Blind Flange Crystal Holder for High Temp Corrosion Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses are inadequate for measuring high-temperature corrosivity of acidic crudes, particularly naphthenic acid corrosion of metals, due to limitations in withstanding high pressures and temperatures in test vessels.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a blind flange with a peripheral bolt portion and a central tube attachment for a GaPO4 crystal microbalance, capable of operating at high temperatures, which measures areal mass density change of a metal layer on the crystal surface, facilitating the assessment of corrosivity in hydrocarbon-based fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional apparatus are used for high temperature corrosion testing, then the test can be conducted, but the apparatus cannot withstand the high pressures and temperatures encountered in test vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a blind flange for pressure containment, a tube for fluid connection, and a crystal holder for the microbalance. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while withstanding high temperature and pressure conditions independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The blind flange with integrated tube serves as an intermediary structure that connects the external fluid system to the internal crystal measurement chamber, enabling high temperature fluid exposure while protecting the sensitive crystal microbalance components.
2Measurement precision
If a crystal microbalance is used for mass change detection, then corrosion rates can be measured, but the apparatus cannot withstand high pressures in test vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is separated from the high pressure zone by using a blind flange configuration where the crystal holder and tube connections are positioned to minimize direct pressure exposure while maintaining measurement capability through the fluid interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube connection allows for flexible positioning and sealing, enabling the crystal microbalance to be held securely while accommodating pressure differentials and thermal expansion without compromising the measurement chamber integrity.
3Reliability
If naphthenic acid corrosion of metals is studied, then corrosivity data can be obtained, but existing apparatus are inadequate for high temperature measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces conventional mechanical corrosion measurement methods with a crystal microbalance system that measures areal mass density changes, providing more reliable and sensitive corrosion data at high temperatures where traditional mechanical gauges would fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement parameter is changed from bulk mass change to areal mass density change on the crystal surface, enabling detection of corrosion rates at high temperatures with greater precision and reliability than conventional methods.
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
Enables reliable and repeatable measurement of corrosion rates at high temperatures, providing empirical data on corrosivity within minutes, suitable for investigating naphthenic acid corrosion of iron in refinery feedstocks.
Implementation Method 1
Cost-effective, repeatable and reliable high temperature methods using crystal microbalance in relative mass change detection to determine the corrosion rates of metals in crudes have been developed.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device for use in a test to measure the corrosivity of a high temperature hydrocarbon based fluid by determining areal mass density change from a metal layer deposited on a surface of a gallium orthophosphate (GaPO4) crystal. The device includes a blind flange according to ASME B 16.5 having a peripheral bolt portion and a central portion. Bolt holes are present in the peripheral bolt portion of the blind flange for attaching the blind flange to a vessel. A hole through the central portion of the blind flange is provided to which a tube is securely attached at a first end. A second end of the tube is capable of holding the GaPO4 crystal.