Solid Acid Block for Subsea Connecting Element Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea installations face operational delays and increased costs due to calcium-based scaling, which requires frequent mechanical cleaning and excessive use of acid solutions that often result in wastage and inefficiency during treatment.
Innovation Solution
A solid acid block, specifically designed in block form and adapted to subsea connecting elements, with a biologically degradable handle for easy handling by divers or ROVs, that dissolves in place, minimizing acid loss and allowing for efficient scaling removal without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If acid solution is sprayed manually at the connecting element, then scaling removal is achieved, but acid solution is lost to surrounding water masses
Solution Approach 1:
The acid block is designed to dissolve automatically in the surrounding water, releasing acid locally at the connecting element without requiring manual spraying or intervention. The block serves itself by dissolving and distributing acid through its own structure, eliminating the need for continuous human operation and preventing acid loss to surrounding waters.
Solution Approach 2:
The acid block is shaped to match the geometry of the connecting element, creating a localized treatment zone. The block dissolves preferentially at interfaces with the connecting element, concentrating acid delivery exactly where needed rather than dispersing it broadly into surrounding water masses.
2Loss of substance
If acid solution is sprayed slowly to minimize loss, then acid wastage is reduced, but treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acid block automatically dissolves and releases acid over time without requiring manual spraying operations. This self-dissolving mechanism eliminates the trade-off between spraying speed and acid loss, as the block naturally controls its dissolution rate based on surrounding water conditions, achieving both minimal wastage and efficient treatment timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The block element's dissolution rate is controlled by parameters such as surface area, porosity, and material composition. By optimizing these parameters, the acid block releases acid at an optimal rate that balances efficient treatment with minimal loss to surrounding waters, eliminating the need to slow spraying for wastage reduction.
3Extent of automation
If acid block is left in place to dissolve, then treatment continues without intervention, but acid may be lost to surrounding water
Solution Approach 1:
The acid block is designed with geometric features that create localized acid release zones. The block's shape and internal structure ensure that acid dissolves and reacts primarily at interfaces with the connecting element, while the surrounding water flow is directed to minimize acid dispersion into broader surrounding water masses.
Solution Approach 2:
The block element incorporates porous structures that control acid dissolution and release. The porosity allows surrounding water to penetrate and dissolve the block gradually, while the pore geometry directs the released acid toward the connecting element interface, reducing random dispersion into surrounding waters.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If handle is made from biologically degradable material, then no solid residues are left, but handling strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The handle material is selected and engineered to achieve optimal balance between strength and biodegradability. By controlling parameters such as material composition, fiber orientation, and structural design, the handle maintains sufficient strength for diver or ROV manipulation while remaining fully biologically degradable to leave no solid residues after use.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The acid block effectively reduces acid wastage and enhances treatment efficiency by allowing the acid to dissolve in situ, minimizing operational delays and costs, with the biodegradable handle ensuring no residual solid substances are left behind.
Implementation Method 1
the acid reacting with the scaling and dissolving it
Implementation Method 2
The acid is gradually dissolved by the water penetrating into clearances between the acid block and the connecting element
Implementation Method 3
The acid is gradually dissolved by the water penetrating into clearances between the acid block and the connecting element
Data Source
AI summary
An acid block is for local acid treatment of a subsea connecting element, which is in need of cleaning by acid treatment. A block element, which is formed from an acid or an acid residue in solid form, is formed for positioning on or at a portion of the connecting element, for example a connecting interface formed according to an API standard. A method is for acid treatment of a subsea connecting element, which is in need of cleaning by acid treatment.