Pipeline MIC Risk Profiling Using Hydraulic and Biofilm Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assessing and mitigating microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) in hydrocarbon pipelines are limited by their inability to integrate multiple models and data sources, often neglecting MIC data, and are costly due to manual calculations and limited to singular pipe regions, lacking precision and frequency in risk analysis.
Innovation Solution
An integrated system and method combining hydraulic and MIC models with historical data to predict MIC risk across an entire pipeline network, enabling dynamic segmentation and precise risk analysis, allowing for accurate MIC risk assessment and mitigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual methods are used to assess MIC risk in pipelines, then the assessment can be performed with simple tools, but the productivity is low and the assessment frequency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calculation methods with automated computer-based simulation models. The system uses software to perform hydraulic modeling and MIC risk assessment calculations that previously required manual computation, thereby dramatically increasing assessment frequency and eliminating time-consuming manual work.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automated assessment where the computer model independently performs risk evaluation without requiring continuous manual intervention. Once configured, the system can autonomously generate risk profiles and identify high-risk areas, freeing operators from repetitive manual assessment tasks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If assessment is limited to singular pipe regions, then the analysis can be performed in detail for specific areas, but the adaptability to entire pipeline networks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pipeline network into discrete pipe regions or segments that can be individually modeled and assessed. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex entire-network assessments by breaking them into manageable sections, each with its own risk profile, while maintaining the ability to analyze specific areas in detail.
Solution Approach 2:
The assessment system is designed to be universal, capable of evaluating both individual pipe regions and entire pipeline networks using the same integrated model framework. The system adapts to different assessment scopes without requiring separate tools, enhancing versatility while managing complexity through standardized modeling approaches.
3Measurement precision
If integrated models combining hydraulic and MIC data are used, then the measurement precision of risk assessment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges hydraulic models with MIC risk assessment models into an integrated simulation system. This combination allows the system to utilize both hydraulic flow data and microbial corrosion data simultaneously, producing more accurate risk predictions that account for the interaction between fluid dynamics and biological corrosion processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary integrated model framework that connects hydraulic parameters with MIC risk factors. This intermediary layer processes and harmonizes data from different sources (hydraulic simulations, microbial data, operational parameters) into a unified risk assessment output, managing the complexity of multi-source data integration.
4Reliability
If comprehensive data integration from multiple sources is performed, then the reliability of risk assessment is improved, but the loss of information processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data preparation and model configuration before actual risk assessment runs. By pre-processing data, establishing model parameters, and configuring simulation settings in advance, the system reduces the time required for comprehensive data integration during formal assessments, while still maintaining high reliability through thorough data analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems may be used for mitigation of microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC). For example, a method of mitigation of MIC may include: generating an MIC risk profile for a hydrocarbon pipeline, wherein generating the MIC risk profile comprises: simulating hydraulic flow using a hydraulic model, wherein a hydraulic model input comprises a pipe property, an operational property, a fluid property, or any combination thereof, and wherein a hydraulic model output comprises a hydraulic profile; simulating MIC using an MIC model, wherein an MIC model input comprises the hydraulic profile, a microbial property, or any combination thereof, and wherein an MIC model output comprises biofilm thickness, biofilm density, MIC rate, pitting frequency, or any combination thereof; generating the MIC risk profile based on a likelihood criteria, the MIC model output, or any combination thereof; and analyzing the MIC risk profile in order to calculate an MIC risk score.