 200, the conveyance system 288 may include piping. In such a case, the piping of the conveyance systemAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01288 may include multiple pipes, ducts, elbows, joints, sleeves, collars, and similar components that are coupled to each other (e.g., using coupling features such as mating threads) to establish a network for transporting such liquids and / or gases within the system 200. Each component of the piping of the conveyance system 288 may have an appropriate size (e.g., inner diameter, outer diameter) and be made of an appropriate material (e g., steel, PVC) to safely and efficiently handle the pressure, temperature, flow rate, and other characteristics of the liquids and / or gases that flow therethrough. As another example, in order to transport solids within the system 200, the conveyance system 288 may include conveyer belts, trucks, bulldozers, backhoes, and / or other similar equipment.

[0061] There may be a number of valves 285 placed directly or indirectly in-line with the conveyance system 288 (or portions thereof) at various locations in the system 200 to control the flow of the host fluid components 227 and / or the host fluids 229 in liquid and / or gas form. A valve 285 may have one or more of any of a number of configurations, including but not limited to a guillotine valve, a ball valve, a gate valve, a butterfly valve, a pinch valve, a needle valve, a plug valve, a diaphragm valve, and a globe valve. One valve 285 may be configured the same as or differently compared to another valve 285 in the system 200. Also, one valve 285 may be controlled (e.g., manually by a user 251, automatically by a controller 204) the same as or differently compared to another valve 285 in the system 200.

[0062] In some cases, positioned within the material conveyance system 288 between the fluid component sources 228 and the vessel 261 may be an optional processing system 295. Such a processing system 295 may be designed to process (e.g., mix, heat, dry, cool, dehumidify, hydrate, stimulate, agitate, separate) some or all of one or more host fluid components 227 and / or some or all of one or more host fluids 229 at a point in time and / or over a period of time.

[0063] Such a processing system 295 may include one or more of a number of various pieces of equipment. Such equipment may include, but is not limited to, a pump, a motor, a fdter, a centrifuge, a heater, a blower, a condenser, a vessel, a funnel, a strainer, a separator, an agitator, a paddle, a circulating system, an aerator, a heat exchanger, a column, a test tube, a separator, a mixer (e.g., a centrifuge mixer, a desander, a tumbler mixer, a homogenizer, a static mixer, a drum mixer, a fluidization mixer, agitator mixers, paddle mixers, an emulsifier, a drum mixer, a pail mixer, a convective mixer, an agitator, a batch mixer, and a ribbon mixer), a controller (e.g., controller 204), and a sensor device (e.g., sensor device 260).Attorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01

[0064] The processing system 295 may operate substantially continuously (as when the host fluid components 227 substantially continuously flow into the vessel 261) or at intervals (as when the host fluid components 227 are introduced into the vessel 261 intermittently). The processing system 295 may be or include a single apparatus (with or without multiple portions) or multiple apparatus (or portions thereof) that operate in series and / or in parallel with each other. As an example, the processing system 295 may include a temperature conditioning portion, a mixing portion, a drying portion, and a separating portion that operate in series with each other. As another example, the processing system 295 may include multiple mixers that operate in parallel with each other, where each mixer may mix one or more host fluid components 227 into a different host fluid 229 simultaneously.

[0065] In some cases, the conveyance system 288 may be configured to facilitate removal of one or more of the products 239 and / or some or all of the host fluid 229 from the vessel 261. In such cases, the processing system 295 may further be configured to process the products 239 and / or the host fluid 229. For example, the processing system 295 may be configured to package the product 239 for storage. As another example, the processing system 295 may be configured to filter the host fluid 229 and recirculate the filtered host fluid 229 to the vessel 261 for subsequent use in cleaning the assets 245. For instance, the processing system 295 may be configured to increase the density and reduce the volume of accumulated material (e.g., solid iron oxide / mercury waste material) through addition of a host fluid component 227 in the form of a common iron flocculant (e.g., ferric chloride, ferric sulfate).

[0066] The processing system 295 may control various aspects (e.g., temperature, pressure, flow rate) of the host fluid components 227 and / or the host fluid 229 before reaching the vessel 261. The processing system 295 may be controlled by a user 251 (e.g., a human being), including an associated user system 255, by a controller 204, by its own controller (e.g., similar to a controller 204), and / or by the network manager 280. In certain example embodiments, the vessel 261 and / or other components of the asset cleaning system 290 is configured in such a way that, rather than the vessel 261 being filled with the host fluid 229 so that the assets 245 are submerged in the host fluid 229, the host fluid 229 flows (e.g., using the processing system 295 and / or the conveyance system 288) over some or all of the assets 245 within the vessel 261 during the electromotive process.

[0067] In some cases, some or all of the processing system 295 may be operated, paused,Attorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 and / or stopped so that the host fluid components 227 and / or the host fluid 229 are in place in sufficient quantity and type within the vessel 261 when the assets 245 are being cleaned and / or otherwise processed. The conveyance system 288 and / or the processing system 295 may operate using one or more algorithms 333, one or more protocols 332, and / or stored data 334 (all discussed below).

[0068] To control the composition of the host fluid 229 at a given point in time, the amount of one or more of the host fluid components 227 that are released or withdrawn from the one or more host fluid component sources 228 may be regulated in real time. This regulation may be performed automatically by a controller 204 and / or manually by a user 251 (which may include an associated user system 255). This regulation may be performed using equipment such as the processing system 295 (including portions thereof), pumps, compressors, the conveyance system 288, valves 285, regulators, sensor devices 260, etc. A host fluid component 227 of a host fluid component source 228 may have any of a number of different compositions that are naturally occurring, created (e.g., mixed), and / or man-made.

[0069] Each power source 254 of the asset cleaning system 290 may be or include a source of DC power. For example, a power source 254 may be or include an ACZDC transformer hooked up to a mains power circuit. Other examples of a power source 254 may include, but are not limited to, an energy storage device (e.g., a battery), a supercapacitor, and a non-inverted photovoltaic system. In some cases, a power source 254 may also be or include a passive circuit having different metals with different potentials to create a current. Each power source 254 is configured to have multiple terminals 277 that are accessible from outside the power source 254. Each terminal 277 is electrically coupled to a leg (e.g., positive leg, negative leg) of the power source 254. Also, each terminal 277 is configured to be coupled to one or more power transfer links 287, where each power transfer link 287 carries voltage between the power source 254 and an asset 245 and / or a cathode 253 through an electrical connector 252 within the vessel 261.

[0070] When a power source 254 includes a battery, any type of battery technology (e.g., lithium ion, lead acid, alkaline, nickel-cadmium, zinc) may be used. A power source 254 may be configured to deliver DC power at a level (e.g., 24V, 12V, 10V, IV) needed for cleaning the assets 245 within the vessel 261. In some cases, a power source 254 may have an output that varies (e.g., in terms of voltage, in terms of current) over time. In such cases, the output of a power source 254 may be controlled automatically (e.g., by a controller 204 using a sensor device 260, one or moreAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 algorithms 333, one or more protocols 332, and / or stored data 334) and / or manually by a user 251 (including an associated user system 255).

[0071] A power source 254 may include one or more of a number of single or multiple discrete components (e.g., converter, transistor, diode, resistor, transformer) and / or a microprocessor. A power source 254 may include a printed circuit board, upon which the microprocessor and / or one or more discrete components are positioned. In some cases, a power source 254 may send power to a cathode 253 using inductive power transfer (also sometimes referred to as passive power transfer) through one or more of its terminals 277. When the asset cleaning system 290 includes multiple power sources 254, the configuration (e.g., capacity, source, type of power) of one power source 254 may be the same as, or different than, the configuration of one or more of the other power sources 254.

[0072] In certain example embodiments, a power source 254 provides DC power in a constant current configuration. For example, the current output by a power source 254 may be set at a level that is needed for a target corrosion rate. In such a case, the power source 254 may auto-regulate (e.g., using one or more sensor devices 260, using a controller 204) the voltage / power output to maintain the target current. For example, the power source 254 may be adjusted (e.g., automatically, manually (e.g., by a user 251) to provide an optimal current density (e.g., in amps / cm2) during an electromotive cleaning process to optimize the amount of product 239 that is generated from the contaminants on the assets 245 and / or to optimize the amount of time needed to generate enough product 239 to substantially remove the contaminants from the assets 245.

[0073] In certain example embodiments, the voltage of the power output by a power source 254 may decrease over time during treatment as the asset 245 is corroded and as the total dissolved solids concentration within the host fluid 229 (e.g., sea water) increases. Power output by a power source 254 may be decreased to achieve the same current density by increasing the amount of electrolytes (e.g., the salt content) within the host fluid 229 (e.g., the sea water). Changing the current density may change the rate at which the electromotive process takes to allow at least a target amount of contaminants (e.g., as determined by statute or regulation) to be removed from the asset 245. In some cases, the voltage of a power source 254 is less than a certain level (e.g., less than 30 V DC, less than 12 V DC) to make operation of the electromotive process a relatively safe procedure without the risk of significant shock or other electrical-related safety hazards.

[0074] In certain example embodiments, a power source 254 outputs low voltage (e.g., lessAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 than 30 V) DC current to clean contaminated (e.g., with mercury) assets 245 down to bare material (e.g., steel) with a limited amount of time (e.g., a few minutes, a few hours) of treatment using the electromotive process. The impacted layer does not extend deep into the surface of the asset 245. For example, for mercury impacted steel pipes, testing shows that removal of about 0.1 mm of material is sufficient to remove the mercury. The current is delivered through the cathode 253, and the impacted asset 245 becomes a sacrificial anode (electrode). The rate of corrosion may be highly correlated to the current density (e.g., between 0.16 Amps / cm2and 1.2 Amps / cm2for mercury contaminated steel pipes using seawater as the host fluid 229) and / or power density (e.g., between 1 Watt / cm2and 16 Watts / cm2for mercury contaminated steel pipes using seawater as the host fluid 229).

[0075] Each cathode 253 is configured to be made of an electrically conductive material. Each cathode 253 is configured to be coupled, directly or indirectly, to a terminal 277 (e.g., the negative leg) of a power source 254. The leg of power provided to an asset 245 is opposite the leg of power provided by a cathode 253. A cathode 253 may also be configured to avoid making direct contact with any assets 245 and with the electrical connectors 252 that are coupled to an asset 245 within the vessel 261 when the power source 254 is providing DC power to the cathode 253. A cathode253 may be configured to be submersed in the host fluid 229 within the vessel 261 when the power source 254 is providing DC power to the cathode 253. As an example, a cathode 253 may be fitted within the cavity of an asset 245 in the form of a pipeline section, and then the resulting assembly is submerged in a host fluid 229 in the form of seawater within a vessel 261 before the power source 254 is activated. In such a configuration, electrical current provided by the power source254 may travel approximately 5 cm to20 cm through the seawater between the asset 245 and cathode 253.

[0076] In some cases, a cathode 253 may have a higher cathodic potential than that of the asset 245 (e.g., higher than the cathodic potential of black steel when the asset 245 is a pipeline as most pipelines are constructed from black steel). In such cases, the applied current reduces the need for higher cathodic potential. The conductivity of a cathode 253 may be a factor in selecting the material of the cathode 253 in order to reduce system electrical resistance. For example, stainless steel has lower conductivity than black steel, and so the application of high current would result in excessive heating of the stainless steel when used in a cathode 253. The application of power in the form of DC current by a power source 254 may be designed to overcome any difference inAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 potential between different materials.

[0077] In certain example embodiments, a cathode 253 is in a fixed position with respect to an asset 245 during electromotive cleaning (e.g., while a power source 254 is activated and distributing DC power). Alternatively, a cathode 253 may move (e.g., rotate, slide forward and / or backward) with respect to an asset 245 during electromotive cleaning. Movement of a cathode 253 may be implemented by the condition control apparatus 278. In the example electromotive process, the current is applied through the cathode 253. By using multiple power sources 254 and / or multiple power transfer links 287 from one or more of the power sources 254 during electromotive cleaning of an asset 245, a relatively increased current delivery to the asset 245 may be made without needing over-sized wires and / or electrical connections (thereby saving costs, increasing the size of the asset 245 to be cleaned, and / or reducing space requirements within the vessel 261).

[0078] An asset 245 is substantially the same as what is discussed above. An asset 245 is at least partially, if not fully, made of an electrically conductive material (e.g., one or more metals, one or more carbon infused non-metallic materials). An asset 245 has some amount of impurity or contamination when it is introduced to the vessel 261. When the amount of impurity or contamination exceeds some threshold value (e.g., as set by a regulatory agency or statute), the asset 245 may be referred to as being in an unclean state. Examples of an impurity or contaminant may include, but are not limited to, mercury (including derivatives and / or compounds thereof), NORM, scale, sulfur (including derivatives and / or compounds thereof), and iron (including derivatives and / or compounds thereof).

[0079] Each impurity of an asset 245 is configured to react with an electrolyte in the host fluid 229 when the electromotive process is underway (i.e., when a power source 254 delivers DC power to a cathode 253, through the host fluid 229, and along the asset 245 before returning to the power source 254 through one or more electrical connectors 252 to complete the electrical circuit). In such a case, the electrically charged electrolyte reacts with the impurities on the outer surface of the asset 245, causing one or more products 239 to be generated. As this occurs, the impurities leave (become detached from) the asset 245, thereby cleaning the asset 245. In this way, the asset 245 serves as a sacrificial electrode.

[0080] In certain example embodiments, an asset 245 is characterized (e.g., identify extent of corrosion, identify location(s) of corrosion, identify corrosive agent(s), identify material of theAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 asset 245) before being placed in a vessel 261 for electromotive cleaning. Such a characterization of an asset 245 may lead to a specific regiment of cleaning (e.g., number and / or placement of electrical connector(s) 252 and / or cathode(s) 253, amount of power to apply, number of power sources 254 to use, chemical composition of the host fluid 229). If multiple assets 245 are to undergo electromotive cleaning according to certain example embodiments, assets 245 with similar characteristics may be processed consecutively reusing the same electrical connectors 252 to optimize use of the asset cleaning system 290.

[0081] In certain example embodiments, an electrical connector 252 is connected (e.g., a positive connection for DC power) to one end of an asset 245, and another electrical connector 252 is connected (e.g., a negative connection for DC power) to the opposite end of a cathode 253 disposed within or adj acent to the asset 245. Such a configuration provides a more uniform current density along the length of the asset 245, which thereby also provides more uniform corrosion along the length of the asset 245. In addition, a lesser amount of product 239 (e g., a lower amount of total dissolved solids) in the host fluid 229 within a vessel 261 leads to lower power consumption for the same current density. As a result, in some cases, the host fluid 229 in the vessel 261 is recycled (e.g., filtered, replenished) using the processing system 295 so that lower levels of power are consumed in order to generate the same results in terms of cleaning an asset 245. In such cases, the host fluid 229 may be recycled continually, periodically (e.g., every 20 minutes, every hour, every day), based on the occurrence of an event (e.g., total dissolved solids and / or other product 239 in the host fluid 229 exceeds a threshold value), and / or based on some other condition. The host fluid 229 in the vessel 261 may be actively filtered using a bag filter to remove the one or more of the products 239 (e.g., solids) and prolong the number of times that the host fluid 229 in the vessel 261 may be recycled (as well as reducing the overall volume of waste) before having to be replaced with a new host fluid 229.

[0082] The electrolyte used in the host fluid 229 may have one or more of a number of impacts on cleaning the asset 245. For example, the electrolyte used in the host fluid 229 may react with impurities on an outer surface of the asset 245 when the power source 254 is activated. As another example, the electrolyte used in the host fluid 229 may improve a cleaning rate and / or cleaning effectiveness of the asset 245. As yet another example, the electrolyte used in the host fluid 229 may reduce power usage when the power source 254 is activated.

[0083] A product 239 can take any form (e.g., a solid, a liquid, a gas) once created. In someAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 cases, a product 239 is separable from the host fluid 229 and the assets 245 within the vessel 261 . Examples of a product 239 may include, but are not limited to, mercury, a compound that includes mercury, scale, naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM), a compound that includes NORM, barite, a compound that includes barite, corrosion (e.g., corroded steel), arsenic, a compound that includes arsenic, sulfide, a compound that includes sulfide. As discussed above, once a product 239 is formed within the vessel 261, the processing system 295 and / or the conveyance system 288 may be used to remove the product 239 from the vessel 261.

[0084] As discussed above, in certain example embodiments, the host fluid 229 includes at least one electrolyte that is configured to conduct the flow of power through the host fluid 229 and react with one or more impurities on an outer surface of an asset 245 when DC power flows through the host fluid 229 and the asset 245. The host fluid 229 may be naturally occurring (e.g., saltwater) or made by mixing multiple host fluid components 227 to form the host fluid 229.

[0085] A vessel 261 of the asset cleaning system 290 may be configured to retain the assets 245, the electrical connectors 252, the cathodes 253, the host fluid 229, and the resulting products 239 before, during, and after the electromotive cleaning of the assets 245 has occurred. A vessel 261 of the asset cleaning system 290may be a natural vessel (e.g., land that forms walls to contain a liquid) or a man-made storage tank or other type of vessel (e.g., a bottle, a column). A vessel 261 of the asset cleaning system 290 may be configured to accommodate any of a number of parameters (e.g., pressure, temperature, acid or base content) needed to effectively clean the assets 245 using the electromotive cleaning process according to example embodiments.

[0086] The optional condition control apparatus 278 is configured to control a condition of the vessel 261 that may affect the contents (e.g., the assets 245, the host fluid 229). Examples of a condition that may be controlled by the optional condition control apparatus 278 may include, but are not limited to, temperature, pressure, and turbulence. For example, to control the temperature of the host fluid 229 and other contents of the vessel 261, the optional condition control apparatus 278 may be or include a heater, a heat exchanger, a chiller, a fan, and / or other related equipment.

[0087] As another example, to control turbulence and / or other form of agitation within the vessel 261, the condition control apparatus 278 may be or include a vibrator, a pump feeding a nozzle in a wall of the vessel, an agitator, a paddle, a brush, and / or other related equipment. Such turbulence may be used to encourage the products 239 that develop and accumulate on the outer surface of the assets 245 as a result of the electromotive cleaning to become dislodged. TheAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 condition control apparatus 278 may operate during the electromotive process and / or during a pause / stoppage of the electromotive process. As yet another example, to control the pressure within the vessel 261, the condition control apparatus 278 may be or include a compressor, a pressure relief valve, and / or other related equipment. In any case, a sensor device 260 and / or a controller 204 may be used to operate the condition control apparatus 278.

[0088] Each sensor device 260 of the asset cleaning system 290 includes one or more sensors that measure one or more parameters (e.g., pressure, flow rate, temperature, humidity, fluid content, solid content, weight, voltage, current, concentrations, etc.). Examples of a sensor of a sensor device 260 may include, but are not limited to, a temperature sensor, a flow sensor, a pressure sensor, a gas spectrometer, a voltmeter, an ammeter, a spectrograph, a gas chromatograph a scale, a proximity sensor, and a camera. A sensor device 260 may be a stand-alone device or integrated with another component (e.g., the vessel 261, the power source 254, the condition control apparatus 278, a host fluid component source 228) of the asset cleaning system 290. A sensor device 260 may measure a parameter continuously, at regular intervals of time, randomly, upon the occurrence of an event, or on some other basis. A sensor device 260 may operate autonomously, at the direction of a controller 204, at the direction of a user 251 (including an associated user system 255), and / or at the direction of some other entity of the system 200.

[0089] In some cases, a number of sensor devices 260, each measuring a different parameter, may be used in combination to determine and confirm whether a controller 204 of the asset cleaning system 290 should take a particular action (e.g., operate a valve 285, operate or adjust the operation of a power source 254, operate or adjust the operation of another sensor device 260, operate or adjust the operation of the condition control apparatus 278). When a sensor device 260 includes its own controller 204 (or portions thereof), then the sensor device 260 may be considered a type of computer device, as discussed below with respect to FIG. 4.

[0090] The one or more mobility apparatuses 265 of the asset cleaning system 290 is configured to physically move a component (e.g., an asset 245, a vessel 261, a power source 254, a cathode 253, an electrical connector 252, products 239) of the asset cleaning system 290. For example, a mobility apparatus 265 may be configured to move an asset 245 into a vessel 261 before activating a power source 254. As another example, a mobility apparatus 265 (the same one or a different one) may be configured to move one or more cathodes 253 before, during, and / or after the power source 254 has been activated. As yet another example, a mobility apparatus 265 (theAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 same one or a different one) may be configured to remove the asset 245 from the vessel 261 after the power source 254 has finished being activated.

[0091] The movement of a component of the asset cleaning system 290 caused by a mobility apparatus 265 may include, but is not limited to, lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, rotating, placing, and removing. A mobility apparatus 265 may include one or more of a number of various equipment. Such equipment of a mobility apparatus 265 may include, but are not limited to, a fork lift, a crane, a picker, a dolly, a platform truck, a trailer, a pallet mover, a push cart, a ROV, a pig (e.g., as used in pipelines), a hydraulic drive, a motor, a compressor, a controller (e.g., similar to a controller 204), and a sensor device (e.g., similar to a sensor device 260). When a mobility apparatus 265 includes its own controller 204 (or portions thereof), then the mobility apparatus 265 may be considered a type of computer device, as discussed below with respect to FIG. 4.

[0092] As discussed above, the asset cleaning system 290 may include one or more controllers 204. A controller 204 of the asset cleaning system 290 communicates with and in some cases controls one or more of the other components (e.g., a sensor device 260, a host fluid component source 228, the processing system 295, the power source 254, a mobility apparatus 265, another controller 204) of the asset cleaning system 290 and / or one or more other components of a remainder of the system 200. A controller 204 performs any of a number of functions that may include, but are not limited to, obtaining and sending data, evaluating data, following protocols, running algorithms, and sending commands.

[0093] A controller 204 may include one or more of a number of components. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, such components of a controller 204 may include, but are not limited to, a control engine 306, a current density optimization module 341, a communication module 307, a timer 335, a power module 330, a storage repository 331, a hardware processor 321, a memory 322, a transceiver 324, an application interface 326, and, optionally, a security module 323. A controller 204 (or components thereof) may be located at or near the various components of the asset cleaning system 290. In addition, or in the alternative, the controller 204 (or components thereof) may be located remotely from (e g., in the cloud, at an office building) the various components of the asset cleaning system 290.

[0094] When there are multiple controllers 204 (e.g., one controller 204 for a power source 254, another controller 204 for a host fluid component source 228, yet another controller 204 for the processing system 295, still another controller 204 for a mobility apparatus 265), eachAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 controller 204 may operate independently of each other. Alternatively, two or more of the multiple controllers 204 may work cooperatively with each other. As yet another alternative, one of the controllers 204 may control some or all of one or more other controllers 204 in the system 200 or portion thereof. Each controller 204 may be considered a type of computer device, as discussed below with respect to FIG. 4.

[0095] The storage repository 331 may be a persistent storage device (or set of devices) that stores software and data used to assist a controller 204 in communicating with one or more other components of a system, such as the users 251 (including associated user systems 255), each fluid component source 228, the processing system 295, the controllers 204, the sensor devices 260, the network manager 280, etc. of the system 200 of FIG. 2 above. In one or more example embodiments, the storage repository 331 stores one or more protocols 332, one or more algorithms 333, and stored data 334.

[0096] The protocols 332 of the storage repository 331 may be any procedures (e.g., a series of method steps) and / or other similar operational processes that the control engine 306 of the controller 204 follows based on certain conditions at a point in time. The protocols 332 may include any of a number of communication protocols that are used to send and / or obtain data between a controller 204 and other components of a system (e.g., the system 200). Such protocols 332 used for communication may be time-synchronized protocols. Examples of such time- synchronized protocols may include, but are not limited to, a highway addressable remote transducer (HART) protocol, a WirelessHART protocol, and an International Society of Automation (ISA) 100 protocol. In this way, one or more of the protocols 332 may provide a layer of security to the data transferred within a system (e.g., the system 200). Other protocols 332 used for communication may be associated with the use of Wi-Fi, Zigbee, visible light communication (VLC), cellular networking, BLE, UWB, and Bluetooth.

[0097] The algorithms 333 may be any formulas, mathematical models, forecasts, simulations, and / or other similar tools that the control engine 306 of a controller 204 uses to reach a computational conclusion. For example, one or more algorithms 333 may be used, in conjunction with one or more protocols 332, to assist a controller 204 to determine when to start, adjust, and / or stop the operation of a fluid component source 228, the processing system 295, a sensor device 260, another controller 204 of the asset cleaning system 290 and / or another component of the system 200. As another example, one or more algorithms 333 may be used, in conjunction withAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 one or more protocols 332, to assist a controller 204 to determine when to have a sensor device 260 measure a parameter and subsequently assist the controller 204 in performing a calculation or make a determination using the measurement.

[0098] As yet another example, one or more algorithms 333 may be used, in conjunction with one or more protocols 332, to assist a controller 204 to identify an optimal (e.g., most cost effective, most likely to generate products 239 based on the contaminants on the outer surfaces of the assets 245) mixture of host fluid components 227 to form a host fluid 229 that is delivered to a vessel 261. As still another example, one or more algorithms 333 may be used, in conjunction with one or more protocols 332, to assist a controller 204 to interpret measurements of parameters made by a sensor device 260 after one or more host fluid components 227 have been combined with the assets 245 in the vessel 261 for a period of time.

[0099] As yet another example, one or more algorithms 333 may be used, in conjunction with one or more protocols 332, to assist a controller 204 in identifying one or more products 239 that are formed after the host fluid 229 and the assets 245 interact with each other (e.g., accelerate corrosion on the assets 245 to trap the contaminants) in the vessel 261 during the example electromotive cleaning process. As still another example, one or more algorithms 333 may be used, in conjunction with one or more protocols 332, to assist a controller 204 in identifying an optimal current density to generate products 239 that are formed after the host fluid 229 and the assets 245 interact with each other (e g., accelerate corrosion on the assets 245 to trap the contaminants) in the vessel 261 during the example electromotive cleaning process. As yet another example, one or more algorithms 333 may be used, in conjunction with one or more protocols 332, to assist a controller 204 in controlling, in real time, a power source 254 to output power to achieve an optimal current density during the example electromotive cleaning process.

[0100] Stored data 334 may be any data associated with an asset 245 (e g., the composition, mass, shape, size, features, time in service, initial amount of contaminants before cleaning), the other components (e.g., the user systems 255, the sensor devices 260, the controllers 204, the host fluid components 227, the processing system 295), including associated equipment (e.g., motors, pumps, compressors), of the system 200, measurements made by the sensor devices 260, threshold values, tables, results of previously run or calculated algorithms 333, updates to protocols 332, user preferences, and / or any other suitable data. Such data may be any type of data, including but not limited to historical data, present data, and future data (e.g., forecasts). The stored data 334Attorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 may be associated with some measurement of time derived, for example, from the timer 335.

[0101] Examples of a storage repository 331 may include, but are not limited to, a database (or a number of databases), a file system, cloud-based storage, a hard drive, flash memory, some other form of solid-state data storage, or any suitable combination thereof. The storage repository 331 may be located on multiple physical machines, each storing all or a portion of the communication protocols 332, the algorithms 333, and / or the stored data 334 according to some example embodiments. Each storage unit or device may be physically located in the same or in a different geographic location.

[0102] The storage repository 331 may be operatively connected to the control engine 306. In one or more example embodiments, the control engine 306 includes functionality to communicate with the users 251 (including associated user systems 255), the processing system 295, the sensor devices 260, the controllers 204, the network manager 280, and / or the other components in the system 200. More specifically, the control engine 306 sends information to and / or obtains information from the storage repository 331 in order to communicate with the users 251 (including associated user systems 255), the processing system 295, the sensor devices 260, the controllers 204, the network manager 280, and / or the other components of the system 200. As discussed below, the storage repository 331 may also be operatively connected to the communication module 307 in certain example embodiments.

[0103] In certain example embodiments, the control engine 306 of a controller 204 controls the operation of one or more components (e.g., the communication module 307, the timer 335, the transceiver 324) of the controller 204. For example, the control engine 306 may activate the communication module 307 when the communication module 307 is in “sleep” mode and when the communication module 307 is needed to send data obtained from another component (e.g., a sensor device 260) in the system 200. In addition, the control engine 306 of a controller 204 may control the operation of one or more other components (e.g., the processing system 295, a host fluid component source 228, a power source 254), or portions thereof, of the system 200.

[0104] The control engine 306 of a controller 204 may communicate with one or more other components of the system 200 and / or an external system. For example, the control engine 306 may use one or more protocols 332 to facilitate communication with the sensor devices 260 to obtain data (e.g., measurements of various parameters, such as host fluid chemistry, temperature, pressure, and flow rate), whether in real time or on a periodic basis and / or to instruct a sensorAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 device 260 to take a measurement. As another example, the control engine 306 may use the current density optimization module 341, stored data 334, one or more algorithms 333, and / or protocols 332 to control, in real time, a power source 254 to output power to achieve an optimal current density during the example electromotive cleaning process.

[0105] As yet another example, the control engine 306 may use one or more algorithms 333 and / or protocols 332 to generate a new or updated algorithm 333 and / or a new or updated protocol 332 that provides expected results in using the example electromotive cleaning process to clean an asset 245. As still another example, the control engine 306 may use one or more algorithms 333 and / or protocols 332 to determine, using the results of one or more parameters associated with asset 245, including its contaminants, a volume and composition of a host fluid 229 to add to the vessel 261 to implement the example electromotive cleaning process to clean an asset 245. A number of other capabilities of the control engine 306 (as well as the controller 204 as a whole and / or other portions of the controller 204) are discussed below with respect to FIG. 5.

[0106] The control engine 306 may generate and process data associated with control, communication, and / or other signals sent to and obtained from the users 251 (including associated user systems 255), the sensor devices 260, the other controllers 204 of the asset cleaning system 290, the mobility apparatuses 265, the host fluid component sources 228, the conveyance system 288, the network manager 280, and the other components of the system 200. In certain embodiments, the control engine 306 of the controller 204 may communicate with one or more components of a system external to the system 200. For example, the control engine 306 may interact with an inventory management system by ordering replacements for components or pieces of equipment (e.g., a sensor device 260, a valve 285, a motor) within the system 200 that has failed or is failing. As another example, the control engine 306 may interact with a contractor or workforce scheduling system by arranging for the labor needed to replace a component or piece of equipment in the system 200. In this way and in other ways, the controller 204 is capable of performing a number of functions beyond what could reasonably be considered a routine task.

[0107] In certain example embodiments, the control engine 306 may include an interface that enables the control engine 306 to communicate with the sensor devices 260, the other controllers 204 of the asset cleaning system 290, the mobility apparatuses 265, the host fluid component sources 228, the conveyance system 288, the user systems 255, the network manager 280, and / or other components of the system 200. For example, if a user system 255 operates under IECAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01Standard 62386, then the user system 255 may have a serial communication interface that will transfer data to the controller 204. Such an interface may operate in conjunction with, or independently of, the protocols 332 used to communicate between the controller 204 and the users 251 (including corresponding user systems 255), the sensor devices 260, the other controllers 204 of the asset cleaning system 290, the mobility apparatuses 265, the host fluid component sources228, the conveyance system 288, the network manager 280, and the other components of the system 200.

[0108] The control engine 306 (or other components of the controller 204) may also include one or more hardware components and / or software elements to perform its functions. Such components may include, but are not limited to, a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), a direct-attached capacity (DAC) storage device, an analog-to-digital converter, an inter-integrated circuit (I2C), and a pulse width modulator (PWM).

[0109] The current density optimization module 341 of the controller 204 may be configured to determine the voltage and / or current output of a power source 254 that will generate an optimal current density during the example electromotive cleaning process of an asset 245 in a vessel 261. For example, the current density optimization module 341 may use measurements of parameters taken by one or more of the sensor devices 260, where the parameters are associated with the asset 245 and / or the host fluid 229 used in the example electromotive cleaning process of the asset 245 in the vessel 261. For example, the current density optimization module 341 may determine or obtain a target current, observe (e.g., using one or more sensor devices 260) the actual current, determining a change in voltage needed to have the target current match the actual current, and control the power source 254 to output the changed voltage. Using one or more protocols 332 and / or one or more algorithms 333, the current density optimization module 341 may generate a baseline of the parameters associated with the known data for an asset 245 and / or the host fluid229. In addition, the current density optimization module 341 may also be configured to modify an existing baseline using measurements of one or more parameters by one or more sensor devices 260, one or more protocols 332, one or more algorithms 333, and / or stored data 334.

[0110] The communication module 307 of the controller 204 determines and implements the communication protocol (e.g., from the protocols 332 of the storage repository 331) that is used when the control engine 306 communicates with (e.g., sends signals to, obtains signals from) the user systems 255, the sensor devices 260, the other controllers 204 of the asset cleaning systemAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01290, the mobility apparatuses 265, the host fluid component sources 228, the conveyance system 288, the network manager 280, and the other components of the system 200. In some cases, the communication module 307 accesses the stored data 334 to determine which communication protocol is used to communicate with another component of the system 200. In addition, the communication module 307 may identify and / or interpret the communication protocol of a communication obtained by the controller 204 so that the control engine 306 may interpret the communication. The communication module 307 may also provide one or more of a number of other services with respect to data sent from and obtained by the controller 204. Such services may include, but are not limited to, data packet routing information and procedures to follow in the event of data interruption.[OHl] The timer 335 of the controller 204 may track clock time, intervals of time, an amount of time, and / or any other measure of time. The timer 335 may also count the number of occurrences of an event, whether with or without respect to time. Alternatively, the control engine 306 may perform a counting function. The timer 335 is able to track multiple time measurements and / or count multiple occurrences concurrently. The timer 335 may track time periods based on an Instruction obtained from the control engine 306, based on an instruction obtained from a user 251, based on an instruction programmed in the software for the controller 204, based on some other condition (e.g., the occurrence of an event) or from some other component, or from any combination thereof. In certain example embodiments, the timer 335 may provide a time stamp for each packet of data obtained from another component (e g., a sensor device 260) of the system 200.

[0112] The power module 330 of the controller 204 obtains power from a power supply (e.g., AC mains, a power source 254) and manipulates (e.g., transforms, rectifies, inverts, converts) that power to provide the manipulated power to one or more other components (e.g., the timer 335, the control engine 306) of the controller 204, where the manipulated power is of a type (e.g., alternating current, direct current) and level (e.g., 12V, 24V, 120V) that may be used by the other components of the controller 204. In some cases, the power module 330 may also provide power to one or more of the sensor devices 260.

[0113] The power module 330 may include one or more of a number of single or multiple discrete components (e.g., transistor, diode, resistor, transformer) and / or a microprocessor. The power module 330 may include a printed circuit board, upon which the microprocessor and / or oneAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 or more discrete components are positioned. In addition, or in the alternative, the power module 330 may be a source of power in itself to provide signals to the other components of the controller 204. For example, the power module 330 may be or include an energy storage device (e.g., a battery). In such cases, the power module 330 may be part of a power source 254. As another example, the power module 330 may be or include a localized photovoltaic power system.

[0114] The hardware processor 321 of the controller 204 executes software, algorithms (e.g., algorithms 333), and firmware in accordance with one or more example embodiments. Specifically, the hardware processor 321 may execute software on the control engine 306 or any other portion of the controller 204, as well as software used by the users 251 (including associated user systems 255), the network manager 280, and / or other components of the system 200. The hardware processor 321 may be an integrated circuit, a central processing unit, a multi-core processing chip, SoC, a multi -chip module including multiple multi-core processing chips, or other hardware processor in one or more example embodiments. The hardware processor 321 may be known by other names, including but not limited to a computer processor, a microprocessor, and a multi -core processor.

[0115] In one or more example embodiments, the hardware processor 321 executes software instructions stored in memory 322. The memory 322 includes one or more cache memories, main memory, and / or any other suitable type of memory. The memory 322 may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory. The memory 322 may be discretely located within the controller 204 relative to the hardware processor 321. In certain configurations, the memory 322 may be integrated with the hardware processor 321.

[0116] In certain example embodiments, the controller 204 does not include a hardware processor 321. In such a case, the controller 204 may include, as an example, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), one or more insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), and / or one or more integrated circuits (ICs). Using FPGAs, IGBTs, ICs, and / or other similar devices known in the art allows the controller 204 (or portions thereof) to be programmable and function according to certain logic rules and thresholds without the use of a hardware processor. Alternatively, FPGAs, IGBTs, ICs, and / or similar devices may be used in conjunction with one or more hardware processors 321.

[0117] The transceiver 324 of the controller 204 may send and / or obtain control and / or communication signals. Specifically, the transceiver 324 may be used to transfer data between theAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 controller 204 and the users 251 (including associated user systems 255), the sensor devices 260, the other controllers 204 of the asset cleaning system 290, the mobility apparatuses 265, the host fluid component sources 228, the conveyance system 288, the network manager 280, and the other components of the system 200. The transceiver 324 may use wired and / or wireless technology. The transceiver 324 may be configured in such a way that the control and / or communication signals sent and / or obtained by the transceiver 324 may be obtained and / or sent by another transceiver that is part of a user system 255, a sensor device 260, the other controllers 204 of the asset cleaning system 290, the mobility apparatuses 265, the host fluid component sources 228, the conveyance system 288, the network manager 280, and / or another component of the system 200. The transceiver 324 may send and / or obtain any of a number of signal types, including but not limited to radio frequency signals.

[0118] When the transceiver 324 uses wireless technology, any type of wireless technology may be used by the transceiver 324 in sending and obtaining signals. Such wireless technology may include, but is not limited to, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, VLC, cellular networking, BLE, UWB, and Bluetooth. The transceiver 324 may use one or more of any number of suitable communication protocols (e.g., ISA100, HART) when sending and / or obtaining signals. The transceiver 324 may send and receive the communication signals using one or more of the communication links 205.

[0119] Optionally, in one or more example embodiments, the security module 323 secures interactions between the controller 204, the users 251 (including associated user systems 255), the sensor devices 260, the other controllers 204 of the asset cleaning system 290, the mobility apparatuses 265, the host fluid component sources 228, the conveyance system 288, the network manager 280, and the other components of the system 200. More specifically, the security module 323 authenticates communication from software based on security keys verifying the identity of the source of the communication. For example, user software may be associated with a security key enabling the software of a user system 255 to interact with the controller 204. Further, the security module 323 may restrict receipt of information, requests for information, and / or access to information.

[0120] A user 251 may be any person that interacts, directly or indirectly, with a controller 204 and / or any other component of the testing system 200. Examples of a user 251 may include, but are not limited to, a business owner, an engineer, a company representative, a geologist, a metallurgist, a consultant, an environmental engineer, a compliance officer, a representative of aAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 regulatory agency, a contractor, and a manufacturer’s representative. A user 251 may use one or more user systems 255, which may include a display (e.g., a GUI). A user system 255 of a user 251 may interact with (e.g., send data to, obtain data from) the controller 204 via an application interface and using the communication links 205. The user 251 may also interact directly with the controller 204 through a user interface (e.g., keyboard, mouse, touchscreen).

[0121] The network manager 280 is a device or component that controls all or a portion (e.g., a communication network, the controller 204) of the system 200. The network manager 280 may be substantially similar to some or all of the controller 204, as described above. For example, the network manager 280 may include a controller that has one or more components and / or similar functionality to some or all of the controller 204. Alternatively, the network manager 280 may include one or more of a number of features in addition to, or altered from, the features of the controller 204. As described herein, control and / or communication with the network manager 280 may include communicating with one or more other components of the same system 200 and / or another system. In such a case, the network manager 280 may facilitate such control and / or communication. The network manager 280 may be called by other names, including but not limited to a master controller, a network controller, and an enterprise manager. The network manager 280 may be considered a type of computer device, as discussed below with respect to FIG. 4.

[0122] Interaction between each controller 204, the sensor devices 260, the other controllers 204 of the asset cleaning system 290, the mobility apparatuses 265, the host fluid component sources 228, the conveyance system 288, the users 251 (including any associated user systems 255), the network manager 280, and other components (e.g., the valves 285) of the system 200 may be conducted using communication links 205 and / or power transfer links 287. Each communication link 205 may include wired (e.g., Class 1 electrical cables, Class 2 electrical cables, electrical connectors, Power Line Carrier, RS485) and / or wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi, Zigbee, visible light communication, cellular networking, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ultrawide band (UWB), WirelessHART, ISA 100) technology. A communication link 205 may transmit signals (e.g., communication signals, control signals, data) between each controller 204, the sensor devices 260, the other controllers 204 of the asset cleaning system 290, the mobility apparatuses 265, the fluid component sources 228, the conveyance system 288, the users 251 (including any associated user systems 255), the network manager 280, and the other componentsAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 of the system 200.

[0123] Each power transfer link 287 may include one or more electrical conductors, which may be individual or part of one or more electrical cables. In some cases, as with inductive power, power may be transferred wirelessly using power transfer links 287. A power transfer link 287 may transmit power between each controller 204, the sensor devices 260, the other controllers 204 of the asset cleaning system 290, the mobility apparatuses 265, the host fluid component sources 228, the conveyance system 288, the users 251 (including any associated user systems 255), the network manager 280, and the other components of the system 200. Each power transfer link 287 may be sized (e.g., 12 gauge, 18 gauge, 4 gauge) in a manner suitable for the amount (e.g., 480V, 24V, 120V) and type (e.g., alternating current, direct current) of power transferred therethrough.

[0124] In some cases, one or more optional electrical connectors 252 may be coupled to the distal end (e.g., the end opposite what is coupled to a power source 254) of one or more power transfer links 287. In such cases, each electrical connector may also be coupled to an asset 245 or a cathode 253. The purpose of an electrical connector 252 is to provide a secure path for which power (e.g., DC power) may flow between a power transfer link 287 and an asset 245 or between a power transfer link 287 and a cathode 253. Each electrical connector 252 is made of an electrically conductive material. An electrical connector 252 may have a number of configurations, including but not limited to a clamp, an alligator clip, a threaded end cap, a weld, and a bolt. When an asset cleaning system 290 includes multiple electrical connectors 252, the configuration of one electrical connector 252 may be the same as, or different than, the configuration of one or more of the other electrical connectors 252.

[0125] In some cases, at least part of an electrical connector 252 (e.g., the portion that makes contact with an asset 245 or a cathode 253) is flexible (e.g., see the leads 2549 of FIG. 25 below) to help ensure that sufficient electrical contact (e.g., by conforming to a shape (e.g., the curvature of an inner surface of a pipe or tank) of an asset 245 or a cathode 253) is made with an asset 245 or a cathode 253, regardless of the configuration (e.g., contours, shape) of the asset 245 or the cathode 253. An electrical connector 252 may be configured to be submersed in the host fluid 229 within the vessel 261 when the power source 254 is providing DC power to the anode 252 or receiving DC power from the cathode 253.

[0126] In certain example embodiments, an electrical connector 252 is in a fixed position with respect to an asset 245 or a cathode 253 during electromotive cleaning (e.g., while a power sourceAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01254 is activated and distributing DC power). Alternatively, an electrical connector 252 may move (e.g., rotate, slide forward and / or backward) with respect to an asset 245 and / or a cathode 253 during electromotive cleaning. Movement of an electrical connector 252 may be implemented by the condition control apparatus 278. In the example electromotive process, the corrosion reaction occurs at the surface of the electrical connector 252 contacting the outer surface of an asset 245. The rate of corrosion may be related to the electrolyte and / or the current flowing through the surface of the asset 245. The greater number of electrons flowing (e.g., the greater the current density), the more oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions that occur. In certain example embodiments, the voltage applied is greater than the standard reduction potential of the reaction.

[0127] A user 251 (which may include an associated user system 255), the sensor devices 260, the other controllers 204 of the asset cleaning system 290, the mobility apparatuses 265, the fluid component sources 228, the conveyance system 288, the network manager 280, and the other components of the system 200 may interact with a controller 204 using the application interface 326. Specifically, the application interface 326 of a controller 204 obtains data (e.g., information, communications, instructions, updates to firmware) from and sends data (e.g., information, communications, instructions) to the user systems 255 of the users 251, the sensor devices 260, the other controllers 204 of the asset cleaning system 290, the mobility apparatuses 265, the host fluid component sources 228, the conveyance system 288, the network manager 280, and / or the other components of the system 200. Examples of an application interface 326 may be or include, but are not limited to, an application programming interface, a web service, a data protocol adapter, some other hardware and / or software, or any suitable combination thereof. Similarly, the user systems 255 of the users 251, the sensor devices 260, the other controllers 204 of the asset cleaning system 290, the mobility apparatuses 265, the host fluid component sources 228, the conveyance system 288, the network manager 280, and / or the other components of the system 200 may include an interface (similar to the application interface 326 of the controller 204) to obtain data from and send data to a controller 204 in certain example embodiments.

[0128] In addition, as discussed above with respect to a user system 255 of a user 251, one or more of the sensor devices 260, one or more of the other controllers 204 of the asset cleaning system 290, one or more of the mobility apparatuses 265, one or more of the host fluid component sources 228, some or all of the conveyance system 288, the network manager 280, and / or one or more of the other components (or portions thereof) of the system 200 may include a user interface.Attorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01Examples of such a user interface may include, but are not limited to, a graphical user interface, a touchscreen, a keyboard, a monitor, a mouse, some other hardware, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0129] The controller 204, the users 251 (including associated user systems 255), the sensor devices 260, the other controllers 204 of the asset cleaning system 290, the mobility apparatuses 265, the host fluid component sources 228, the conveyance system 288, the network manager 280, and the other components of the system 200 may use their own system or share a system in certain example embodiments. Such a system may be, or contain a form of, an Internet-based or an intranet-based computer system that is capable of communicating with various software. A computer system includes any type of computing device and / or communication device, including but not limited to a controller 204. Examples of such a system may include, but are not limited to, a desktop computer with a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), Internet or intranet access, a laptop computer with LAN, WAN, Internet or intranet access, a smart phone, a server, a server farm, an android device (or equivalent), a tablet, smartphones, and a personal digital assistant (PDA). Such a system may correspond to a computer system as described below with regard to FIG. 4.

[0130] Further, as discussed above, such a system may have corresponding software (e.g., user system software, sensor device software, controller software). The software may execute on the same or a separate device (e.g., a server, mainframe, desktop personal computer (PC), laptop, PDA, television, cable box, satellite box, kiosk, telephone, mobile phone, or other computing devices) and may be coupled by the communication network (e.g., Internet, Intranet, Extranet, LAN, WAN, or other network communication methods) and / or communication channels, with wire and / or wireless segments according to some example embodiments. The software of one system may be a part of, or operate separately but in conjunction with, the software of another system within the system 200.

[0131] FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a computing device 418 that implements one or more of the various techniques described herein, and which is representative, in whole or in part, of the elements described herein pursuant to certain example embodiments. For example, a controller 204 (including components thereof, such as a control engine 306, a hardware processor 321, a storage repository 331, a power module 330, and a transceiver 324) may be considered a computing device 418 (also called a computer system 418 herein). Computing device 418 is oneAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 example of a computing device and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to scope of use or functionality of the computing device and / or its possible architectures. Neither should the computing device 418 be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated in the example computing device 418.

[0132] The computing device 418 includes one or more processors or processing units 414, one or more memory / storage components 415, one or more input / output (I / O) devices 416, and a bus 417 that allows the various components and devices to communicate with one another. The bus 417 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The bus 417 includes wired and / or wireless buses.

[0133] The memory / storage component 415 represents one or more computer storage media. The memory / storage component 415 includes volatile media (such as random access memory (RAM)) and / or nonvolatile media (such as read only memory (ROM), flash memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, and so forth). The memory / storage component 415 includes fixed media (e.g., RAM, ROM, a fixed hard drive, etc.) as well as removable media (e.g., a Flash memory drive, a removable hard drive, an optical disk, and so forth).

[0134] One or more I / O devices 416 allow a user 251 to enter commands and information to the computing device 418, and also allow information to be presented to the user 251 and / or other components or devices. Examples of input devices 416 include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, a cursor control device (e.g., a mouse), a microphone, a touchscreen, and a scanner. Examples of output devices include, but are not limited to, a display device (e.g., a monitor or projector), speakers, outputs to a lighting network (e.g., DMX card), a printer, and a network card.

[0135] Various techniques are described herein in the general context of software or program modules. Generally, software includes routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and so forth that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. An implementation of these modules and techniques is stored on or transmitted across some form of computer readable media. Computer readable media is any available non-transitory medium or non-transitory media that is accessible by a computing device. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media includes “computer storage media”.

[0136] “Computer storage media” and “computer readable medium” include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology forAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, computer recordable media such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which is used to store the desired information and which is accessible by a computer.

[0137] The computer device 418 is connected to a network (not shown) (e.g., a LAN, a WAN such as the Internet, cloud, or any other similar type of network) via a network interface connection (not shown) according to some example embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many different types of computer systems exist (e.g., desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal media device, a mobile device, such as a cell phone or personal digital assistant, or any other computing system capable of executing computer readable instructions), and the aforementioned input and output means take other forms, now known or later developed, in other example embodiments. Generally speaking, the computer system 418 includes at least the minimal processing, input, and / or output means necessary to practice one or more embodiments.

[0138] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more elements of the aforementioned computer device 418 is located at a remote location and connected to the other elements over a network in certain example embodiments. Further, one or more embodiments is implemented on a distributed system having one or more nodes, where each portion of the implementation (e.g., a host fluid component source 228, a power source 254, the processing system 295) is located on a different node within the distributed system. In one or more embodiments, the node corresponds to a computer system. Alternatively, the node corresponds to a processor with associated physical memory in some example embodiments. The node alternatively corresponds to a processor with shared memory and / or resources in some example embodiments.

[0139] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart 558 of a method for cleaning an asset according to certain example embodiments. While the various steps in this flowchart 558 are presented sequentially, one of ordinary skill will appreciate that some or all of the steps may be executed in different orders, may be combined or omitted, and some or all of the steps may be executed in parallel. Further, in one or more of the example embodiments, one or more of the steps shown in this example method may be omitted, repeated, and / or performed in a different order. Some or all ofAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 the steps of the method of FIG. 5 may be performed off site (e.g., in a laboratory or facility remote from the in situ location of the assets). In addition, or in the alternative, some or all of the steps of the method of FIG. 5 may be performed on site (e.g., in the field, with the assets remaining in situ).

[0140] In addition, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that additional steps not shown in FIG. 5 may be included in performing this method. Accordingly, the specific arrangement of steps should not be construed as limiting the scope. Further, a particular computing device, such as the computing device 418 discussed above with respect to FIG. 4, may be used to perform or facilitate (e.g., direct, control, provide instructions, provide recommendations, perform, execute) performance of some or all of one or more of the steps for the method shown in FIG. 5 in certain example embodiments. Any of the functions performed below by a controller 204 (an example of which is shown in FIG. 3) may involve the use of one or more protocols 332, one or more algorithms 333, and / or stored data 334 stored in a storage repository 331. In addition, or in the alternative, any of the functions (or portions thereof) in the method may be performed by a user (e.g., user 251).

[0141] The method shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example that may be performed by using an example system described herein. In other words, systems for cleaning an asset may perform other functions using other methods in addition to and / or aside from those described with respect to FIG. 5. Incorporating the description above with respect to FIGS. 1 through 4, the method shown in the flowchart 558 of FIG. 5 begins at the START step and proceeds to step 582, where one or more cathodes 253 are arranged relative to an asset 245 within a host fluid 229 in a vessel 261. Each cathode 253 may be arranged relative to an asset 245 and / or otherwise moved using a mobility apparatus 265. In certain example embodiments, each cathode 253 reaches a final position that avoids direct contact with the assets 245 while positioned in the host fluid 229 in the vessel 261 and while a power source 254 is energized. Each cathode 253 is electrically coupled to a terminal 277 of a power source 254 using one or more power transfer links 287 and one or more electrical connectors 252. Similarly, an asset 245 is arranged relative to one or more cathodes 253 and / or one or more other assets 245 within the vessel 261 using a mobility apparatus 265. Each asset 245 is electrically coupled to a terminal 277 of at least one power source 254 using one or more power transfer links 287 and one or more electrical connectors 252.

[0142] In some cases, the one or more assets 245, the one or more cathodes 253, the electrical connectors 252, and the power transfer links 287 are positioned relative to each other outside theAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 vessel 261, and then the assembly of a subassembly thereof is inserted into the vessel 261 using a mobility apparatus 265. The host fluid 229 includes at least one electrolyte. Each cathode 253 may be inserted into the vessel 261 using an automated process controlled by a controller 204 of the asset cleaning system 290 using one or more protocols 332, one or more algorithms 333 (e.g., models), stored data 334, measurements of one or more sensor devices 260, input from a user 251 (which may include an associated user system 255), and / or any other component within the system 200. In addition, or in the alternative, each cathode 253 may be inserted into the vessel 261 by a user 251.

[0143] One or more electrical connectors 252 are applied to the one or more assets 245 and the one or more cathodes 253. An electrical connector 252 may be applied before an asset 245 and / or a cathode 253 is placed within the host fluid 229 in the vessel 261. Alternatively, an electrical connector 252 may be applied after an asset 245 and / or a cathode 253 has been placed within the host fluid 229 in the vessel 261. Each electrical connector 252 may be inserted and / or otherwise moved using a mobility apparatus 265. Each electrical connector 252 directly contacts with an asset 245 or a cathode 253 while positioned in the host fluid 229 in the vessel 261. Each electrical connector 252 avoids direct contact with any electrically opposite component (e g., an electrical connector coupled to an asset 245 avoids direct contact with any cathodes 253, an electrical connector coupled to a cathode 253 avoids direct contact with any assets 245) while positioned in the host fluid 229 in the vessel 261 when a power source 254 is energized. Each electrical connector 252 is electrically coupled to a terminal 277 of a power source 254 using one or more power transfer links 287. An electrical connector 252 may be may be selected and placed relative to an asset 245 or a cathode 253 using an automated process controlled by a controller 204 of the asset cleaning system 290 using one or more protocols 332, one or more algorithms 333 (e g., models), stored data 334, measurements of one or more sensor devices 260, input from a user 251 (which may include an associated user system 255), and / or any other component within the system 200. In addition, or in the alternative, each electrical 252 may be may be selected and placed relative to an asset 245 or a cathode 253 by a user 251.

[0144] In step 583, the power source 254 is activated. When the power source 254 is activated (e.g., turned on), DC power flows through the terminals 277, the power transfer links 287, and the electrical connectors 252 to the cathode 253. To complete the circuit, the electrodes in the host fluid 229 provide an electrical link between the cathode 253 and an asset 245. The electrolytes inAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 the host fluid 229 are configured to react with impurities on an outer surface of the asset 245 when the power source 254 is activated. The power source 254 may be activated using an automated process controlled by a controller 204 of the asset cleaning system 290 using one or more protocols 332, one or more algorithms 333 (e.g., models), stored data 334, measurements of one or more sensor devices 260, input from a user 251 (which may include an associated user system 255), and / or any other component within the system 200. In addition, or in the alternative, the power source 254 may be activated by a user 251.

[0145] In step 584, a determination is made as to whether the cleaning rate is as expected. The cleaning rate of the impurities from the outer surface of the asset 245 may be established using a sensor device 260 (e.g., measuring an amount of product 239, scanning the outer surface of the asset 245, analyzing the chemical content of the host fluid 229) and / or visual inspection by a user 251. In some cases, the information provided by a sensor device 260 may indicate whether the host fluid 229 needs to be filtered, replaced, or otherwise changed because the amount of contaminants that have transferred to or developed in the host fluid 229 during the electromotive process makes the host fluid 229 less effective at facilitating the conveyance of power to the asset 245. The determination may be made by a controller 204 of the asset cleaning system 290 using one or more protocols 332, one or more algorithms 333 (e.g., models), stored data 334, measurements of one or more sensor devices 260, input from a user 251 (which may include an associated user system 255), and / or any other component within the system 200. In addition, or in the alternative, the determination may be made by a user 251. If the cleaning rate is not as expected, then the process proceeds to step 585. If the cleaning rate is as expected, then the process proceeds to step 586.

[0146] In step 585, the power source 254 is adjusted to change the current density of the power output by the power source 254. Adjusting the power source 254 may include adjusting the voltage and / or the current level output by the power source 254. For example, the current density optimization module 341 may determine or obtain a target current, observe (e.g., using one or more sensor devices 260) the actual current, determining a change in voltage needed to have the target current match the actual current, and control the power source 254 to output the changed voltage. The power source 254 may be adjusted using an automated process controlled by a controller 204 of the asset cleaning system 290 using one or more protocols 332, one or more algorithms 333 (e g., models), stored data 334, measurements of one or more sensor devices 260, input from a userAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01251 (which may include an associated user system 255), and / or any other component within the system 200. In addition, or in the alternative, the power source 254 may be adjusted by a user 251. When step 585 is complete, the process reverts to step 584.

[0147] In step 586, a determination is made as to whether the cleaning is complete. In other words, a determination is made as to whether enough of the contaminants on the outer surface of the asset 245 have been removed. The extent of cleaning of the impurities from the outer surface of the asset 245 may be established using a sensor device 260 (e.g., measuring an amount of product 239, scanning the outer surface of the asset 245, analyzing the chemical content (e.g., iron, conductivity, mercury) of the host fluid 229) and / or visual inspection by a user 251. In some cases, the cleaning may be complete when an amount of time (as measured by the timer 335) has passed. The determination may be made by a controller 204 of the asset cleaning system 290 using one or more protocols 332, one or more algorithms 333 (e.g., models), stored data 334, measurements of one or more sensor devices 260, input from a user 251 (which may include an associated user system 255), and / or any other component within the system 200. In addition, or in the alternative, the determination may be made by a user 251. If the cleaning is not complete, then the process proceeds to step 588. If the cleaning is complete, then the process proceeds to step 589.

[0148] In step 588, the power source 254 continues to operate. In other words, DC power continues to flow through the terminals 277, the power transfer links 287, and the electrical connectors 252 to the cathode 253, and through the electrodes in the host fluid 229 to the asset 245. This allows the electrolytes in the host fluid 229 to continue reacting with impurities on the outer surface of the asset 245. The power source 254 may be operated using an automated process controlled by a controller 204 of the asset cleaning system 290 using one or more protocols 332, one or more algorithms 333 (e.g., models), stored data 334, measurements of one or more sensor devices 260, input from a user 251 (which may include an associated user system 255), and / or any other component within the system 200. In addition, or in the alternative, the power source 254 may be operated by a user 251. When step 588 is complete (or appears to be complete), the process reverts to step 586.

[0149] In step 589, the power source 254 is deactivated. When the power source 254 is deactivated (e.g., turned off), DC power no longer flows through the terminals 277, the power transfer links 287, and the electrical connectors 252 to the cathode 253, and through the electrodes in the host fluid 229 to the asset 245. As a result, the electrolytes in the host fluid 229 no longerAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 react with impurities on the outer surface of the asset 245 when the power source 254 is activated. The power source 254 may be deactivated using an automated process controlled by a controller 204 of the asset cleaning system 290 using one or more protocols 332, one or more algorithms 333 (e.g., models), stored data 334, measurements of one or more sensor devices 260, input from a user 251 (which may include an associated user system 255), and / or any other component within the system 200. In addition, or in the alternative, the power source 254 may be deactivated by a user 251.

[0150] In step 591, products 239 are removed from the vessel 261. The products 239 result from the interaction of the electrolytes in the host fluid 229 with impurities on the outer surface of the asset 245 when the power source 254 is activated, which results in accelerating corrosion on the assets 245 to trap the contaminants. In some cases, the products 239 freely fall to the bottom of the vessel 261 once formed. In some cases, an action (e.g., vibrations applied to the assets 245, current in the host fluid 229 flowing past the assets 245, using a condition control apparatus 278 in the form of a brush against the outer surface of the assets 245) is required to dislodge the products 239 from the outer surface of the assets 245. When the asset 245 is in a clean state (e.g., a sufficient amount (e.g., 90%, 95%, 99%) of the impurities have been removed from the asset 245), the asset 245 may be removed (e.g., using the mobility apparatus 265) from the vessel 261.

[0151] Once the products 239 are removed from the vessel 261, the products 239 may be properly disposed of. Similarly, the assets 245 and the host fluid 229 may be properly processed (e.g., filtered, replenished, recoated) and / or disposed of when the electromotive cleaning is complete. The products 239 may be removed from the vessel 261 using a mobility apparatus 265. The products 239 may be removed from the vessel 261 using an automated process controlled by a controller 204 of the asset cleaning system 290 using one or more protocols 332, one or more algorithms 333 (e.g., models), stored data 334, measurements of one or more sensor devices 260, input from a user 251 (which may include an associated user system 255), and / or any other component within the system 200. In addition, or in the alternative, the products 239 may be removed from the vessel 261 by a user 251. When step 591 is complete, the process proceeds to the END step.

[0152] FIGS. 6 through 8 show images of an asset 645 over time during an electromotive cleaning process according to certain example embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 6 shows the asset 645 before the electromotive cleaning process has begun. FIG. 7 shows the asset 645Attorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 approximately 30 minutes after the electromotive cleaning process has begun. FIG. 8 shows the asset 645 approximately 60 minutes after the electromotive cleaning process has begun. Referring to the description above with respect to FIGS. 1 through 5, the asset 645 of FIGS. 6 through 8 is in the form of a pipe (e.g., from a pipeline) with an ID of approximately 12 inches. Before the electromotive cleaning process has begun, as shown in FIG. 6, there is a large amount of contaminants (e.g., mercury, NORM) on the inner surface 646 of the asset 645. After 30 minutes of electromotive cleaning, as shown in FIG. 7, there are significantly less contaminants on the inner surface 646 of the asset 645. After 60 minutes of electromotive cleaning, as shown in FIG. 8, there are substantially no contaminants on the inner surface 646 of the asset 645.

[0153] FIG. 9 shows a graph 998 of mercury on an asset 245 using different cleaning techniques, including electromotive cleaning according to certain example embodiments. Referring to the description above with respect to FIGS. 1 through 9, the graph 998 of FIG. 9 plots the total mercury (in ppm) along the vertical axis. The first plot is a vertical bar showing about 7.4X ppm of mercury on the inner surface of an asset 245 with no cleaning of any kind. The second plot is a vertical bar showing about 5.6X ppm of mercury on the inner surface of an asset 245 that has been pressure washed with acid, as is commonly done in the current art. For example, an acid may be sprayed at the inner surface of the asset 245 for 30 minutes at a pressure of 30 kpsia. As a result, this traditional cleaning process only removes about 25% of the contaminants.

[0154] The third plot is a vertical bar showing about 0.2X ppm of mercury on the inner surface of an asset 245 that has been subjected to the example electromotive cleaning process described herein for 30 minutes. As a result, the example electromotive cleaning process removes over 95% of the contaminants within 30 minutes. The fourth and final plot is a vertical bar showing about 0.02X ppm of mercury on the inner surface of an asset 245 that has been subjected to the example electromotive cleaning process described herein for 60 minutes. As a result, the example electromotive cleaning process removes over 99.9% of the contaminants within 60 minutes.

[0155] FIGS. 10 through 14 show images of another asset 1045 over time during an electromotive cleaning process according to certain example embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 10 shows the asset 1045 before the electromotive cleaning process has begun. FIG. 11 shows the asset 1045 approximately 30 minutes after the electromotive cleaning process has begun. FIG. 12 shows the asset 1045 approximately 60 minutes after the electromotive cleaning process has begun. FIG. 13 shows the asset 1045 approximately 90 minutes after the electromotive cleaningAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 process has begun. FIG. 14 shows the asset 1045 approximately 120 minutes after the electromotive cleaning process has begun. Referring to the description above with respect to FIGS. 1 through 9, the asset 1045 of FIGS. 10 through 14 is in the form of a pipe (e.g., from a pipeline) with an ID of approximately 12 inches. Before the electromotive cleaning process has begun, as shown in FIG. 10, there is a large amount of contaminants (e.g., mercury) on the inner surface 1046 of the asset 1045. After 30 minutes of electromotive cleaning, as shown in FIG. 11, there are significantly less contaminants on the inner surface 1046 of the asset 1045. After 60 minutes of electromotive cleaning, as shown in FIG. 12, there are substantially no contaminants on the inner surface 1046 of the asset 1045. After 90 minutes of electromotive cleaning, as shown in FIG. 13, there are even fewer contaminants on the inner surface 1046 of the asset 1045. After 120 minutes of electromotive cleaning, as shown in FIG. 14, there are potentially only trace amount of contaminants on the inner surface 1046 of the asset 1045.

[0156] FIG. 15 shows a graph 1598 of mercury on an asset 245 using different cleaning techniques, including electromotive cleaning according to certain example embodiments. Referring to the description above with respect to FIGS. 1 through 14, the graph 1598 of FIG. 15 plots the total mercury (in ppm) along the vertical axis. The first plot is a vertical bar showing about 5.8X ppm of mercury on the inner surface of an asset 245 with no cleaning of any kind. The second plot is a vertical bar showing about 5. IX ppm of mercury on the inner surface of an asset 245 that has been pressure washed with acid, as is commonly done in the current art. For example, an acid may be sprayed at the inner surface of the asset 245 for 30 minutes at a pressure of 30 kpsia. As a result, this traditional cleaning process only removes about 12% of the contaminants from the inner surface of the asset 245.

[0157] The third plot is a vertical bar showing about 0.5X ppm of mercury on the inner surface of an asset 245 that has been subjected to the example electromotive cleaning process described herein for 30 minutes. As a result, the example electromotive cleaning process removes over 90% of the contaminants within 30 minutes. The fourth plot is a vertical bar showing about 0.15X ppm of mercury on the inner surface of an asset 245 that has been subjected to the example electromotive cleaning process described herein for 60 minutes. As a result, the example electromotive cleaning process removes over 97% of the contaminants within 60 minutes.

[0158] The fifth plot is a vertical bar showing about 0.05X ppm of mercury on the inner surface of an asset 245 that has been subjected to the example electromotive cleaning process describedAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 herein for 90 minutes. As a result, the example electromotive cleaning process removes over 99% of the contaminants within 90 minutes. The sixth and final plot is a vertical bar showing only a trace amount, if any, of mercury on the inner surface of an asset 245 that has been subjected to the example electromotive cleaning process described herein for 120 minutes. As a result, the example electromotive cleaning process removes essentially 100% of the contaminants within 120 minutes.

[0159] FIG. 16 shows a graph 1698 of erosion of assets 1645 based on different current densities using electromotive cleaning according to certain example embodiments. Referring to the description above with respect to FIGS. 1 through 15, the graph 1698 of FIG. 16 shows the steel equivalent corrosion rate (in mm / min) along the vertical axis and the current density (in Amps / cm2) along the horizontal axis. In this case, steel corrosion mass is used as a proxy for mercury removal for the assets 1645 (e.g., non-impacted pipelines). The graph shows plots for 5 different types of assets 1645 (asset 1645-1, asset 1645-2, asset 1645-3, asset 1645-4, and asset 1645-5).

[0160] The graph 1698 of FIG. 16 shows that there is a relationship between current density and corrosion rate. The current density varies with the applied current from the power source 254 and the treatment area on the asset 1645. The corrosion rate is removed mass converted to mm steel / min. Example embodiments of asset cleaning systems 290 may balance treatment time and power consumption. The graph 1698 shows a non-linear relationship between power and current as a higher voltage is needed to drive higher current.

[0161] FIG. 17 shows another graph 1798 of erosion of assets 1745 based on different current densities using electromotive cleaning according to certain example embodiments. Referring to the description above with respect to FIGS. 1 through 16, the graph 1798 of FIG. 17 shows the steel equivalent corrosion rate (in mm / min) along the vertical axis and the current density (in Amps / cm2) along the horizontal axis. There are a total of 27 assets 1745 that were cleaned and evaluated using example embodiments. The graph 1798 shows that the current density to corrosion rate relationship is approximately linear across the range of parameters tested. This confirms that current density is an important controlling factor for the corrosion rate (and so also the rate at which the contaminants are cleaned).

[0162] FIG. 18 shows a graph 1898 of steel removal versus mercury removal using electromotive cleaning according to certain example embodiments. Referring to the description above with respect to FIGS. 1 through 17, the graph 1898 of FIG. 18 shows mercury removal (asAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 a percentage) along the vertical axis and steel removal (in mm) along the horizontal axis. The graph 1898 shows plots for three different types of assets 1845 (asset 1845-1, asset 1845-2, and asset 1845-3). Testing indicates that removal of about 2X (e.g., 0.1mm) to 4X (e.g., 0.2mm) of steel is sufficient to remove mercury impacts (greater than 80% removal).

[0163] FIG. 19 shows a subassembly 1997 of a metal asset cleaning system 290 according to certain example embodiments. Referring to the description above with respect to FIGS. 1 through 18, the subassembly 1997 of FIG. 19 includes four assets 1945 (asset 1945-1, asset 1945-2, asset 1945-3, and asset 1945-4) in the form of elongated pipes (e.g., pipeline sections that are 10-12 meters long apiece) that are stacked lengthwise within two securing structures 1968 (securing structure 1968-1 and securing structure 1968-2) in the form of a pipe rack with two sets of side supports. In this case, the securing structures 1968 may be configured to hold the assets 1945. Further, the securing structures 1968 may be configured to support the assets 1945 in a consistent (same) position from batch to batch to allow use of a rack alignment jig to facilitate rapid positioning of cathodes (e.g., see FIG. 20 below) within sections of the assets 1945 for treatment. In this case, the two securing structures 1968 are configured substantially identically to each other.

[0164] FIG. 20 shows a subassembly 2097 of a metal asset cleaning system 290 that includes the subassembly 1997 of FIG. 19 according to certain example embodiments. Referring to the description above with respect to FIGS. 1 through 19, the subassembly 2097 of FIG. 20 includes, in addition to the subassembly 1997 of FIG. 19, another pair of securing structures 2068 (securing structure 2068-1 and securing structure 2068-2) in the form of a pipe rack, four cathodes 2053 (cathode 2053-1, cathode 2053-2, cathode 2053-3, and cathode 2053-4), and two clusters of assets 2045 (assets 2045-1 and assets 2045-2). The cathodes 2053 are made of an electrically conductive material (e.g., steel). The cluster of assets 2045-1 and the cluster of assets 2045-2 are short segments having the same diameter as the assets 1945 of the subassembly 1997 and are meant to hold the cathodes 2053 in place relative to the subassembly 1997 so that the cathodes 2053 may be inserted into the substantial center of the assets 1945.

[0165] Each cathode 2053 may be centered within the cluster of assets 2045-1 and the cluster of assets 2045-2 using a spacing component (e.g., see FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 23A through 24 below). Such spacing components may be movable (e.g., on rollers) so that the spacing components accompany the cathodes 2053 as the cathodes 2053 are inserted into the length of the assets 2045. The configuration of the securing structures 2068 are substantially the same as eachAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 other, and also substantially the same as the configuration of the securing structures 1968 of the subassembly 1997. In this configuration, the cathodes 2053 may be longer (e.g., by 2 meters) than the assets 1945 to allow for ease of loading and / or unloading the cathodes 2053 and to allow for ease of connections to a power source 254. The adjacent clusters of assets 2045 may be used to support and guide the cathodes 2053 to allow them to be positioned as a single unit centrally within the assets 1945.

[0166] FIGS. 21A and 21B show various views of another subassembly 2197 of a metal asset cleaning system 290 according to certain example embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 21 A shows a sectional side perspective view of the subassembly 2197, and FIG. 21B shows a detailed view of part of the subassembly 2197 of FIG. 21A. Referring to the description above with respect to FIGS. 1 through 20, the subassembly 2197 of FIGS. 21A and 21B includes an asset 2145 in the form of an elongated pipe, a cathode 2153 that is slightly longer than the asset 2145, and multiple (in this case, two) spacing components 2138 (spacing component 2138-1 and spacing component 2138-2) that are configured substantially the same as each other and wrap around different parts of the cathode 2153 along its length.

[0167] Each spacing component 2138 is configured to maintain the cathode 2153 within the substantial center of the cavity within the asset 2145. Each spacing component 2138 has multiple wheels 2136 in this case that allow the cathode 2153 to be slidably mobile within the cavity of the asset 2145. At least the band 2137 of each spacing component 2138 that wraps around the cathode 2153 may be made of an electrically non-conductive material. In some cases, the wheels 2136 of each spacing component 2138 may also be made of an electrically non-conductive material. In some cases, the wheels 2136 of the spacing component 2138 (or any type of spacing component discussed herein) may be replaced by some functional equivalent (e.g., ball bearings, tracks) to help allow the spacing component 2138 to move with the cathode 2153 relative to an asset 2145.

[0168] FIG. 22 shows a subassembly 2297 of a metal asset cleaning system 290 that includes the subassembly 2197 of FIGS. 21A and 21B according to certain example embodiments. Referring to the description above with respect to FIGS. 1 through 21B, the subassembly 2297 of FIG. 22 includes four of the subassemblies 2197 mounted within two identically configured securing structures 2268 in the form of pipe racks.

[0169] FIGS. 23A and 23B show various views of still another subassembly 2397 of a metal asset cleaning system 290 according to certain example embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 23AAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 shows a side view of the subassembly 2397 with the cathode 2353 separated from the asset 2345. FIG. 23B shows a front view of the subassembly 2397 with the cathode 2353 inserted into the asset 2345. Referring to the description above with respect to FIGS. 1 through 22, the subassembly 2397 of FIGS. 23A and 23B includes an asset 2345 in the form of an elongated pipe, a cathode 2353 that is slightly longer than the asset 2345, and a spacing component 2338 that wraps around the cathode 2353 along its length.

[0170] The spacing component 2338 is configured to maintain the cathode 2353 within the substantial center of the cavity within the asset 2345. The spacing component 2338 has two wheels 2336 toward the bottom in this case that allow the cathode 2353 to be slidably mobile within the cavity of the asset 2345. At least the band 2337 of the spacing component 2338 wraps around the cathode 2353 and may be made of an electrically non-conductive material to keep the cathode 2353 and the asset 2345 from making direct contact with each other during the electromotive process. The band 2337 may have any form (e.g., a stiff or semiflexible composite band, a gel, a hardened foam) to perform its functions of providing a barrier between the cathode 2353 and the asset 245 and facilitating the wheels 2336 extending therefrom. In some cases, the wheels 2336 of the spacing component 2338 may also be made of an electrically non-conductive material. The wheels 2336 may allow for ease of placement and removal of the cathode 2353 from the asset 2345 and to help ensure that the cathode 2353 is centrally positioned within the asset 2345.

[0171] FIG. 24 shows a spacing component 2438 of a metal asset cleaning system 290 according to certain example embodiments. Referring to the description above with respect to FIGS. 1 through 23B, the spacing component 2438 of FIG. 24 includes a band 2437 that is configured to fit over part of a cathode (e.g., cathode 2353) along its length with wheels 2436 that extend outward from the band 2437 around the perimeter of the band 2437. In this case, there are 4 wheels 2436. The spacing component 2438 is made of two pieces, substantially equal in size and configuration, that are coupled to each other to form the whole.

[0172] FIGS. 25A and 25B show yet another subassembly 2597 of a metal asset cleaning system 290 according to certain example embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 25A shows a side view of the subassembly 2597 with the cathode 2553 separated from the asset 2345. FIG. 25B shows a front view of the subassembly 2597 with the cathode 2353 inserted into the asset 2345. Referring to the description above with respect to FIGS. 1 through 24, the subassembly 2597 of FIGS. 25A and 25B includes the subassembly 2397 of FIGS. 23A and 23B with an electrical connector 2552Attorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 and power transfer links 2587 added. Specifically, the electrical connector 2552 is in the form of a semi-circular clamp and is disposed on the outer surface of the band 2337 of the spacing component 2338. The electrical connector 2552 has a number of leads 2549 that extend outward and contact the inner surface of the asset 2345. The electrical connector 2552 are made of an electrically conductive material.

[0173] One end of the power transfer link 2587-1 is electrically coupled to the electrical connector 2552, and the other end of the power transfer link 2587-1 is electrically coupled to a terminal (e.g., terminal 277) of a power source (e.g., power source 254). Similarly, one end of the power transfer link 2587-2 is electrically coupled to the cathode 2353, and the other end of the power transfer link 2587-2 is electrically coupled to a different terminal (e.g., terminal 277) of the power source (e.g., power source 254).

[0174] FIG. 26 shows another subassembly 2697 of a metal asset cleaning system 290 according to certain example embodiments. Referring to the description above with respect to FIGS. 1 through 25B, the subassembly 2697 of FIG. 26 includes part of the subassembly 2097 of FIG. 20 with four power transfer links 2687 added. Specifically, one end of each of the four power transfer links 2687 is electrically coupled to one of the four cathodes 2053, and the other end of the four power transfer links 2587 are coupled to a common header, from which another power transfer link (not shown) is electrically coupled to a terminal (e.g., terminal 277) of a power source (e.g., power source 254). If a single power connection point to each cathode 2053 is not feasible and / or if the single power connection gives rise to unacceptable levels of heating, then both ends (or multiple other points) of each cathode 2053 may be directly or indirectly coupled to the power source.

[0175] FIG. 27 shows yet another subassembly 2797 of a metal asset cleaning system 290 according to certain example embodiments. Referring to the description above with respect to FIGS. 1 through 26, the subassembly 2797 of FIG. 27 includes part of the subassembly 1997 of FIG. 19 with a total of 8 power transfer links 2787 added. Specifically, one end of each of four of the power transfer links 2787 is electrically coupled to one end of each of the four assets 1945, while the other end of those four power transfer links 2587 are coupled, directly or indirectly, to a terminal (e.g., terminal 277) of a power source (e.g., power source 254). Similarly, one end of each of other four of the power transfer links 2787 is electrically coupled to the opposite end of each of the four assets 1945, while the other end of those four other power transfer links 2587 areAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 coupled, directly or indirectly, to a terminal (e.g., terminal 277) of the power source (e.g., power source 254).

[0176] In some cases, metal connectors 2747 for the power transfer links 2787 may be welded to both ends of each asset 1945. In such a case, both ends of each section of assets 1945 may be connected to common ground. If welding of the metal connections 2747 is delayed until sections of the assets 1945 are placed in the securing structures 1968, then this could reduce issues with access and / or alignment issues while connecting the power transfer links 2787. In alternative embodiments, the metal connectors 2747 and / or the end of the power transfer links 2787 may be coupled to an asset 1945 in some other fashion (e.g., using bolts, using clamps). In some cases, the connectors 2747 may be made of some other material that is not metal but that is electrically conductive.

[0177] FIG. 28 shows another subassembly 2897 of a metal asset cleaning system 290 according to certain example embodiments. Referring to the description above with respect to FIGS. 1 through 27, the subassembly 2897 of FIG. 28 includes part of the subassembly 2297 of FIG. 22 with a total of 10 power transfer links 2887 and a vessel 2861 added. Specifically, one end of each of four of the power transfer links 2887 in the form of electrical cables is electrically coupled to one end of each of the four assets 2145, while the other end of those four power transfer links 2887 is electrically coupled to a power transfer link 2887 in the form of a busbar, which connects to a terminal (e.g., terminal 277) of the power source 2854.

[0178] One end of each of four of the other power transfer links 2887 in the form of electrical cables is electrically coupled to each of the four cathodes 2153 at the opposite end (relative to where the electrical connection of the other 4 power transfer links 2887 is made with the assets 2145), while the other end of those four other power transfer links 2887 are electrically coupled to a power transfer link 2887 in the form of another busbar, which connects to another terminal (e.g., terminal 277) of the power source 2854. In this case, the terminals of the power source 2854 are hidden from view. The housing of the power source 2854 includes two displays for two sensor devices 2860 (sensor device 2860-1 and sensor device 2860-2)

[0179] The amount of time that is needed to treat an asset (e.g., asset 1845) using example electromotive cleaning techniques so that a sufficient amount of contaminants (e.g., as determined by a regulatory agency) is removed may vary. Electromotive cleaning using example embodiments is a direct substitution for acid soak, abrading (e.g., grinding off), using ultra-highAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 pressure water jets, and acid pressure washing in the current process of cleaning pipelines and other assets. Logistics of large securing structures (e.g., pipe racks) loaded with multiple assets (e.g., sections of pipelines) ranging in length from 10m to 12m means that treatment times ranging from 1 to 8 hours are targeted. As an example, a current density of 0.06 Amps / cm2may have an expected corrosion rate of approximately 0.0016 mm / min to 0.002 mm / min. Assuming a corrosion rate of 0.0016mm / min, then the treatment time may be approximately 125 minutes. A working range for current density may be between, for example, 0.005 Amps / cm2to 0.06 Amps / cm2.

[0180] FIG. 29 shows an exploded view of yet another subassembly 2997 of a metal asset cleaning system 290 according to certain example embodiments. Referring to the description above with respect to FIGS. 1 through 28, the subassembly 2997 of FIG. 29 includes a cathode 2953, a permeable non-reactive spacer 2959, a host fluid inlet 2969, a frame 2957 that surrounds the sides of the cathode 2953 and the permeable non-reactive spacer 2959, an electrically non- conductive magnetic frame 2956 that surrounds the frame 2957, and a power transfer link 2987 in the form of an electrical cable that extends from the cathode 2953.

[0181] The subassembly 2997 may be in the form of a wall crawling mobile system (e g. a ROV) that can be used for electromotive cleaning of a tank or similar vessel (e.g., vessel 261) that has a wall with contaminants. In such a case, the vessel 261 and the asset 245 are the same. The frame 2957 may be made of an electrically non-conductive material. The frame 2957 may include magnets that may be used to hold the cathode 2953 in place against an electrically conductive wall of the vessel (e.g., a tank) to be cleaned. In some cases, there may be a permeable, electrically non-conductive material used as an insulator between the cathode 2953 and the wall to be cleaned of contaminants. In some cases, sea water (or some other host fluid) may be pumped through the cathode 2953 and into the interstitial space between the cathode 2953 and the wall to be cleaned of contaminants to conduct the current.

[0182] In this embodiment, DC current may be applied to the cathode 2953 through the power transfer link 2987 and to the tank or other vessel / asset. In some cases, the edges of the cathode 2953 may be fitted with a flexible rubber seal (e.g. like the bottom of hovercraft) to retain and slow the flow of seawater (or other host fluid) into the interstitial space between the cathode 2953 and the wall of the vessel to be cleaned of contaminants. Wastewater collected from the bottom of the tank (or other vessel / asset) and recirculated to the interstitial space between the cathode and theAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 wall of the tank (or other vessel / asset).

[0183] A similar configuration may be used for other types of assets using other types of apparatuses / devices. For example, a pig, currently used to inspect and clear blockages in pipelines, may be retrofitted to become a mobile electromotive cleaning system according to certain example embodiments. In such a case, the pig may include a power source 254, be tethered to a remote power source 254 using a power transfer link 287, receive power inductively from a power source 254 that moves with the pig along the outside of the asset 245 and adjacent to the pig inside the asset 245, and / or receive power by some other means.

[0184] Example embodiments may be used to provide systems and methods for cleaning assets made of an electrically conductive material that accumulates contaminants. Example embodiments may be used on dedicated devices or apparatuses or on existing devices or apparatuses that are retrofitted to perform electromotive cleaning. Example embodiments may provide a number of benefits. Such benefits may include, but are not limited to, reducing the time and expenses involved in cleaning contaminated assets, ease of disposal of products generated from electromotive cleaning, recycling of host fluids, improved safety with respect to cleaning contaminated assets, more effective cleaning of contaminated assets, ease of use, flexibility, configurability, and compliance with applicable industry standards and regulations.

[0185] Although embodiments described herein are made with reference to example embodiments, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications are well within the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the example embodiments described herein are not limited to any specifically discussed application and that the embodiments described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. From the description of the example embodiments, equivalents of the elements shown therein will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and ways of constructing other embodiments using the present disclosure will suggest themselves to practitioners of the art. Therefore, the scope of the example embodiments is not limited herein.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An asset cleaning system comprising: an asset in an unclean state; a vessel containing a host fluid, wherein the vessel has a shape and a size that are configured to receive the asset immersed in the host fluid, and wherein the host fluid comprises an electrolyte; a cathode disposed within the host fluid in the vessel; and a power source comprising a first terminal electrically coupled to the cathode and a second terminal electrically coupled to the asset, wherein the power source, when activated, provides direct current power, wherein the cathode, the electrolyte in the host fluid, and the asset complete an electrical circuit with the power source, and wherein the electrolyte in the host fluid is configured to react with impurities on an outer surface of the asset when the power source is activated.

2. The asset cleaning system of Claim 1, wherein the host fluid comprises salt water, and wherein the electrolyte comprises sodium ions in the salt water.

3. The asset cleaning system of Claim 1, wherein the power source is directly electrically coupled to the asset.

4. The asset cleaning system of Claim 1, wherein the cathode is configured to have a length that is substantially similar to that of the asset.

5. The asset cleaning system of Claim 1, further comprising: a spacing component disposed within the host fluid in the vessel, wherein the spacing component comprises an electrically non-conductive material, and wherein the spacing component is configured to position the cathode substantially in a center of the asset.

6. The asset cleaning system of Claim 1, further comprising: a spacing component disposed within the host fluid in the vessel, wherein the spacing component comprises an electrically non-conductive material, and wherein the spacingAttorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO01 component is configured to position the cathode so that the cathode is substantially evenly spaced within the asset along a length of the cathode.

7. The asset cleaning system of Claim 1, further comprising: a securing structure disposed within the host fluid in the vessel, wherein the securing structure is configured to hold the asset in a fixed position within the vessel.

8. The asset cleaning system of Claim 1, further comprising: a condition control apparatus comprising a vibrating device configured to apply vibrations to the asset within the vessel.

9. The asset cleaning system of Claim 1, further comprising: a condition control apparatus comprising a temperature control device configured to control a temperature of the host fluid within the vessel.

10. The asset cleaning system of Claim 1, further comprising: a processing system comprising a separation apparatus configured to remove solids from the host fluid after the power source becomes activated.11 . The asset cleaning system of Claim 1, wherein the vessel comprises at least one of a tank and a pipe.

12. The asset cleaning system of Claim 1, wherein the power source is configured to output a substantially constant current to achieve a target current density.

13. The asset cleaning system of Claim 1, further comprising: a condition control apparatus configured to move the cathode relative to the asset when the power source is activated.

14. The asset cleaning system of Claim 1, further comprising: an electrical connector coupled to the asset and a power transfer link, wherein the electrical connector comprises an electrically conductive material, and wherein the electrical connector and the power transfer link facilitate transfer of the direct current power between the asset and the power source.Attorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO0115. The asset cleaning system of Claim 1, further comprising: an electrical connector coupled to the cathode and a power transfer link, wherein the electrical connector comprises an electrically conductive material, and wherein the electrical connector and the power transfer link facilitate transfer of the direct current power between the cathode and the power source.

16. The asset cleaning system of Claim 1, further comprising: a second cathode disposed within the host fluid in the vessel; a second asset in the unclean state disposed within the host fluid in the vessel, wherein the second asset and the second cathode avoid direct contact with each other; and a second power source electrically coupled to the second cathode and the second asset, wherein the second power source, when activated, provides the direct current power, wherein the second cathode, the electrolyte in the host fluid, and the second asset complete a second electrical circuit with the second power source, and wherein the electrolyte is configured to react with impurities on the outer surface of the asset when the second power source is activated.

17. The asset cleaning system of Claim 1, further comprising: a second cathode disposed within the host fluid in the vessel, wherein the asset and the second cathode avoid direct contact with each other, and wherein the power source, when activated, is further configured to provide the direct current power to the second cathode and the asset.

18. The asset cleaning system of Claim 1, wherein the electrolyte in the host fluid is further configured to improve a cleaning rate and cleaning effectiveness of the asset.

19. The asset cleaning system of Claim 1, wherein the electrolyte in the host fluid is further configured to reduce power usage when the power source is activated.

20. The asset cleaning system of Claim 1, further comprising: a mobility apparatus configured to move the asset into the vessel before activating the power source and remove the asset from the vessel after the power source has finished being activated.

21. The asset cleaning system of Claim 1, wherein the asset is in situ in the vessel.Attorney Docket No. 120177; T-12545-WO0122. The asset cleaning system of Claim 21 , wherein the asset comprises at least one of a group consisting of a pipeline segment and an understructure for a platform.

23. The asset cleaning system of Claim 1, wherein the impurities comprise mercury, wherein the mercury separates from the asset and is maintained in the host fluid in solid form after the metal is converted to a clean state over a period of time during which the power source is activated.

24. The asset cleaning system of Claim 1, further comprising: a processing system configured to generate the host fluid.

25. A method for cleaning an asset, the method comprising: inserting a cathode relative to the asset within a host fluid in a vessel, wherein the cathode avoids direct contact with the asset, wherein the cathode is electrically coupled to a first terminal of a direct current power source, and wherein the host fluid comprises an electrolyte; and activating the direct current power source for a period of time, wherein the electrolyte in the host fluid is configured to react with impurities on an outer surface of the asset when the power source is activated to form a product that is separable from the asset.

26. The method of Claim 25, further comprising: deactivating the direct current power source when the period of time expires; and removing the asset in a clean state from the vessel.

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