Hybrid Laser-Acid Descaling Tool for Pipe Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chemical and mechanical scale removal methods for pipes in oil and gas operations can damage the pipe material, leading to corrosion, contamination, and downtime due to the adverse effects of acids and abrasives on pipe integrity.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid descaling tool using a ring-shaped laser beam to melt and separate scale deposits from the pipe inner circumference, combined with targeted acid spraying and a vacuum system to extract debris, while protecting the pipe material from acid contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical scale removal techniques utilizing acids are used, then scale deposits are removed, but the acids may generate pores within the metals and damage or weaken the pipes
Solution Approach 1:
A gel formulation acts as an intermediary carrier between the acid and the scale deposit. The gel contains the acid within its structure, allowing controlled delivery to the scale while preventing direct contact between the acid and the pipe wall, thus protecting the pipe from damage while maintaining scale removal effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The gel is applied locally to the scale deposit area only, rather than flooding the entire pipe interior. This localized application ensures the acid acts primarily on the scale deposit while minimizing exposure to the pipe wall, reducing harmful effects while maintaining effective scale removal
2Reliability
If mechanical scale removal employs abrasive elements, then scale deposits are dislodged, but the abrasives may generate pores within the metals and damage or weaken the pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical abrasive action with a chemical-gel system. Instead of using abrasive elements that physically scrape and damage the pipe, a gel formulation delivers acid chemically to dissolve the scale deposit, substituting mechanical damage with a controlled chemical process that protects the pipe
Solution Approach 2:
The gel serves as a mediator that delivers the acid chemically rather than mechanically. This intermediary system allows scale removal through chemical dissolution within the gel structure, eliminating the need for direct abrasive contact with the pipe wall
3Productivity
If acids and abrasives are used for scale removal, then scale deposits are removed, but contamination and leakage may occur due to pipe damage
Solution Approach 1:
The gel formulation acts as a protective intermediary that contains the acid during the scale removal process. This prevents direct acid contact with the pipe wall, avoiding the creation of pores and damage that would lead to contamination and leakage, thereby maintaining pipe integrity while achieving scale removal
Solution Approach 2:
The gel can be viewed as a flexible, conformable matrix that wraps around and contains the acid. This gel shell delivers the acid precisely to the scale deposit while preventing it from reaching and damaging the pipe wall, maintaining pipe integrity during the scale removal process
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 hybrid descaling tool effectively removes scale deposits without damaging the pipe, maintaining its integrity by using a dual-action of laser melting and acid dissolution, while keeping the pipe clean and operational.
Implementation Method 1
generating a ring-shaped laser beam in a hollow cylindrical laser head of the hybrid descaling tool and aimed towards the scale deposit, melting the scale deposit at or near an inner circumferential wall of the pipe via the ring-shaped laser beam
Implementation Method 2
spraying an acid from the acid nozzle of the hybrid descaling tool towards an interior circumferential surface of the reduced diameter flow area, and dissolving the interior circumferential surface of the reduced diameter flow area defined by the scale deposit with the acid
Implementation Method 3
a vacuum radially interposing the hollow cylindrical body and the nozzle body and operable to extract debris through an evacuation flowpath within the hollow cylindrical body
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a pipe for transporting one or more fluids, the pipe including a scale deposit formed on an inner circumferential surface thereof and defining a reduced diameter flow area within the pipe, and a hybrid descaling tool sized to be received within the pipe. The hybrid descaling tool includes a laser head comprising a hollow cylindrical body with an internal, ring-shaped laser path, the laser head operable to emit a ring-shaped laser beam through the ring-shaped laser path, and an acid nozzle protruding forward from the hollow cylindrical body of the laser head and into the reduced diameter flow area, the acid nozzle including one or more acid outlets within the reduced diameter flow area.