Mercury-in-Pipe Assessment Tool Non-Destructive Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring mercury in pipes are destructive, limited in detection accuracy, and not suitable for subsea applications, requiring pipe coupons and high-temperature processing.
Innovation Solution
A non-destructive Mercury-in-Pipe Assessment Tool (MiPAT) using a generator-detector configured with a spectroscopic beam generator and thermal neutron source, mechanically coupled to pipes, capable of measuring mercury concentrations down to 1 ppm with neutron activation analysis, suitable for subsea use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If destructive methods (pipe coupon digestion, thermal desorption) are used to measure mercury, then measurement precision is improved, but the pipe system is damaged and shutdown is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/chemical destructive methods (acid digestion, thermal desorption at 800°C) with a non-destructive neutron activation analysis system. The neutron generator irradiates the pipe externally, and gamma detectors measure the characteristic gamma rays emitted by activated mercury atoms, eliminating the need to damage the pipe structure or shut down the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces neutron activation as an intermediary process. Instead of directly analyzing the pipe material destructively, neutrons penetrate the pipe wall and activate mercury atoms within, causing them to emit characteristic gamma rays that can be detected externally through the pipe wall, thus serving as a non-destructive intermediary measurement approach.
2Ease of operation
If field portable handheld x-ray spectrometer is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and detection limit are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental detection parameter from x-ray spectroscopy to neutron activation analysis with gamma detection. This parameter change enables detection of mercury at much lower concentrations (down to 1 ppm or 10 mg/kg) compared to handheld x-ray spectrometers, while maintaining the ability to perform measurements in the field without requiring complex laboratory infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If thermal desorption at 800°C is used, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases and pipe damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes high-temperature thermal desorption (800°C) with low-energy neutron activation analysis. The neutron generator provides sufficient energy to activate mercury atoms without requiring high-temperature heating, thereby dramatically reducing energy consumption while avoiding thermal damage to the pipe structure and eliminating the need for system shutdown.
4Measurement precision
If pipe coupon removal is required for analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the pipe system to serve itself by allowing in-situ measurement of mercury content without removing coupons or shutting down. The neutron generator and gamma detectors can be positioned externally to measure mercury concentration directly in the operating pipe, eliminating the need for system shutdown, coupon removal, and subsequent laboratory analysis, thus maintaining continuous productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a generator-detector configured to be attached to a pipe. The generator-detector is configured to measure the concentration of mercury in the pipe in a non-destructive manner. A method is also disclosed.