Pipeline Electric Heating System with Shield Transposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric heating systems for transport pipelines are limited to a distance of 25 km with one power supply source, have low heat generation efficiency, and require an accompanying network, making them inefficient and costly, especially for long-distance applications like underwater pipelines.
Innovation Solution
A pipeline electric heating system using a three-phase power supply with resistive cables mounted in separate cable guides on the outer surface of the pipe, featuring a parameter control and monitoring system, and shield transposition to enhance heat distribution and efficiency, allowing heating over distances up to 200 km without an accompanying network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If skin-effect heating with ferromagnetic pipeline is used, then heating efficiency is improved, but heating distance is limited to 25 km
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline is divided into multiple sections, each equipped with independent heating cables and power supply points. This segmentation allows each section to be heated independently, enabling the system to cover distances beyond 25 km by chaining multiple heating zones together, thus resolving the distance limitation while maintaining heating efficiency in each segment
Solution Approach 2:
Thermal insulation layers are introduced as intermediary elements between the heating cables and the pipeline, and between the pipeline and the external environment. This intermediary insulation reduces heat loss, allowing the heat generated at 25 km intervals to effectively reach distant sections, thereby extending the practical heating distance while maintaining efficiency
2Length of stationary object
If accompanying power supply network is constructed, then heating distance is extended, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is extracted from the complex accompanying network infrastructure and simplified to localized power supply points positioned directly at heating zones. This extraction eliminates the need for extensive external power networks while maintaining the ability to heat long distances through distributed, independent power units
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system is designed to be self-sufficient with each heating zone having its own power supply and control capabilities. This self-service approach allows the system to operate independently without requiring a complex centralized power network, reducing system complexity while achieving long-distance heating through multiple autonomous units
3Power
If heating cables are used, then heat generation is improved, but heat distribution efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system employs localized heating zones with individually optimized cable power ratings and insulation thicknesses. Each section's heating capacity is tailored to its specific thermal requirements and distance from power supply, ensuring optimal heat generation without excessive energy loss. This local quality approach allows high heat generation in each zone while minimizing distribution losses through targeted, efficient heat delivery
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 system significantly increases heat generation efficiency, extends heating distance to 200 km, simplifies the constructability and maintenance of the heating system, and optimizes heat usage for pipeline products, reducing the need for multiple power supply stations.
Implementation Method 1
Each resistive cable comprises an inner conductor and a shield surrounding the inner conductor... The heating cable arrangement includes three heating resistive cables connected to three phases of a three-phase power electrical supply
Implementation Method 2
a pipe and thermal insulation therearound
Implementation Method 3
the shields of each resistive cable are connected to ground and are interconnected together at the end terminal and/or at the feed terminal, and wherein the shields or inner conductors are transposed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
A pipeline electric heating system for a transport pipeline (12) comprising a pipe (14) and thermal insulation (7) therearound, comprising a power supply transformer (18), a feed terminal (22), an end terminal (24), one or more service terminals (26) positioned between the feed and end terminals, a parameter control and monitoring system, and a heating cable arrangement (28) including three heating resistive cables (8) connected to three phases (8a, 8b, 8c) of a three-phase power electrical supply extending along the pipe from the feed terminal (22) to the end terminal (24) passing through the one or more service terminals (26). Each said resistive cable is mounted individually within a corresponding cable guide (9a, 9b, 9c), the cable guides and associated resistive cables mounted therein being mounted on an outer surface of the pipe and below the thermal insulation (7). Each resistive cable comprises an inner conductor and a shield surrounding the inner conductor, wherein the shields of each resistive cable are connected to ground and are interconnected together at the end terminal and/or at the feed terminal, and wherein the shields or inner conductors are transposed at said at least one service terminal.