DE202022102053U1 - Hall effect based modular sensor network system for monitoring pipeline integrity - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular Hall effect based sensor network system for monitoring pipeline integrity, comprising:
a plurality of cylindrically shaped tubes (102) arranged horizontally and/or vertically and having a plurality of hangers (106) spaced apart to support the tubes (102), the plurality of cylindrical shaped tubes (102) configured to be joined together to form a butt joint (106) along a circumference of the tubes;
a pair of bracelets (108) disposed about the circumference of the tube (102) and attached by a link and hinge connector (110), each of the bracelets (108) comprising detachable links/struts (112), each Brace holds a magnet, a first bracelet of the pair enclosing a plurality of magnets (114) of one polarity arranged in an array separated by a plurality of brackets (122), a second bracelet of the pair including a plurality of magnets (116) of a second polarity arranged in the same manner as in the first bracelet, each of the magnets (114, 116) of the first and second bracelets being configured to be in a particular spaced apart;
a smart node (118) having an array of Hall Effect sensors (120) positioned between the first wristband and the second wristband (108), each sensor configured to operate between the first polarity of magnets (114) and the second polarity of magnets (116) and thereby detecting a disturbance in magnetic field lines passing through the plurality of tubes/ducts (102);
a processing unit (126) operatively coupled to the array of sensors (120) and configured to receive input from the intelligent Node (118) receives, the processing unit (126) being configured to process and accumulate the input received from the sensors (120), wherein when the pipeline (102) is ruptured at a surface, a disturbance in the magnetic field lines occurs and the distortion in the magnetic field lines is configured to be detected by the array of Hall effect sensors (120), the sensors transmitting an analog value to the processing unit (126) in relation to the node (118), the node configured to receive input commands from a base station (128) and to transmit the data received from the sensors to the base station for data analysis.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

More particularly, the present invention relates to a leak detection system used in ferromagnetic piping networks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Corrosion is a constant threat to the petroleum industry. In the hydrocarbon industry, most of the piping used is carbon steel, which is subject to severe corrosion from exposure to the atmosphere and the corrosive components in petroleum products. Uncontrolled corrosion not only causes losses, but also impacts refinery economics, eventually leading to leaks that can impact the environment and human safety. Currently, maintenance of industrial equipment and inspection of pipelines in an inaccessible region of the refinery are carried out annually during shutdown. It is done manually using large scaffolding, which takes a significant amount of time and money, and is also dangerous for people.

The conventional method says that due to the aging infrastructure and the unfavorable operating environment, the pipelines in the oil industry are always at risk of corrosion and erosion, resulting in leakages in the pipelines, resulting in an emergency shutdown of the plant with great economic, infrastructure and sometimes human losses and render the refinery unusable for at least 7 days. Measuring the thickness at a height of 30-40 meters from the ground is a difficult and dangerous task for humans, which involves the construction of a large scaffold and takes a lot of time.

However, the petroleum pipeline must be constantly checked for cracks and leaks to ensure smooth flow of the fluid in the pipeline.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for detecting leaks and/or cracks in a pipeline through a network of sensors placed around the pipeline.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a PETS-NET petroleum sensor network for detecting and locating leaks in a pipeline is disclosed. The network comprises: a plurality of cylindrically shaped tubes arranged horizontally and/or vertically and having a plurality of hangers spaced apart to support the tubes, the plurality of cylindrically shaped tubes being so configured that they can be joined together to form a butt joint along a circumference of the tubes; a pair of bracelets disposed about the circumference of the tube and attached by a link and hinge connector, each of the bracelets comprising detachable links/struts, each strut holding a magnet, a first bracelet of the pair having a plurality of magnets of one polarity are arranged in an array separated by a plurality of brackets, a second bracelet of the pair enclosing a plurality of magnets of a second polarity and arranged in the same manner as in the first bracelet, wherein each of the magnets of the first and second bracelets is configured to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance; a smart node having an array of Hall effect sensors positioned between the first wristband and the second wristband, each sensor configured to be positioned between the first polarity of the magnets and the second polarity of the magnets and thereby detects a disturbance in the magnetic field lines passing through the plurality of tubes/ducts; and a processing unit operatively coupled to the array of sensors and configured to receive input from the intelligent node, the processing unit configured to process and accumulate the input received from the sensors, wherein when the Pipeline is ruptured at a surface, there is a disturbance in the magnetic field lines, and the distortion in the magnetic field lines is configured to be detected by the array of Hall effect sensors, which sensors transmit an analog value to the processing unit in relation to the node, wherein the node is configured to receive input commands from a base station and to transmit the data received from the sensors to the base station for data analysis.

In order to further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more detailed description of the invention will be made by reference to certain embodiments thereof illustrated in the attached figures. It is understood that these figures represent only typical embodiments of the invention and therefore not as a are to be regarded as limiting in terms of their scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures

character list

• 1 ein Blockdiagramm der Komponenten eines PETS-NET-Erdölsensornetzes zur Erkennung und Lokalisierung von Leckagen in einer Pipeline zeigt, und
• 2 ein Flussdiagramm der Schritte, die bei der Erkennung von Leckagen/Rissen in einer Pipeline durch ein PETS-NET-Erdölsensornetz erforderlich sind zeigt.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying figures, in which like characters represent like parts throughout the figures, wherein:

• 1 Figure 12 shows a block diagram of the components of a PETS-NET petroleum sensor network for detecting and locating leaks in a pipeline, and
• 2 shows a flow chart of the steps involved in detecting leaks/ruptures in a pipeline by a PETS-NET petroleum sensor network.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the elements in the figures are presented for simplicity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Furthermore, one or more components of the device may be represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures show only the specific details relevant to an understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, ignoring the figures with details to obscure, which are easily recognizable to those skilled in the art familiar with the present description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For a better understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and described in specific language. It should be understood, however, that no limitation on the scope of the invention is intended, and such variations and further modifications of the illustrated system and such further applications of the principles of the invention set forth therein are contemplated as would occur to those skilled in the art, to which the invention relates, would normally come to mind.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be limiting.

When this specification refers to "an aspect," "another aspect," or the like, it means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is present in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in another embodiment," and similar phrases throughout this specification may or may not all refer to the same embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached figures.

Petroleum pipelines are the best way of transporting crude oil, refined oil and petroleum by-products. In the refinery, these pipelines consist of heating pipes and pipes connected to the top of the columns. Corrosion is one of the main causes of accidents involving petroleum pipelines. The working environment of pipelines is so demanding that pipelines can easily erode, corrode or fatigue, resulting in leaks and damage to the integrity of the pipelines. To prevent this, regular maintenance and overhaul of the pipelines in the process industry is required. Here, a tool based on a wireless sensor network was developed for the inspection and monitoring of tank surfaces, vertical and horizontal pipelines. These connected devices can be installed 50 to 60 meters above the surface, even in complex structures with sharp bends. Our newly developed petroleum sensor network aids in automatic thickness measurement and has the added benefit of providing early warning if a threat to pipeline integrity is detected. This could be useful for conditional monitoring of oil refinery pipelines. It is a network of intelligent sensor devices that can collect information about the condition of the pipelines, process it, monitor it and transmit it to the base station at regular intervals or as needed.

1 shows a block diagram of the components of a PETS-NET petroleum sensor network for detecting and locating leaks in a pipeline. The PETS-NET petroleum sensor network for detecting and locating leaks in a pipeline mainly includes the following components.

A plurality of cylindrically shaped tubes (102) are arranged horizontally and/or vertically and have a plurality of hangers (106) arranged in spaced apart to support the tubes (102), the plurality of cylindrically shaped tubes (102) being configured to be joined together to form a butt joint (106) along a circumference of the tubes.

A pair of bracelets (108) are disposed about the circumference of the tube (102) and are attached by a link and hinge connector (110), each of the bracelets (108) comprising a detachable link/clip (112), wherein each clip holding a magnet, a first bracelet of the pair enclosing a plurality of magnets (114) of one polarity, a second bracelet of the pair enclosing a plurality of magnets (116) of a second polarity connected in the same manner as disposed in the first bracelet, each of the magnets (114, 116) of the first and second bracelets being configured to be spaced apart from each other.

A smart node (118) having an array of Hall Effect sensors (120) is positioned between the first bracelet and the second bracelet (108), each sensor being configured to operate between the first polarity of magnets (114) and the second polarity of magnets (116), thereby detecting disturbances in magnetic field lines passing through the plurality of tubes/ducts (102).

A processing unit (126) operatively coupled to the array of sensors (120) and configured to receive input from the intelligent node (118), wherein the processing unit (126) is configured to receive data from the sensors (120 ) process and accumulate input received, wherein when the pipeline (102) is ruptured at a surface, a disturbance in the magnetic field lines occurs and the distortion in the magnetic field lines is configured to be detected by the array of Hall effect sensors (120). to become, the sensors transmitting an analog value to the processing unit (126) in relation to the node (118), the node being configured to receive input commands from a base station (128) and the data received from the sensors to transmits data analysis to the base station.

A storage box (130) having a handle (132) positioned within the connecting and pivoting connector (110) of the pair of wristbands (108) to hold the pair of wristbands and array of sensors (120) in a fixed position, the storage box (130) is configured to enclose a power supply necessary to receive and transmit inputs from the sensors (120), the handle (132) having an extruded surface angle configured to attach to the pair bracelets (108), the storage box having a pair of snaps (134) configured to adjust the storage box (130) within the connectors of the pair of bracelets (108) holding magnets.

• Der Schritt (202), der das Induzieren von Magnetfeldlinien zwischen einer Vielzahl von Magneten mit einer ersten Polarität und einer zweiten Polarität beinhaltet, wobei die Vielzahl von Magneten in einem Paar von Armbändern eingeschlossen ist, das um den Umfang einer Rohrleitung herum angeordnet ist und durch ein Glied und einen Gelenkverbinder befestigt ist, wobei ein erstes Armband aus dem Paar eine Vielzahl von Magneten mit einer Polarität einschließt, die in einer durch eine Vielzahl von Klammern getrennten Anordnung angeordnet sind, wobei ein zweites Armband aus dem Paar eine Vielzahl von Magneten einschließt, die eine zweite Polarität aufweisen und in der gleichen Weise wie in dem ersten Armband angeordnet sind, wobei jeder der Magnete aus dem ersten und zweiten Armband so konfiguriert ist, dass er in einem bestimmten Abstand voneinander angeordnet ist, wobei die Rohrleitung eine Vielzahl von zylindrisch geformten Rohren umfasst, die horizontal und/oder vertikal angeordnet sind und eine Vielzahl von Hängern aufweisen, die in bestimmten Abständen voneinander angeordnet sind, um die Rohre zu stützen, wobei die Vielzahl von zylindrisch geformten Rohren so konfiguriert ist, dass sie miteinander verbunden werden, um eine Stoßverbindung entlang eines Umfangs der Rohre zu bilden.
• Der Schritt (204) umfasst das Erfassen einer Störung und/oder Verzerrung in den induzierten Magnetfeldlinien durch einen intelligenten Knoten mit einer Anordnung von Halleffektsensoren, die zwischen dem ersten Armband und dem zweiten Armband angeordnet sind, wobei jeder Sensor so konfiguriert ist, dass er zwischen der ersten Polarität der Magnete und der zweiten Polarität der Magnete angeordnet ist und dadurch eine Störung in den Magnetfeldlinien erfasst, die durch die Vielzahl von Rohren/Rohrleitungen verlaufen.
• Der Schritt (206) umfasst das Übertragen der erfassten Störung an eine Verarbeitungseinheit, die operativ mit dem Array von Sensoren gekoppelt und so konfiguriert ist, dass sie eine Eingabe von dem intelligenten Knoten empfängt.
• Der weitere Schritt (208) umfasst das Akkumulieren der von den Sensoren empfangenen Eingabe durch die Verarbeitungseinheit, wobei, wenn die Rohrleitung an einer Oberfläche gerissen wird, eine Störung in den Magnetfeldlinien auftritt und die Verzerrung in den Magnetfeldlinien so konfiguriert ist, dass sie von der Anordnung von Halleffektsensoren erfasst wird.
• Der Schritt (210) beinhaltet das Übertragen eines analogen Wertes an die Verarbeitungseinheit in Bezug auf den Knoten, wobei der Knoten so konfiguriert ist, dass er Eingabebefehle von einer Basisstation empfängt und die von den Sensoren empfangenen Daten zur Datenanalyse an die Basisstation überträgt.

2 Figure 12 shows a flow chart of the steps for detecting leaks/ruptures in a pipeline by a PETS-NET petroleum sensor network. The procedure for detecting leaks/ruptures in a pipeline by a PETS-NET petroleum sensor network consists of the following steps:

• The step (202) including inducing magnetic field lines between a plurality of magnets having a first polarity and a second polarity, the plurality of magnets being encased in a pair of bracelets disposed about the perimeter of a conduit and through attaching a link and a hinge connector, a first bracelet of the pair including a plurality of magnets of one polarity arranged in an array separated by a plurality of brackets, a second bracelet of the pair including a plurality of magnets, having a second polarity and arranged in the same manner as in the first bracelet, each of the magnets of the first and second bracelets being configured to be spaced a predetermined distance from each other, the tubing having a plurality of cylindrically shaped includes tubes arranged horizontally and/or vertically and the like and a plurality of hangers spaced apart to support the tubes, the plurality of cylindrically shaped tubes being configured to be joined together to form a butt joint along a circumference of the tubes.
• The step (204) includes detecting a disturbance and/or distortion in the induced magnetic field lines by a smart node having an array of Hall effect sensors placed between the first bracelet and the second bracelet, each sensor being configured to be between the first polarity of the magnets and the second polarity of the magnets, thereby detecting a disturbance in the magnetic field lines passing through the plurality of tubes/ducts.
• The step (206) includes transmitting the detected fault to a processing unit operatively coupled to the array of sensors and configured to receive input from the intelligent node.
• The further step (208) comprises the processing unit accumulating the input received from the sensors, where if the pipeline is ruptured at a surface, a disturbance in the magnetic field lines occurs and the distortion in the magnetic field lines is configured to be influenced by the Arrangement of Hall effect sensors is detected.
• The step (210) includes transmitting an analog value to the processing unit related to the node, the node being configured to receive input commands from a base station and to transmit the data received from the sensors to the base station for data analysis.

In one embodiment, the system shows carbon steel tubing made by connecting a series of tubes. A sensor network system is installed around the perimeter of the pipeline. The network consists of two bracelets which, like watch bands, contain a series of clasps or links that can be detached or attached to one another. The brackets hold magnets made from neodymium-iron-boron magnets and are separated by a series of brackets. The upper bracket with the magnet has a north pole and the lower bracket encloses a magnet with a south polarity. The magnetic field lines are induced from the north pole to the south pole.

A series of sensors, preferably Hall Effect sensors, are mounted between the upper and lower straps. The sensors are placed in such a way that they detect any disruption in the magnetic field lines from the north to the south pole.

A handle with storage box is detachably attached to the upper and lower straps. The storage box contains the power supply and communications means for transmitting signals to the base station if there is a fault in the field wiring. The box is fitted with snaps which allow the box holder to be angled and the box to be attached to and removed from the pipe. The box is designed with a door to house the power and communication equipment inside the storage box.

In one embodiment, the two bracelets enclose magnets with the clips as previously described. The arrangement of the sensors includes connecting wires connected to magnets of the north pole and the south pole. Hook and loop Velcro is provided to separate or keep the sensors separate. The bracelet is provided with a link and connector to connect the storage box to it. The connection includes a cavity opening for placement of the handle. The box also includes a contour hole for connecting wires from the array of sensors that can transmit a signal to the communication unit about the disruption in the magnetic field lines.

The array of Hall effect sensors includes a plurality of connecting wires or tips coupled to the magnets of the first and second bracelets, the connecting wires being configured to detect distortion of the magnetic field lines flowing from first polarity magnets to second polarity magnets polarity are induced.

The PETS-NET petroleum sensor network includes a pair of holders for the pair of wristbands positioned within the pair of wristbands to separate each magnet, the holder including a strap configured to hold the plurality of connecting wires or accommodating the array of sensors, and a plurality of housings disposed over a base of the holder for accommodating each magnet. A pair of adjustable fasteners configured to wrap the pair of wrist straps around the circumference of the conduit, each of the adjustable fasteners including a hook and loop fastener to adjust the size of the wrist straps according to the circumference of the conduit.

Each magnet of the pair of bracelets is configured to be at least 6 inches apart. Each of the pair of wristbands includes a cavity opening for the handle of the storage box, the cavity being configured to receive the handle by pressing a first snap to hold the pair of wristbands firmly against the perimeter of the tubing.

The connecting wires/pins of the array of sensors are coupled to the magnets, with the magnetic field lines configured to travel from the first polarity to the second polarity without distortion, whereby the array of sensors upon the occurrence of a distortion or disturbance in the pipeline the detects distortion and sends the signal to the base station.

The figures and the preceding description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that one or more of the elements described may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements can be broken down into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the order of the processes described herein may be changed and is not limited to the manner described herein. Also, the acts of a flowchart need not be performed in the order shown; also, not all actions have to be performed. Also, those actions that are not dependent on other actions can be performed in parallel with the other actions. The scope of the embodiments is in no way limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations are possible, regardless of whether they are explicitly mentioned in the description or not, e.g. B. Differences in structure, dimensions and use of materials. The scope of the embodiments is at least as broad as indicated in the following claims.

Advantages, other benefits, and solutions to problems have been described above with respect to particular embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, problem solutions, and components that can cause an advantage, benefit, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component of any or all claims.

Reference List

102

Plurality of cylindrical shaped tubes

104

plurality of hangers

106

butt joints

108

pair of bracelets

110

limb and joint connection

112

Removable links/struts

114

Magnets with one polarity

116

Second polarity magnets

118

Smart hub

120

Array of Hall Effect Sensors

122

plurality of mounts

124

Adjustable fastener

126

processing unit

128

base station

130

storage box

132

handle

134

snaps

202

inducing magnetic field lines between a plurality of magnets having a first and a second polarity

204

Detecting a disturbance and/or distortion in the induced magnetic field lines by a smart node with an array of Hall effect sensors placed between the first bracelet and the second bracelet

206

transmitting the detected fault to a processing unit operatively coupled to the array of sensors and configured to receive input from the intelligent node

208

accumulating, by the processing unit, the input received from the sensors wherein when the pipe is ruptured at a surface a disturbance in the magnetic field lines occurs

210

transmitting an analogue value to the processing unit in relation to the node, the node being configured to receive input commands from a base station and to transmit the data received from the sensors to the base station for data analysis

Claims (7)

A modular Hall effect based sensor network system for monitoring the integrity of pipelines, comprising: a plurality of cylindrically shaped tubes (102) arranged horizontally and/or vertically and having a plurality of hangers (106) arranged in spaced apart to support the tubes (102), the plurality of cylindrically shaped tubes (102) being configured to be joined together to form a butt joint (106) along a circumference of the tubes; a pair of bracelets (108) disposed about the circumference of the tube (102) and attached by a link and hinge connector (110), each of the bracelets (108) comprising detachable links/struts (112), each Brace holds a magnet, with a first bracelet of the pair enclosing a plurality of magnets (114) of one polarity arranged in an array defined by a plurality separated by brackets (122), a second bracelet of the pair including a plurality of magnets (116) of a second polarity arranged in the same manner as in the first bracelet, each of the magnets (114, 116) configured of the first and second bracelets to be spaced apart from each other; a smart node (118) having an array of Hall Effect sensors (120) positioned between the first wristband and the second wristband (108), each sensor configured to operate between the first polarity of magnets (114) and the second polarity of magnets (116) and thereby detecting a disturbance in magnetic field lines passing through the plurality of tubes/ducts (102); a processing unit (126) operatively coupled to the array of sensors (120) and configured to receive input from the intelligent node (118), the processing unit (126) being configured to receive the data from the Sensors (120) processes and accumulates input received whereby if the pipeline (102) is ruptured at a surface, a disturbance in the magnetic field lines occurs and the distortion in the magnetic field lines is configured to be compensated by the array of Hall effect sensors (120 ) is detected, the sensors transmitting an analog value to the processing unit (126) in relation to the node (118), the node being configured to receive input commands from a base station (128) and the data received from the sensors transmits to the base station for data analysis. Hall effect based modular sensor network system claim 1 , the network further comprising a storage case (130) having a handle (132) disposed within the connecting and articulating connector (110) of the pair of wristbands (108) for storing the pair of wristbands and the array of sensors (120) in one fixed position, the storage case (130) being configured to enclose a power supply necessary to receive and transmit inputs from the sensors (120), the handle (132) having an extruded surface angle so configured to be attached to the pair of wristbands (108), the storage box having a pair of snaps (134) configured to secure the storage box (130) within the connectors of the pair of wristbands (108), hold the magnets, adjust. Hall effect based modular sensor network system claim 1 , wherein the array of Hall effect sensors comprises a plurality of connecting wires or tips coupled to the magnets of the first and second bracelets, the connecting wires being configured to detect distortion of magnetic field lines generated by magnets with first polarity to magnets with second polarity are induced. Hall effect based modular sensor network system claim 1 wherein the sensor network comprises: a pair of holders for the pair of wristbands disposed within the pair of wristbands to separate each magnet, the holder including a strap configured to secure the plurality of connecting wires or pins of the array of sensors, and a plurality of housings arranged over a base of the holder to house each magnet; and a pair of adjustable fasteners configured to wrap the pair of wristbands around the circumference of the conduit, each of the adjustable fasteners including a hook and loop fastener to adjust the size of the wristbands according to the circumference of the conduit. Hall effect based modular sensor network system claim 1 , with each magnet of the pair of bracelets configured to be at least 6 inches apart. Hall effect based modular sensor network system claim 1 wherein each of the two bracelets has a cavity opening for the handle of the storage box, the cavity being configured to receive the handle by pressing a first snap to hold the two bracelets firmly against the perimeter of the tubing. Hall effect based modular sensor network system claim 1 , wherein the connecting wires/pins of the sensor array are coupled to the magnets, wherein the magnetic field lines are configured to move from a first polarity to a second polarity without distortion, whereby if a distortion or disturbance occurs in the pipeline, the sensor array detects the distortion and sends the signal to the base station.

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