Pipeline Sampling Scraper for Representative Corrosion Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring pipeline corrosion are imprecise, costly, and pose health and safety risks, as they often require manual sampling while the pipeline is in service and are limited by the size and accessibility of smart pigs, which can only analyze certain pipeline sizes and profiles.
Innovation Solution
A pipeline pig equipped with a scraping mechanism and sampling mechanism that allows for remote-controlled sampling of material from specific target zones within the pipeline, using dual valves to isolate and collect samples for analysis, reducing exposure risks and accommodating various pipeline sizes and profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual sampling is performed at spot sampling points along the pipeline, then sampling can be conducted while the pipeline is in service, but the sampling is not representative of the pipeline as a whole and creates health and safety concerns for individuals exposed to toxic media
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling mechanism is extracted from the traditional external sampling points and integrated directly into the pipeline pig. This allows the pig to collect samples internally as it travels through the pipeline, eliminating the need for operators to access external sampling points and exposing them to toxic media. The sample collection occurs in a controlled environment within the pig, improving both safety and representativeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipeline pig is transformed from a single-function cleaning or inspection device into a multi-functional tool that combines cleaning/scraping capabilities with integrated sampling functionality. This universal device can perform multiple operations (cleaning, scraping, and sampling) in one pass through the pipeline, providing comprehensive data collection without requiring separate sampling operations that expose personnel to hazards.
2Measurement precision
If smart pigs are used to inspect pipelines for corrosion, then detailed measurements and inspections can be performed, but the large size and clearance requirements limit which pipeline sizes and profiles can be analyzed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using large, complex smart pigs that require significant clearance, the invention inverts the approach by using a smaller pipeline pig equipped with integrated sampling and detection mechanisms. This inverted design allows the pig to navigate smaller pipelines and tighter clearances while still performing corrosion detection and sampling functions, thereby expanding applicability to various pipeline sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling mechanism and detection devices are nested within the compact body of the pipeline pig. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to be housed in a small package that can traverse pipelines of various sizes, maintaining adaptability across different pipeline configurations while preserving advanced corrosion detection capabilities.
3Loss of information
If multiple spot samples are taken over time to identify corrosion trends, then general corrosion indication can be obtained, but the method is costly, time-consuming, and unable to pinpoint specific corrosion locations
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline pig provides continuous sampling action as it travels through the pipeline, collecting samples from multiple locations in a single continuous pass. This eliminates the need for discrete, time-separated spot sampling operations. The continuous collection process efficiently gathers comprehensive corrosion data across the entire pipeline segment, reducing both time and cost while maintaining detailed information about corrosion trends and locations.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for treating the tail gas stream of a sulfur recovery plant. The methods including generating a tail gas stream from a sulfur recovery plant, treating the tail gas stream with a hydrogen sulfide absorption unit and a hydrogen selective membrane unit, generating a stream low in hydrogen sulfide and a stream rich in hydrogen. The hydrogen sulfide rich stream is recycled to the sulfur recovery unit. The hydrogen selective membrane unit includes a glassy polymer membrane selective for hydrogen over hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide.