Helical Heating Ribs for Fluid Pipe Freezing Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preventing water freezing in pipelines, such as bulk heating and external heating, are inefficient and often ineffective, leading to costly downtime in oil and gas production due to extreme climate changes during hydraulic fracturing operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of fluid transfer pipes with internal helical heating ribs that generate turbulent flow, reducing the likelihood of freezing by inducing frictional heating and improving heat transfer between the heating liquid and the process fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bulk heating of liquid is used to prevent freezing, then freezing prevention is achieved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heating ribs are placed only at critical locations inside the pipe where freezing is most likely to occur, rather than heating the entire bulk liquid. This localized heating approach prevents freezing at key points while consuming significantly less energy than bulk heating methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating ribs act as an intermediary heating element between the heat source and the process fluid. They transfer heat directly to the fluid at the pipe wall interface, improving heat transfer efficiency and reducing the total energy required compared to bulk heating.
2Ease of operation
If smooth pipe internal surface is used, then fluid flow is maintained, but heat transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heating ribs have a curved helical shape rather than straight lines, which promotes turbulent flow patterns in the fluid. This curvature induces swirling motion that enhances heat transfer efficiency while maintaining adequate fluid flow through the pipe.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical ribs create dynamic turbulent flow conditions rather than static laminar flow. The continuous swirling motion generated by the helical shape improves heat transfer coefficients and prevents freezing, while the flow remains sufficient for operational requirements.
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 internal helical heating ribs create a turbulent flow pattern, effectively preventing freezing and reducing pressure drops, thereby ensuring continuous fluid flow and minimizing downtime in harsh climates.
Implementation Method 1
generate turbulent flow, reducing the likelihood of freezing by inducing frictional heating
Implementation Method 2
improving heat transfer between the heating liquid and the process fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transferring and heating fluid is disclosed comprising a fluid transfer pipe having an internal surface and an external surface, and at least one helical heating rib connected to the internal surface of the fluid transfer pipe structured and arranged to generate non-laminar flow and to heat the fluid as it flows through the fluid transfer pipe. A method of heating fluid contained in a pipe is also disclosed. The method comprises providing at least one helical heating rib connected to an internal surface of a fluid transfer pipe, and passing the fluid through the fluid transfer pipe, whereby the at least one helical heating rib generates turbulent flow of the fluid to thereby heat the fluid. The helical heating ribs may comprise hollow channels through which a heating liquid may be passed to further heat the fluid contained in the pipe.