Subsea Pipeline Heating Station Using Segmented Electromagnetic Induction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for maintaining the temperature of hydrocarbons in underwater pipelines, such as thermal insulation and electric heating, are either inefficient or costly and prone to service disruptions if not continuously maintained.
Innovation Solution
A flexible and removable heating station using electromagnetic induction, with solenoids wound around heating conduits and magnetic yokes to concentrate the electromagnetic field, allowing for efficient heating of long pipeline sections without continuous installation and minimizing maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If thermal insulation is used on underwater pipes, then heat retention is improved, but cooling prevention is insufficient over long distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the long underwater pipeline into multiple sections, each equipped with an independent electromagnetic heating unit. Instead of relying solely on thermal insulation for the entire length, the pipeline is segmented into zones with active heating capability, ensuring temperature maintenance over long distances where insulation alone is insufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic heating units as intermediary devices between the fluid and the external environment. These units act as mediators that actively compensate for heat loss through electromagnetic induction, working in conjunction with thermal insulation to maintain fluid temperature throughout the pipeline.
2Temperature
If electric heating cables are wrapped around entire pipeline length, then temperature maintenance is improved, but installation and maintenance costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces continuous heating cables with discrete electromagnetic heating units positioned at specific locations along the pipeline. Each unit consists of a solenoid coil and magnetic yokes that can be independently installed and maintained, reducing overall system complexity compared to continuous cable wrapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the heating function from the continuous cable system and concentrates it into discrete electromagnetic units. By taking out the heating capability from every point along the pipeline and concentrating it at specific locations, the system achieves temperature maintenance with reduced installation and maintenance complexity.
3Temperature
If continuous electric heating cables are used, then temperature control is improved, but reliability decreases due to continuity dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heating system into independent electromagnetic units that operate autonomously. Each unit can function independently without relying on continuous cable integrity, eliminating the single-point-failure vulnerability inherent in continuous heating cable systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates redundancy by distributing multiple independent heating units along the pipeline. This beforehand cushioning ensures that if one unit fails, others continue to provide heating, compensating for potential failures before they cause complete system shutdown.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If scrapers are frequently circulated to clean pipes, then deposit removal is improved, but operational disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining fluid temperature above critical thresholds through electromagnetic heating, preventing deposit formation before it occurs. This proactive temperature maintenance eliminates the need for frequent mechanical cleaning operations that would disrupt pipeline operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of temperature drop (which causes deposit formation) into a benefit by using electromagnetic heating to maintain optimal temperature. The same electromagnetic field that heats the fluid also prevents the conditions that lead to deposits, turning a potential problem into a preventive solution.
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 solution effectively maintains fluid temperature above critical thresholds, preventing deposition and ensuring continuous operation with reduced installation and maintenance costs, and allows for easy relocation or repair of heating stations without affecting the entire pipeline system.
Implementation Method 1
at least one solenoid (8) which is wound around a part of the heating conduit and supplied with electric current from the surface installation to heat the part of the heating conduit by electromagnetic induction
Implementation Method 2
magnetic yokes to concentrate the electromagnetic field
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a station (2) for heating fluids flowing through a network of submarine pipelines, comprising at least one heating duct (6) made from conductive material and intended to be connected to a submarine pipeline (4) for transporting fluids, and at least one solenoid (8) wound around part of the heating duct and supplied with electric current in order to heat said part of the heating duct by means of electromagnetic induction.