Heated Pipe Semi-Conductive Layer Partial Discharge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermally insulated pipes for transporting hydrocarbons face blockages due to solidification, and existing solutions like additional pipes or chemical injection require heavy equipment and are inefficient, especially with electric heating cables deteriorating at high voltages, limiting power input.
Innovation Solution
A heated pipe design with electric heating cables, a thermally insulating material, and an external conductive or semi-conductive layer to reduce partial electrical discharges, combined with an insulating gas in an annular space at reduced pressure, allowing for higher voltage and power input without cable deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the supply voltage to electric heating cables is increased to provide sufficient heating power, then the heating efficiency improves, but the cables deteriorate rapidly and cause short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
A semi-conductive layer is introduced as an intermediary between the electric heating cable and the surrounding environment. This layer controls electrical discharge by providing a controlled path for charge dissipation, preventing rapid cable deterioration while enabling higher voltage operation for improved heating efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical properties of the cable insulation system are modified by adding the semi-conductive layer, which changes the electrical field distribution and discharge characteristics. This parameter change allows the system to operate at higher voltages without causing harmful electrical breakdowns that would deteriorate the cable
2Loss of energy
If thermal insulation is improved to reduce heat losses, then energy efficiency improves, but the pipe requires more complex structure with additional casings and insulation layers
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated pipe structure: the transportation casing, thermal insulation layer, and electrical discharge protection layer are combined into one unified system. This eliminates the need for separate protective structures while achieving both thermal efficiency and electrical safety
Solution Approach 2:
The external casing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection for the pipe, contains the thermal insulation layer, and when equipped with the semi-conductive layer, provides electrical discharge protection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components
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 effective thermal insulation and substantial power input along the pipe length, reducing equipment needs and safety risks, while preventing premature cable deterioration and allowing for efficient heating over long distances.
Implementation Method 1
electric heating cables by Joule effect can be arranged in such a pipe
Implementation Method 2
a layer of thermal insulation can be arranged around the heating cables in order to reduce heat losses in the surrounding environment
Implementation Method 3
an external casing arranged around the thermally insulating material and made integral with the transportation casing in a sealed manner so as to define at least one annular space enabling its pressure to be reduced
Implementation Method 4
an external semi-conductive layer, of a thickness of between 20 μm and 2000 μm, applied onto said sheath of electrically insulating material on each heating cable, the external semi-conductive layer comprising an electrically insulating material forming a matrix in which particles of carbon are included, the concentration of carbon particles enabling a continuous electrical current to be made through the matrix
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a heated pipe for the transportation of a fluid comprising:a fluid transportation casing,one or several electric heating cables each arranged along the transportation casing, each cable comprising an electrically conductive core arranged in an electrically insulating and thermally conductive sheath,a thermally insulating material applied onto said heating cable or cables and onto the transportation casing,an external casing arranged around the thermally insulating material and made integral with the transportation casing in a sealed manner so as to define at least one annular space enabling its pressure to be reduced, the pipe additionally comprises means to reduce partial electrical discharges between said heating cable or cables and the transportation casing.