Low-Density Microsphere Fluid for Hydrocarbon Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing trapped hydrocarbons from pipelines, such as hot tapping, are hazardous, time-consuming, and costly, as they require 'hot work' and skilled personnel, and are not effective in all orientations of pipework.

Innovation Solution

A method using a water-based liquid with a density less than hydrocarbons, comprising microspheres and a long-chain polymer, is flushed through the pipework to displace and remove trapped hydrocarbons, aided by gel-based pigs that maintain shape and viscosity properties to navigate and clear the pipelines effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hot tapping is used to remove trapped hydrocarbons, then the hydrocarbons can be removed from up-pipes, but the process becomes hazardous and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrocarbon removal effectivenessVSAvoidfire hazard and explosion risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the density parameter of the flushing liquid by incorporating low-density microspheres (0.4-0.7 g/cm³) into the water-based liquid, making it lighter than hydrocarbons. This density modification enables the liquid to rise into up-pipes and displace trapped hydrocarbons without requiring hot tapping operations, thereby eliminating fire hazards while maintaining effective hydrocarbon removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The low-density water-based liquid acts as an intermediary substance that transfers the displacement function from hazardous hot work operations to a safe fluid-based process. The liquid mediates between the flushing system and trapped hydrocarbons, using density differential to automatically rise into up-pipes and displace hydrocarbons through buoyancy-driven flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If standard water flushing is used, then the process is simple and safe, but hydrocarbons remain trapped in up-pipes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflushing process simplicityVSAvoidhydrocarbon removal completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention modifies the density parameter of water by adding low-density microspheres, transforming standard water (density 1.0 g/cm³) into a lighter flushing liquid (density 0.4-0.7 g/cm³). This parameter change enables the liquid to overcome gravity and rise into vertically oriented up-pipes, ensuring complete hydrocarbon removal while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The low-density microspheres provide a counterweight effect that opposes the gravitational pull on the flushing liquid. This anti-weight mechanism enables the liquid to rise against gravity into up-pipes, counteracting the natural tendency of water to settle at the bottom and fail to reach vertically oriented trapped hydrocarbons

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Reliability

If heavy water-based liquid is used, then hydrocarbons are displaced in down-pipes, but up-pipe hydrocarbons remain trapped

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedown-pipe hydrocarbon removalVSAvoideffectiveness across different pipe orientations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the density parameter from greater than hydrocarbons (heavy water-based liquid) to less than hydrocarbons (light water-based liquid with microspheres). This parameter reversal enables the liquid to adapt to both down-pipe and up-pipe orientations, rising into vertical up-pipes while still effectively displacing hydrocarbons in horizontal and downward orientations through modified flow patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This method safely and efficiently removes trapped hydrocarbons from up-pipes and down-pipes, reducing hazards and costs by using a lighter fluid that segregates and flushes out hydrocarbons, allowing for safer maintenance and decommissioning of facilities.

Implementation Method 1

flushing the through pipe with a water-based liquid which has a density less than hydrocarbons. In this way, any hydrocarbons trapped in the at least one up-pipe will be displaced by the lighter water-based liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS11786944B2Method and kit for removing trapped hydrocarbons

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 ITALMATCH CHEM GB LTD

AI summary

A method of removing trapped hydrocarbons from pipework, the pipework comprising a through pipe (1) extending from an inlet to an outlet, and at least one up-pipe (2a, 2b) extending upwardly from the through pipe. The method comprises: flushing the through pipe with a water-based liquid (6) which has a density less than hydrocarbons; wherein the water-based liquid comprises a plurality of rigid containers, such as microspheres, the rigid containers each having a sealed void containing a gas. in this way, hydrocarbons in the up-pipes may be removed without hot-tapping them. The flushing may be performed by directing pipeline pigs (5a, 5b) in front of and behind the water-based liquid. The pigs may be a cross-linked gel, based pipeline pig with elastomeric properties. A kit of parts for such a method is also disclosed.