Polyurethane Insulation with Dispersed Wax for Pipeline Heat Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing offshore pipelines face challenges with crude oil cooling and potential blockage during production stoppages due to inadequate heat storage capacity, as current insulation methods limit the incorporation of latent heat stores and result in short production stoppage durations without risk of blockage.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the direct incorporation of wax into a polyurethane reaction mixture for offshore pipelines, where organic polyisocyanate is mixed with polymeric compounds, chain extenders, catalysts, and wax, forming a polyurethane layer with dispersed wax droplets for enhanced heat storage and insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If encapsulated latent heat stores are used in polyurethane insulation, then heat storage capacity is improved, but the reaction mixture viscosity increases and mechanical properties of the insulating layer deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the shell material from the latent heat store structure, using only the liquid wax filling without encapsulation. This removes the harmful effect of solid particles on viscosity while preserving the heat storage function of the wax itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the wax from solid encapsulated form to liquid dispersed form during application. The wax is applied in liquid state and only solidifies after cooling in the pipeline, transforming the processability characteristics while maintaining heat storage capacity.
2Quantity of substance
If higher amounts of latent heat stores are incorporated into the polymer matrix, then heat storage capacity is improved, but mechanical properties of the insulating layer deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the solid shell structure that compromised mechanical properties, using only the liquid wax filling. This allows higher wax content to be incorporated without the mechanical degradation caused by solid particle reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite system where liquid wax droplets are dispersed in the polyurethane matrix, forming a two-phase material that combines the mechanical properties of polyurethane with the heat storage capacity of wax, without the mechanical degradation caused by solid encapsulation.
3Quantity of substance
If 'pipe in pipe' solutions are used to increase heat storage capacity, then heat storage capacity is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the heat storage function directly into the single-layer polyurethane insulation coating by dispersing liquid wax throughout the matrix. This eliminates the need for separate inner pipe and outer insulation structure, simplifying the overall device while achieving equivalent or superior heat storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The polyurethane coating serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection, thermal insulation, and heat storage capacity through the dispersed wax. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate structural components required in pipe-in-pipe solutions.
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 approach allows for higher heat storage capacity, extending production stoppage durations without pipeline blockage, while simplifying the production process and reducing costs compared to 'pipe in pipe' solutions.
Implementation Method 1
the latent heat stores absorb heat from the warm crude oil and melt. In the case of a brief production stoppage, the insulating layer cools gradually from the outside, and the lipophilic filling of the latent heat stores cools, solidifies and releases the heat absorbed back to the crude oil
Implementation Method 2
organic polyisocyanate is mixed with at least one polymeric compound having at least two isocyanate-reactive hydrogen atoms to give a first reaction mixture, and the first reaction mixture is applied to a pipe and allowed to react to give a first polyurethane layer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for producing pipelines with heat-storing properties, in which a) organic polyisocyanate is mixed with b) at least one polymeric compound having at least two isocyanate-reactive hydrogen atoms, c) optionally chain extender and/or crosslinker, d) catalyst, e) wax and f) optionally other assistants and/or additives, to give a first reaction mixture, and the first reaction mixture is applied to a pipe and allowed to react fully to give a first polyurethane layer. The present invention further relates to a pipeline with heat-storing properties obtainable by such a process.