DE102018212993A1 - System comprising an operational system such as a pipeline and an insulation surrounding it - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an operational system for receiving a flowable medium, in particular a pipeline and other metallic components, comprising the following features: a protective jacket surrounding the hollow body made of heat-insulating and / or moisture-repellent material, for example made of metal; the protective jacket is introduced and extends to the jacket surface of the hollow body; the sensor unit comprises an optical sensor for detecting the visual state of the metal surface or the metal-coated surface.

Description

The invention relates to a system according to the preamble of claim 1. It comprises an operational system made of corrosion-prone material, for example ordinary structural steel, but also stainless steel, which, depending on the composition, can be prone to corrosion, for example a pressure vessel or a pipe, also surrounded by a protective jacket.

With such operational systems made of steel, corrosion must therefore be expected, which occurs over time. The periods are different. Depending on the ambient conditions, corrosion occurs after years, but also after a few months. Depending on the type of medium to be pumped, the effects of corrosion can be devastating. This is particularly true if the medium is an aggressive substance. But even with non-aggressive substances, interrupting the flow can have serious consequences, for example in power plants.

The operational system, e.g. the pipeline is surrounded by insulation that is particularly useful for thermal insulation. The insulation in turn is generally surrounded by a protective jacket as mechanical protection and as weather protection.

The protective jacket is essential in many cases; it serves as mechanical and weather protection for the system. Isolation is particularly important. It either prevents a hot medium from cooling down or prevents the medium from heating up unintentionally. The insulation and the protective jacket prevent an unobstructed view of the jacket surface of the technical system, and therefore generally of the pipeline, so that the condition of the surface cannot be seen.

There are numerous systems for sensing the condition of the interface, particularly the condition of the outer surface of the pipeline.

So describes WO 2017/127829 A1 a system and method for detecting corrosion under insulation. The system comprises a conductive excitation unit, which is arranged around a test object. An energy source is connected to the excitation unit and generates an alternating current, which creates a magnetic flux. The excitation unit and a magnetic sensor are attached to a holder. The magnetic sensor detects changes in a magnetic flux, as a result of which corrosion spots on the test object are determined.

Numerous other systems are also known. Please refer WO 2012/031181 A9 . WO 2017/198897 A1 . WO 2017/129983 A1 . US 9 823 179 B2 ,

The invention has for its object to provide an operational system, e.g. to design a petrochemical plant, a refinery, a plant in the food industry, a ship or an offshore plant in such a way that the condition in the area of the interface can be reliably and easily determined using simple means. In particular, a forecasting possibility is to be aimed at that can be used to predict the service life of such an operational system.

This object is achieved with a device according to claim 1.

Accordingly, according to the invention, a sensor unit is provided with which the condition of the operational plant made of steel, e.g. a pipeline or a pressure vessel.

For this purpose, the insulation and possibly the protective sheath, metal surrounding the insulation, can be provided with a bore which extends from the outside generally radially inwards to the surface mentioned. The sensor unit can be located directly on the surface to be monitored, but also at a certain radial distance from it.

A sensor unit is located in the area of the peripheral surface of the technical plant. This includes an optical sensor, for example endoscopes, radar sensors, ultrasonic sensors, sensors in which the measurement value acquisition is not limited to spectral ranges of visible light, but also, for example, optical sensors which record spectral ranges of the IR or UV range. The captured image can then be forwarded to an external evaluation unit, displayed and / or analyzed. The image can be unchanged from the condition at the time the pipeline was installed, or it can show the first signs of corrosion, for example certain tarnishing colors of the surface of the hollow body or the pipeline, irregularities in the surface, or even peeling off. In general, it is possible to compare the image with images or parameters of an existing database in accordance with the irregularities mentioned. This makes it possible to make a statement about the degree of corrosion.

According to a further embodiment, the sensor unit not only comprises an optical sensor, but at least one further one Sensor. Moisture and / or temperature sensors come into consideration here. This not only enables the current picture of the condition of the hollow body or the pipeline to be recorded, but also parameters that are more or less responsible for the further development of corrosion and that are based on past experience. For example, the current state according to the optically obtained image can be good and by itself not show any signs of an approaching corrosion. In connection with the measurement of a humidity or a temperature sensor, or with these two, however, conclusions can be drawn on the basis of past results, so that corrosion can be predicted by a mathematical model. It will therefore be possible to make predictions based on a database that are highly reliable. In addition, the measured value of the moisture sensor provides an indicator of when an increased risk of corrosion in the operational system is to be expected. If this measured value is conspicuous over a period of time, that is, outside of a predetermined tolerance range, the corresponding measurement section is checked accordingly.

An advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention thus provides for the results of an optical sensor and a moisture sensor and / or a thermometer to be recorded together and to be sent to an analysis device, with which predictions regarding the future development of corrosion can be made on the basis of the data of an already existing database.

It is conceivable that the sensor unit permanently at critical points in the system, e.g. the pipeline is attached.

Critical points of the system can be, for example, connecting sections of a plurality of hollow bodies, weld seams or bends in the hollow body.

In a further advantageous embodiment, not only an optical sensor, but also a moisture sensor is used. A plurality of optical sensors and moisture sensors are arranged in a type of grid, specifically in the area of the lateral surface of the pipeline. It is important to record the visual condition of the surface of the pipeline, and at the same time the moisture in the area of the surface.

In general, it is more difficult to determine a defective or an undesired change from local, individually monitored points in the operational system. The arrangement in a grid is advantageous because a group of individual results of the individual sensors - optical sensors and moisture sensors - is supplied. Average values can be formed from the large number, but also direct points can be monitored.

Therefore, several such sensor units will be provided along a pipeline, since the condition of the pipeline can vary in length. For example, the areas of elbows or pipe branches are particularly at risk of corrosion. There can be several meters between two adjacent points.

A data transmission of the results from the individual sensor unit to an analysis device can take place in a wired manner or wirelessly by means of a radio connection. Sensor units attached to the system can be controlled bidirectionally, resulting in, for example, predetermined intervals or individual points in time for recording the measured values.

• Zu Beginn einer Messung wird der Zustand der Mantelfläche einer Rohrleitung mittels einer Sensoreinheit erfasst. Die Sensoreinheit weist einen oder mehrere optische Sensoren auf, sowie zugleich einen oder mehrere Feuchtesensoren und Temperatursensoren

A method according to the invention for evaluating the measurement result comprises several steps:

• At the start of a measurement, the condition of the lateral surface of a pipeline is recorded using a sensor unit. The sensor unit has one or more optical sensors as well as one or more humidity sensors and temperature sensors

• - Der vom optischen Sensor erfasste visuelle Zustand und die vom Feuchtesensor erfasste Feuchte, sowie die Temperaturwerden einer Analyseeinrichtung übermittelt. Die Übermittlung kann dabei kabelgebunden oder drahtlos erfolgen.
• - Die Analyseeinrichtung umfasst eine Datenbank mit bereits bekannten Zuständen in Form von Referenzwerten und Parametern in Form von Diagrammen „Zustand über dem Zeitablauf“
• - Die erfassten Zustände werden mit den bereits bekannten Zuständen und Referenzwerten, sowie den jeweiligen Parametern verglichen.
• - Auf Basis dieser Vergleiche wird eine Prognose berechnet.

The moisture is measured using one or more moisture sensors.

• - The visual state detected by the optical sensor and the moisture detected by the moisture sensor, as well as the temperature are transmitted to an analysis device. The transmission can be wired or wireless.
• - The analysis device comprises a database with already known states in the form of reference values and parameters in the form of diagrams “state over time”
• - The recorded states are compared with the already known states and reference values, as well as the respective parameters.
• - A forecast is calculated on the basis of these comparisons.

The prognosis shows a future state of the steel surface. Corresponding components can be repaired in good time. This ensures the operational safety of the thermal system.

• 1 eine thermische Anlage mit Rohrleitungen;
• 2 eine Rohrleitung mit Schutzmantel;
• 3 ein optischer Sensor zur Erfassung eines Zustandes der Oberfläche;
• 4 Feuchtsensoren in einer Anordnung als Gitternetz;
• 5 anwendungsorientierte Verwendung der erfindungsgemäßen Messeinheit zur Zustandsbewertung.

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. The following is shown in detail:

• 1 a thermal system with pipes;
• 2 a pipe with a protective jacket;
• 3 an optical sensor for detecting a state of the surface;
• 4 Humidity sensors arranged as a grid;
• 5 application-oriented use of the measuring unit according to the invention for condition assessment.

In 1 is a thermal system 1 for gas liquefaction (for example natural gas), in which the liquid gas is cooled to temperatures of -163 ° C and within a large number of pipes 2.1 is transported. A sensor system consisting of a moisture sensor 4 and optical sensor 3.1 , is at defined intervals on different sections of the pipeline 2.1 appropriate.

In 2 is a schematic structure of a conveyor system 2 seen. The conveyor system 2 includes a pipeline 2.1 with a lateral surface 2.2 and a protective jacket surrounding the pipeline 2.4 , The pipeline 2.1 is made of metal. The metal can be iron in any form, but also stainless steel or gray cast iron. The pipeline 2.1 is enclosed in an insulating protective jacket 2.4 , mantle 2.4 has the task of thermal losses in the pipeline 2.1 minimize guided medium.

Detecting corrosion is therefore of fundamental importance. Of particular importance is the detection of a future risk of corrosion, preferably the making of a forecast for the time at which corrosion is imminent or is starting to a critical degree. If such processes go unnoticed, the corrosion progresses and can thus serve to destroy the pipeline, but also the protective jacket 2.6 ,

In 3 is an optical sensor 3.1 to record the condition of the lateral surface 2.2 the pipeline 2.1 but also the inner peripheral surface of the protective jacket 2.6 seen. The optical sensor 3.1 comprises a camera that generates image data of a detection area. Instead of the camera, use of, for example, a radar, X-ray or ultrasound sensor is also conceivable. Furthermore, there is a lighting device 3.2 arranged in a ring around the camera. The lighting device 3.2 comprises a plurality of luminous elements, but this can also be embodied as an individual luminous element. With this arrangement, a perfect illumination of the recording area is achieved, whereby a surface and color structure of the measuring point can be assessed.

In addition, a distance device (not shown) is conceivable, with the aid of which a defined distance between the sensor 3.1 and lateral surface 2.2 the pipeline 2.1 is achieved with a measured value recording. This can be helpful if the measurement recording is to be standardized.
The optical sensor 3.1 can record the measured values using a radio interface 3.3 for example to a backend server 6 or an analysis device 5 send in real time.

In 4 is a variety of moisture sensors 4 arranged in a grid 4.1 shown. The moisture sensors 4 detect humidity, possibly liquid water. The moisture sensors 4 are separated from each other with a defined distance X. The distance X is chosen so that the measuring range is optimal with the smallest possible number of moisture sensors 4 is recorded. As a grid 4.1 a textile, plastic or metal net can be used. An arrangement of the moisture sensors as a grid 4.1 has the advantage that the humidity sensors 4 Comprehensive and time-saving on the measurement object - here the system 2 - can be attached. Likewise, the grids 4.1 can be pre-assembled with other required components, thus achieving economic advantages. The further components can be, for example, transponders that send the measurement data to the analysis device 5 or send a storage medium.

In 5 is an arrangement of several sensors 3.1 . 4 , the analysis device 5 and a backend server 6 seen. The sensors 3.1 . 4 as well as the analysis device 5 are with the backend server 6 connected in such a way that data to or from the backend server 6 can be sent or received. In this example, this happens when the two sensors communicate 3.1 . 4 to the backend server 6 wirelessly and when the analysis device communicates 5 to the backend server 6 wired.

This means that the measured values recorded by the humidity sensors 4 and the optical sensor 3.1 in real time to the backend server 6 Posted. The measured values are stored there in a database 6.1 , with further parameters for the measured values 5.2 , such as the exact measuring location, the type of fluid in the pipeline 2.1 at the measurement site, a material composition of the pipeline 2.1 and an age of the pipeline 2.1 get saved.

With a combination of an optical sensor 3.1 and humidity sensor 4 The essential measured values are recorded, which are meaningful for an evaluation and forecast 5.3 the corrosion 2.5 on the pipeline 2.1 are. The optical sensor 3.1 gives the actual state of the lateral surface 2.2 again, the humidity sensor 4 indicates the air humidity at which this oxidation took place.

By means of the analysis device 5 the measured values are compared with those already in the database 6.1 existing reference values 5.1 and parameters 5.2 , These can, for example, image data of a lateral surface 2.2 an oxidized pipeline 2.1 , the course of its oxidation with other environmental parameters, which were documented over a period of time. This course of oxidation is available for all common pipe types - in connection with the respective oxidation states.

Hence, a forecast 5.3 about the course of oxidation of a pipeline 2.1 to be created. This gives the plant operator the opportunity to take appropriate measures in good time in order to prevent the affected pipes from collapsing 2.1 to prevent.

In 6 is an operational system 2 with the measuring unit according to the invention 7 shown. The measuring unit 7 measures water or moisture between the protective jacket 2.6 and the surface 2.1 , The leader 7.1 is with one end on a voltage source 7.2 connected. At another end this opens into at least one U-shaped conductor section. The conductor section has two legs 7.4 on, with a critical humidity a current flow between these legs 7.4 is measurable. In addition, the measuring unit points 7 an alarm device 7.3 on having a status of the operational facility 2 signaled. The alarm device 7.3 can, for example, also reproduce its signal on a data processing device.

The U-shaped ladder with the legs 7.4 are in the protective jacket 2.6 permanently installed. The operational system 2 has a U-shaped conductor every 15 meters that measures moisture.

In 7 is a front view of the U-shaped conductor with the two legs 7.4 seen. The conductor is partially insulated and thus protected against incorrect measurements and short circuits. It also touches the surface 2.2 the pipeline 2.1 Not. The leader 7.1 forms a circuit and runs at least part of its length outside the pipeline 2.1 ,

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

thermal plant

2

operational system

2.1

pipeline

2.2

surface

2.3

interface

2.4

insulation

2.5

corrosion

2.6

mantle

3

detection device

3.1

optical sensor

3.2

lighting device

3.3

interface

4

humidity sensor

4.1

grid

5

analyzer

5.1

reference values

5.2

parameter

5.3

forecast

6

backend server

6.1

Database

7

measuring unit

7.1

ladder

7.2

voltage source

7.3

alarm device

7.4

leg

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included for better information for the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• WO 2017/127829 A1 [0006]
• WO 2012/031181 A9 [0007]
• WO 2017/198897 A1 [0007]
• WO 2017/129983 A1 [0007]
• US 9823179 B2 [0007]

Claims (5)

System (2) for receiving a flowable medium, in particular an operational system such as a pipeline (2.1), comprising the following features: 1.1 insulation (2.6) surrounding an operational system made of heat-insulating and / or moisture-repellent material, for example made of plastic, 1.2 a sensor unit; 1.3 the sensor unit comprises an optical sensor for detecting the visual condition of the lateral surface of the metal surface (2.1). Appendix (2) to Claim 1 , characterized in that a hole is made in the insulation (2.6) which extends to the surface of the operational system, for example the pipeline (2.2), and which contains the sensor unit. Appendix (2) to Claims 1 or 2 , characterized in that the sensor unit comprises at least one moisture sensor or a thermometer. Plant (2) according to one of the Claims 2 or 3 , characterized by the following features: a carrier which can be inserted into the bore and whose radially inner end engages the sensor unit is provided. Plant (2) according to one of the Claims 2 to 4 , characterized in that the lateral surface of the carrier is sealed against the reveal of the bore.

Images