Heated Double-Walled Pipe Segment for Thermal Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double-walled pipes for hydrocarbon extraction suffer from thermal insulation defects leading to heat loss and blockages, requiring frequent maintenance and costly cleaning operations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a heating duct with electrical heating lines in the annular space of pipe segments, which are hermetically sealed and connected to adjacent segments, along with a filler fluid in the sleeve to enhance thermal insulation and reduce heat loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If thermal insulation is provided in the annular space between inner and outer walls, then heat loss is reduced, but thermal insulation defects can still occur leading to cold spots and blockages
Solution Approach 1:
A heating duct filled with thermal insulation material is introduced as an intermediary element within the annular space. This heating duct acts as a mediator that provides both thermal insulation and active heating capability, preventing cold spots while maintaining energy efficiency. The heating duct is hermetically sealed and can be brought to reduced pressure to enhance insulation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by bringing the annular space to reduced pressure to enhance the thermal insulation performance of the insulation material. By changing the pressure parameter, the insulation effectiveness is improved, reducing heat loss further. Additionally, the heating system allows dynamic adjustment of temperature parameters to prevent blockages.
2Ease of operation
If the pipe is disassembled frequently for maintenance and servicing, then pumping systems can be serviced, but production stoppages occur and cleaning operations become costly
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe is divided into modular segments that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Each segment contains its own heating duct and insulation system, allowing for quick replacement and maintenance without affecting the entire pipe system. This segmentation enables rapid servicing of pumping systems while minimizing production stoppages.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating ducts are pre-installed and hermetically sealed within each segment during manufacturing. Thermal insulation material is pre-placed in the annular spaces. This preliminary action ensures that when segments are assembled, the thermal insulation system is already in place, reducing on-site installation time and maintaining production continuity.
3Loss of energy
If the annular space is hermetically closed and brought to reduced pressure, then thermal insulation capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating duct and thermal insulation system are merged into a single integrated component that is hermetically sealed. This combination eliminates the need for separate insulation layers and pressure management systems, reducing structural complexity while maintaining improved thermal insulation performance through reduced pressure.
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 solution provides reliable, low-cost, and easy-to-maintain thermal insulation with uniform heating along the pipe length, reducing the risk of blockages and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrical heating line operating by Joule heating is placed in said heating duct
Implementation Method 2
said annular space being designed to be closed hermetically in order to enable it to be brought to a reduced pressure
Implementation Method 3
Insulation is disposed in the annular space between the inner wall and the outer wall, and makes it possible to provide thermal insulation
Data Source
AI summary
A segment is fitted by screw-fastening for implementing a fluid transport pipe for transporting a fluid, the pipe including an inner wall and an outer wall, the segment including an inner tube and an outer tube that define an annular space between them. The segment includes in particular one heating duct placed in its annular space and opening out at either end of its annular space, the annular space being designed to be closed hermetically in order to enable it to be brought to a reduced pressure. A method of manufacturing the segment and a method of implementing the fluid transport pipe is described.