RU175969U1 - Portable device for determining the location of an oil product leak in an underground pipeline using various metal probes - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model “A portable device for determining the location of an oil product leak in an underground pipeline using various metal probes” relates to pipeline diagnostic devices. It can be used in the oil industry. The device includes nickel and steel probes with indicators of penetration into the ground, electrical connectors, cable, ohmmeter and voltmeter. At the same time, the probes are equipped with soil intakes. Nickel probes are installed along the pipeline at a certain depth and, using electrical connectors and a cable, are alternately connected to an ohmmeter to measure soil resistance. Samples are taken at various soil levels using the soil sampling probes. After that, steel probes are additionally installed in areas with the highest soil resistance. Using a cable and a voltmeter, the steel probe is connected to a nickel probe to determine the magnitude of the soil stress. Changes in the resistance and ground stress under the pipeline are caused by oil leaks. The technical result is achieved by analyzing the changes in ground resistances and voltages between the probes located along the pipeline and, if necessary, by investigation soil samples taken from different levels by rotating the rotary knob of the probe for oil vapor uktov.

Description

The utility model relates to devices for diagnosing objects of transportation and storage of petroleum products and can be used in the petrochemical and oil production sectors of petroleum products.

The proposed utility model is most applicable for the transportation of petroleum products (oil) in underground process pipelines.

Pollution of the lithosphere and hydrosphere occur as a result of fuel leaks from pipelines and tanks and other reasons.

If a spill of fuel from an onshore pipeline can be detected visually, then the leakage of oil products (oil) from an underground pipeline can only be determined by complex diagnostic methods. These methods include: visual and measuring control, ultrasonic and acoustic emission control, magnetometric and capillary control and other types of diagnostics [ПБ 03-585-03. Rules for the design and safe operation of process pipelines].

Hydraulic and pneumatic tests for strength and density are also carried out.

Many of these methods are associated with the release of pipelines from fuel, with the opening and excavation of soil in separate areas, with subsequent removal of insulation, with the measurement of wall thickness, with the control of welded joints.

By the timing of the following types of diagnostics are established: primary, next and extraordinary.

Initial diagnosis is carried out no later than 2 years after the commissioning of the pipeline. The next diagnosis is carried out with a frequency of not more than 1 time in 8 years. Extraordinary diagnostics are carried out in the event of an incident or accident, when commissioning an object that has not been in operation for more than 3 years, and also 30 years after the commissioning of technological pipelines [RD-23.040.00-KTN-387-07. Diagnostics of technological oil pipelines NPS].

During operation, the walls of the pipeline are subjected to various types of corrosion, which are associated with the presence of sulfur and other aggressive compounds in petroleum products (oil), as well as water in the pipeline and in the ground.

Combating fuel losses from leaks in pipelines is becoming an important environmental and economic challenge.

A known method for detecting leaks of oil or oil products from the pipeline [Razmatullin and others. Patent for the invention No. 2008113927 from 10.20.2009. A method for detecting leaks of oil and oil products from the pipeline].

This method of hydraulic location of fluid leaks from a linear section of the pipeline, includes detection of fluid leaks from the pipeline - on changes in fluid flow and the line of the hydraulic slope of the pipeline by graphical construction or analytical calculation. In the specified method, a controlled linear section of the pipeline, not equipped with a flowmeter system, they are divided into two adjacent segments and, using pressure sensors located at the ends of each of them, measure the frictional pressure loss (hydraulic slopes of each segment), which determine the mass flow rates of liquid on each segment G_1-2(i_1-2), G_2-3(i_2-3) and periodically control the value of the unbalance of mass expenses.

The unbalance threshold value is determined based on the use and analysis of a database characterizing the pumping parameters (pressure, temperature, density, fluid viscosity) during the period preceding an emergency (leak), using a statistical methodology.

The disadvantages of this method when diagnosing pipelines are:

1. The low efficiency of the method with small leaks of fuel from the pipeline.

2. The complexity of the determination and the large time required for calculations.

3. Application of the method for sections of the pipeline of small length.

A device is known for locating leaks of gas and oil products from a pipeline for the continuous determination of hydrocarbon content in soil air, water and snow [E.M. Kutuzov, V.V. Gorin. Utility Model Patent No. 57915 of 10/27/2006. A device for locating leaks of gas and oil products from a pipeline for continuous determination of hydrocarbon content in soil air, water and snow].

The device comprises a vehicle, a mechanism for opening the soil layer, a mechanism for sampling gas from under the soil layer, made in the form of a gas intake, a pump with a filter, a device for detecting the presence of gas, the input of which is connected to the output of the pump with a filter, and the output to a receiving device with indicator, a unit for determining the coordinates of the vehicle’s location, route-search equipment and a drilling rig. In this case, the mechanism for opening the soil layer is additionally equipped with a knife and a rope with an adjusting screw, and the gas detection device is made of a universal leak detector-chromatograph equipped with a built-in microcomputer with a memory of over 100 chromatograms and with the possibility of determining component and percentage hydrocarbon gas content.

Device for locating leaks of gas and oil products from the pipeline according to the continuous determination of the hydrocarbon content in soil air, water and snow, it is equipped with a low-capacity water pump and a continuous ultrasonic degasser connected in series, and the output of the ultrasonic degasser is connected to the input of the chromatograph.

The disadvantages of this device when detecting a leak of oil and oil products from pipelines are:

1. The high cost of time and money associated with the excavation of the pipeline.

2. A long time to determine the leakage of oil from the pipeline, as well as their location.

3. The high cost of the device associated with the maintenance of the vehicle, people and complex expensive mechanisms.

4. The low speed of the vehicle in off-road conditions.

Also known is a portable device for the operational monitoring of oil product leaks and the diagnosis of bottoms of vertical steel tanks in operation [V.N. Zaichenko. New technologies for the repair of steel tanks. M .: OAO TsNIITneftekhim Moscow. 2002].

 The operation of the device is reduced to sensing the soil under the bottom to identify the points of location of oil product leaks at the place of detection of electrical anomalies. Electrical anomalies are associated with increased and decreased resistance relative to the background value of the soil under the bottom of the tank. The technical device for operational monitoring and diagnostics of the bottoms of vertical steel tanks includes metal probes from 8 to 16 pieces, a cross cable, a meter of electrical quantities (ohmmeter), and also electrical connectors.

The device operates as follows. At equal intervals, metal probes are introduced into the soil around the base of the tank. An electrical meter (ohmmeter) is connected to the metal probes using electrical connectors using a cross-cable. Using metal probes and a meter of electrical quantities, a soil probe is carried out under the bottom of the tank by measuring the resistance between adjacent pairs of probes in the sequence (1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-n, 2-3, 2-4,2-5 , 2-n, 3-4, etc.). The data of the measurement results are entered in the table. Then, using the coefficients, the actual results are recalculated into specific units, which are also entered in the table. After that, abnormally high values of the indicators are selected and the place of the leakage of oil products is graphically determined from them on the bottom sketch.

The disadvantages of this device for diagnosis are:

1. Low accuracy of determination associated with different distances between the probes.

2. The duration and complexity of the determination.

3. Insufficient determination accuracy at large distances between probes.

4. Lack of analysis of oil vapor in the test soil.

A stationary device for detecting leakage of oil and oil products in a pipeline and shutting down an electric pump installation is known [Matveev Yu.A. et al. Utility Model Patent No. 136869 of January 10, 2014. A stationary device for detecting oil and oil products leaks in a pipeline and shutting down an electric pump installation].

The proposed pipeline is located on the earth's surface on the lining and has valves with an electric drive, an electric pump installation, liquid meters, pressure sensors. Liquid meters and pressure sensors are located on sections of the pipeline and are connected by communication lines to the terminals of the electronic signal receiving unit and a personal computer. Pressure sensors have arrows and plates of extreme (low and high) pressure values. The indicated plates are connected to the relay by communication lines.

The device operates as follows.

To constantly diagnose the presence of leaks in the pipeline using liquid meters, pressure sensors, communication lines and an electronic signal receiving unit, liquid flow and pressure are continuously measured at sections of the pipeline that are displayed on a computer. The operator compares the obtained readings of fluid flow and pressure in the areas with the calculated ones, based on the use and analysis of a database characterizing the pumping parameters. Then the operator determines the leakage of oil and oil products in a specific section of the pipeline using the pressure and flow rate of the liquid outside a certain interval.

In the event of an emergency associated with the depressurization of the pipeline, the weld with subsequent leakage of fuel, the arrow of the pressure sensor touches the plate of the low limit value and closes it. At the same time, a relay is triggered through the communication lines, which turns off the electric pump installation and closes the valves using an electric drive.

In the event of an emergency related to an operator’s mistake when opening the valve, failure of shutoff valves, clogging of the pipeline with paraffins at low temperatures or with mechanical impurities, the arrow of the pressure sensor touches the threshold high value plate and closes it. At the same time, a relay is triggered through the communication lines, which turns off the electric pump installation and closes the valves using an electric drive.

The disadvantages of a stationary device for detecting a leak of oil and oil products in a pipeline and shutting down an electric pump installation are:

1. Low efficiency of the device with small leaks of fuel from the pipeline.

2. The use of the device for sections of the pipeline of small length.

3. Shutdown of the electric pump installation during commissioning and repair work.

Also known stationary device for diagnosing and detecting the leakage of oil and oil products in the pipeline [Matveev Yu.A. et al. Utility Model Patent No. 136527 of January 10, 2014. A stationary device for diagnosing and detecting a leak of oil and oil products in a pipeline].

Under the proposed pipeline, having welds, a fuel meter, pressure gauge, gate valve, insulation, in a layer of ground soil, conductors with insulators are laid in parallel in two lines. The conductors are connected by communication lines to ohmmeters, which are also connected to a personal computer by communication lines. Conductors are made of nickel plated copper. Insulators are PVC coated.

The fuel meter, an ohmmeter and a valve are located in the technological well.

The utility model works as follows. Oil is pumped through the pipeline.

In order to constantly diagnose the presence of leaks under the pipeline using communication lines, ohmmeters, resistance measurements are made between conductors with insulators of various lines that are output to a computer. At the same time, the resistance of the “dry” line is measured at the initial moment. In the event of an oil product leakage from the pipeline, the values of the measured resistances begin to change significantly and go beyond the established interval.

Estimation of the resistance values between conductors located in the ground parallel to each other using ohmmeters and a computer allows us to determine not only the presence of oil and oil products from the pipeline, but also to identify the specific leak location in order to effectively repair the pipeline.

The disadvantages of this device are:

1. The presence in the design of two lines of conductors, which increases the cost and metal consumption of the device.

2. Insufficient accuracy of determining the place of leakage from the pipeline, since the lines of conductors are long and pass through the soils of various soils and rocks with different resistance.

3. Conductors are installed permanently in the most dangerous sections of the pipeline. Moreover, in other sections of the pipeline, the possibility of determining the leakage of oil products is not available.

Closest to this problem is a device for determining the place of leakage of oil products in the pipeline using removable metal probes [Matveev Yu.A. et al. Utility Model Patent No. 167623 of January 10, 2017. A device for determining the place of oil product leakage in pipeline sections using removable metal probes].

Under the proposed pipeline, which has welds, a manometer, a fuel meter, a valve in the soil layer, removable probes are made of nickel, which are equipped with indicators of penetration into the soil. Depending on the scope of work, the number of probes used is from 20 to 30 pcs. A pressure gauge, a fuel meter and a valve are located in the technological well.

Removable probes using electrical connectors, cable connected to an ohmmeter. The probes have a soil intake, a movable sleeve and a lifting handle. The probes are installed at a distance of 5-10 m along the pipeline to a depth of 10-20 cm deeper than the lower edge of the pipeline.

The device operates as follows. Oil is pumped through the pipeline.

In order to constantly determine the presence of leaks, the operator monitors the values of pressure gauges and fuel metering devices. If the pressure and volume of oil products deviate from the standard, the operator sets the emergency section of the pipeline.

After that, the diagnostic team, using the route-search equipment, determines the location of the pipeline. Then removable nickel probes are installed under the pipeline. The probes are driven into the ground according to the depth gauges at the set depth. A cable and an ohmmeter are connected to probes located at equal distances using electrical connectors. The probes are connected in turn, the first with the second, the second with the third, the third with the fourth, etc. After connection, soil resistance is measured between the measured probes, which are recorded and recorded by the group. After completing measurements with the lifting handle, the sleeve of the removable probe rises. This opens the hole of the soil intake and takes a soil sample below the line of the pipeline. To take a soil sample, it is necessary to make several rotational movements of the probe.

Then the sleeve goes down and the probe with the sample is removed from the ground. A soil sample, if necessary, is sent for research to the laboratory for the presence of oil vapor.

In the event of a leak of oil from the pipeline, soil moistened with oil is formed. At the same time, the values of the measured resistances begin to increase significantly and go beyond the established interval.

The disadvantages of this device are:

1. Insufficient accuracy of determining the place of leakage from the pipeline in wet soils, since the values of the resistance of wet soil have a certain error.

2. Lack of a rotary knob for removable probes.

3. The ability to take a probe with a probe from only one soil level.

The solution to this problem is achieved by the fact that detachable nickel and steel probes are installed along the pipeline to a certain depth, while with the help of electrical connectors and a cable, probes of one metal are alternately connected to an ohmmeter, and probes of different metals with a voltmeter, and also because the probes equipped with soil sampling devices for sampling from different levels and a rotary handle for soil sampling.

These signs are essential for solving the utility model problem, since even minor fuel leaks from the pipeline are timely detected and prevented, the accuracy of determining the leak location increases, while the pipeline is not exempted from the oil product. The most likely leak point in the pipeline is the weld.

The essence of the utility model is illustrated by drawings (Fig. 1, Fig. 2), which depict: a functional diagram of a device for determining the place of leaks, a section of a removable probe with a soil intake in positions along the pipeline underground and with a sample taken on the surface of the earth with a raised movable sleeve.

Under the proposed pipeline 1 (Fig. 1), having welds 2, a pressure gauge 3, a fuel meter 4, a valve 5, removable probes 7 made of nickel, which are equipped with indicators of penetration 8 into the ground, are installed in the soil layer 6. Depending on the scope of work, the number of probes used is from 20 to 30 pcs. A pressure gauge 3, a fuel meter 4 and a valve 5 are located in the technological well 9. Removable probes 7 are connected with an ohmmeter 12 using electrical connectors 10, the probes 12 have a soil sampler 13, a movable sleeve 14, on which the lifting handle 15 is located. The soil samplers are at various distances along the length of the probe and allow you to take a sample from different heights of the soil. The lifting handle 15 is inserted into the fixing holes 16. The probes 7 are equipped with a rotary handle 17. The probes are installed at a distance of 5-10 m along the pipeline to a depth of 10-20 cm deeper than the lower edge of the pipeline.

The distance between the probes should be the same. The same distance between the probes significantly reduces the measurement error. The device is also equipped with probes 18 made of another metal (steel) and a voltmeter 19. Steel probes and a voltmeter are needed to determine the voltage (potential difference) of the soil between probes of different metals, in order to more accurately determine the place of leakage of oil products. This definition is necessary especially in wet soils, when determining the resistance of the soil between the probes has a certain error. The number of steel probes must be at least three. The design, dimensions and shape of steel probes are similar to nickel probes.

The utility model works as follows. Oil product 20 is pumped through pipeline 1.

In order to constantly determine the presence of leaks, the operator monitors the values of pressure gauges 3 and fuel metering devices 4. If the pressure and volume of oil products deviate from the standard, the operator sets up the emergency section of the pipeline.

 After that, the diagnostic team on the car, using the route-search equipment, determines the location of the pipeline. Then the device is unloaded from the car, and the probes with an ohmmeter, voltmeter and cable are transferred to the place of work. After that, removable nickel probes 7 are installed under the pipeline 1. The probes are driven into the ground according to the depth gauges 8 to the set depth. A cable and an ohmmeter are connected to probes located at equal distances using electrical connectors. The probes are connected in turn, the first with the second, the second with the third, the third with the fourth, etc. Then, soil resistance is measured between the measured probes, which are recorded and recorded by the group. After completing measurements with the lifting handle 15, the sleeve 14 of the removable probe 7 rises. Then the lifting handle 15 is inserted into the upper fixing hole 16.

 When lifting the sleeve 14, the openings of the soil inlets 13 are opened and samples 21 are taken from various soil levels with respect to the pipeline. To take a soil sample, it is necessary to make several rotational movements of the probe using the rotary knob 17.

Then the sleeve drops down and the probe with samples is removed from the ground. Soil samples, if necessary, are sent for research to the laboratory for the presence of oil vapor.

After the operations, steel probes 18 are additionally installed in the areas with the greatest soil resistance between the nickel probes at the same distance. The steel probe is connected to the nickel probe 7 using the electrical connectors 10 of the cable 11 and the voltmeter 19 to determine the magnitude of the soil stresses.

In the event of a leakage of oil from the pipeline, soil moistened with oil 22 is formed. Moreover, the values of the measured resistances and stresses begin to increase or decrease significantly and go beyond the established interval.

Assessment of resistance values, soil stresses between the probes located along the pipeline using electrical connectors, cable, ohmmeter and voltmeter, as well as additional investigation of soil samples allows us to determine not only the presence of leakage of oil products (oil) from the pipeline, but also to identify the specific location of even a slight leak in sections of the pipeline.

The proposed diagnostic device allows more effectively, without exemption from the oil product, to control fuel leaks from the pipeline at any emergency site.

Claims (1)

A portable device for determining the leakage of petroleum products in an underground pipeline using various metal probes, including nickel probes, an ohmmeter, electrical connectors, a cable, characterized in that detachable nickel and steel probes are installed along a pipeline to a certain depth, while using electrical connectors and a cable probes from one metal are alternately connected to an ohmmeter, and probes from different metals with a voltmeter, as well as the fact that the probes are equipped with soil intakes for sampling from different levels and rotary intake soil.

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