RU68692U1 - PIPELINE MONITORING SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to the means of protecting pipeline systems and is intended to detect the fact and localization of the place of unauthorized actions and other factors that can lead to damage to the pipeline or resulting from natural aging. The essence of the utility model: a system for monitoring the condition of a pipeline contains n signal damage sensors configured to be installed directly on the pipeline, n signal processing units, as well as a remote terminal device containing at least a central processor configured to perform control, diagnostics and processing signal information and a multiprotocol switching node, as well as n pipeline temperature sensors, each of which through one of n block a signal processing device and the remote terminal connected to the generator of control signals. 1 n.p.f., 1 ill.

Description

The utility model relates to the means of protecting pipeline systems and is intended to detect the fact and localization of the place of unauthorized actions and other factors that can lead to damage to the pipeline or resulting from natural aging.

There is a method of determining the location and size of a leak in a pipeline and a device for its implementation [RF Patent No. 2221230, IPC G01M 3/24, s. 09.21.2001., Op. 01/10/2004.]. The method consists in receiving acoustic signals from the noise of the leak by two sensors located along the pipeline, converting the acoustic signals into electrical signals, and after amplifying, filtering, accumulating and determining the mutual spectrum of the electrical signals, the presence of signs of acoustic signals is detected by the energy level of the mutual spectrum. An alarm is generated and leak points are determined by the difference in the arrival times of the acoustic signals to the two sensors. The diameter of the damage is estimated from the data on the frequency of the maximum of the reciprocal spectrum module, on the flow rate of the jet, determined on the basis of information on pressures and densities of the media in the pipeline and in the environment, as well as on the speed of the product in the pipeline. For long pipelines, the proposed method includes receiving signals from acoustic sensors located parallel to the pipeline at distances d from each other, which are determined by the mathematical dependencies proposed according to the invention. At the same time, the accumulation of results and cross-spectral analysis of the signals is carried out between each pair of neighboring sensors continuously or occasionally according to a predetermined program, and when an alarm is detected, before the location of the leak is determined, the emergency section of the pipeline between the pair of neighboring sensors signaling the presence of a leak is determined. A device for determining the parameters of a leak in a pipeline contains n measuring channels, each of which consists of a series-connected block of acoustic transducers, a gain block, the output of which is connected to the first input of the filtering block, an analog-to-digital conversion block, and also contains a control block. In addition, the n-channel information compression unit, the multiplex information transmission channel and the information decompression unit are additionally introduced into the device in series, while the n inputs of the n-channel information compression unit are connected to the corresponding outputs

n analog-to-digital conversion blocks, an n-1 channel block for the accumulation and analysis of mutual spectra is introduced, having n inputs and n-1 outputs, each of the n physical channels of the output of the decompression block of information is connected to the corresponding input of the n-1 channel block of accumulation and analysis of mutual spectra, the n-1 channel block for detecting leaks, the n-1 channel block for determining the location of the leak, the n-1 channel block for determining the size of the leak, the n-1 channel block for determining the filter band, the inputs of which are connected in parallel with the existing outputs of the n-1 channel block for accumulation and analysis of mutual spectra, and the output of the n-1 channel block for determining the filtering band is connected to the second inputs of the filter blocks, an alarm signal generating block is also introduced, the input of which is connected to the output of the n-1 channel block for leak detection, with the output of the n-1 channel block for determining the location of the leak and with the output of the n-1 channel block for determining the size of the leak, the indicator of the location and size of the leak is also introduced, the input of which is connected to the output of the block for generating the alarm signal. The control unit for its control outputs and information inputs is connected to an n-channel block of information compression, a block of decompression of information, an n-1 channel block for accumulation and analysis of mutual spectra, an n-1 channel block for leak detection, an n-1 channel block for determining the location of a leak, n -1 channel unit for determining the size of the leak, n-1 channel unit for determining the filtering band, the unit for generating an alarm signal and an indicator of the location and size of the leak.

A known device for monitoring the technical condition of the pipeline [Certificate for utility model No. 33233, IPC G01M 3/24, s. 03/31/2003., Op. 10.10.2003.], Containing n leakage detection channels, each of which contains an acoustic sensor connected to the input of the acoustic information pre-processing device, made in the form of series-connected amplification unit, filtering unit, analog-to-digital converter unit and matching unit, also containing a multiplex information transmission channel, the output of which is connected to a demultiplexer connected in series with the acoustic information processing unit, while the acoustic sensors are updated on the pipeline at a distance d from each other, characterized in that n vibration detection channels are introduced into it, each of which consists of a vibration sensor connected to the input of the vibration information pre-processing channel and n acoustic emission channels, each of which consists of a sensor acoustic emission connected to the input channel pre

processing acoustic emission information having the structure of a channel for preliminary processing of acoustic information, with each i-th acoustic sensor, i-th vibration sensor and i-th acoustic emission sensor installed in close proximity to each other, with their own channels of preliminary information processing combined structurally and form the i-th measuring post, the outputs of all n measuring posts are connected to the corresponding inputs of the multiplexor information channel, and a processing unit for information, an acoustic emission information processing unit and a shipping monitoring unit, the inputs of which are connected to the corresponding outputs of the demultiplexer, while the input of the demultiplexer is connected to the output of the multiplex information transmission channel, a display, adjustment, documentation and control system is also introduced, the inputs of which are connected to outputs of the acoustic information processing unit, the vibration information processing unit, the acoustic emission information processing unit and the court observation unit navigational operations.

A device for implementing a method for determining the location of a leak as a source of acoustic radiation [Patent US 4858462 A, 08/22/1989.], Containing two spaced acoustic sensors (transducers), two amplification and filtering units, two analog-to-digital converters, a floating threshold processor and a differential signal, a computer that performs the functions of a control unit with display facilities.

As a prototype, a pipeline damage detection system was selected [Utility Model Patent No. 46579, IPC G01M 3/24, c. 03/11/2005., Op. 07/10/2005.], Containing n acoustic transducers, each of which is associated with one of n amplifiers, filters, analog-to-digital converters and adaptive threshold signal detectors, as well as a control unit, characterized in that it contains n preliminary amplifiers and diagnostic emitters , each of which is structurally combined with one acoustic transducer with the formation of n signal damage sensors configured to be installed directly on the pipeline, as well as n blocks automatically second gain control, microprocessors, receivers and transmitters, analog switches, main transceiver blocks composed of main trunk transmitters and receivers, each of which is structurally combined with one amplifier, bandpass filter, an analog-digital converter and an adaptive threshold detector signal to form n

signal processing units, as well as a central processor, configured to carry out the control, diagnostics, and signal information processing functions by means of amplitude and correlation signal processing from two adjacent signal damage sensors, and a multiprotocol switching unit structurally integrated with the control unit into a remote terminal device.

In the world oil production, as the fields are depleted over the years, the proportion of so-called heavy and highly solidifying oils, which are characterized by a high content of asphalt-resinous fractions and paraffins, easy curing and a sharp increase in viscosity with slight drops in temperature, is steadily increasing. In the process of pipeline transportation of the above oils with a certain combination of thermobaric conditions in the environment and the pumping rate, the so-called “critical thermohydrodynamic regime” gradually occurs in the existing pipeline, which is expressed in an uncontrolled decrease in the throughput of the pipeline. This is caused by intensive cooling of the flow, accompanied by a sharp increase in the hydraulic resistance of the pipeline, which, ultimately, can lead to a complete stop of the pumping, i.e. to “freezing” the pipeline. In such cases, as a result of phase transformations provoked by lowering the flow temperature, wall deposits consisting of solidified hydrocarbons are intensively formed in the existing pipeline. The thickness of these deposits at the time of a spontaneous stop of pumping reaches sizes comparable to the radius of the pipeline.

The resumption of the work of a “frozen” oil pipeline is associated with lengthy, labor-consuming and environmentally unsafe technological operations, the essence of which is to flush the pipeline cavity with special chemicals until the solidified oil mass is pumped into action.

When transporting oil through offshore and above-ground pipelines, the thermohydrodynamic regime in the stream differs sharply from the corresponding regime in underground oil pipelines. The reasons for this difference are:

- a high rate of cooling of oil pipelines in an aqueous or air environment (the intensity of heat transfer from the surface of offshore and elevated oil pipelines to the environment is 1.5-2 orders of magnitude higher than from the surface of underground pipelines);

- a frequently changing operating mode characteristic of field pipelines (decreasing or increasing productivity, stopping pumping, even

long technological downtime, caused by a number of reasons, for example, a change in the level of demand for transported oil at the final point of the pipeline).

The issues of operating offshore and elevated oil pipelines require new technical and technological solutions aimed, first of all, at preventing oil freezing in the pipeline when it stops. These issues are especially relevant for small and medium diameter pipelines, in which, even with thermal insulation, the oil will be cooled to critical temperatures within 1-1.5 days.

A characteristic feature of the work of elevated oil pipelines, the construction of which is planned in the northern regions of the country, is the use of oil heating regardless of its type.

The problems of preventing oil solidification are solved by equipping pipelines with track heaters, heat-insulating coatings or introducing polymer additives into the turbulent flow of oil, leading to an increase in throughput (Q) or, at a fixed flow rate, to a decrease in pressure drop.

However, to adjust the temperature of oil at oil heating stations, adjust the operating mode of booster pumps, dispense polymer additives and determine the operating modes of track heating systems, it is necessary to ensure that the temperature distribution along the length of the pipeline is set, that is, constantly updated data on the temperature of the pipeline throughout its extent.

The change in temperature of heated oil along the length of the pipeline is described by the Shukhov equation: t = tn + (tn-t0) e * (- A (k / Q) L), where t is the oil temperature at a distance from the heating station, tH is the initial oil temperature, to is the ambient temperature, k is the heat transfer coefficient from oil to the environment, Q is the volumetric flow rate of oil, A is a constant. [G. G. Vasiliev, G. E. Korobkov, A. A. Korshak, M. V. Lurie, V. M. Pisarevsky, A. D. Prokhorov, A. E. Soshchenko, A. M. Shammazov Pipeline transport of oil. 2002 Textbook. for universities: In 2 t. - M .: Nedra-Business Center LLC, T.1. - 407 s: ill., Or Collection of N.T. Oil and gas transportation in the North, Year: 1976, UDC: 622.69, Pages: 187, Inventory: 4841, Page 4].

As follows from the equation, the oil temperature at an arbitrary distance (Lo) from the heating station is higher, the lower the heat transfer coefficient and the greater the volumetric flow rate.

Considering the fact that in some regions mixed types of pipeline laying are used, and there are also various transitions (air, water), there is a difference in ambient temperatures, then the calculation using the above formula is significantly complicated.

Therefore, constant monitoring of changes in the temperature of the pipeline over its entire length is relevant, which allows you to obtain data regardless of the mode of operation of the pipeline, the viscous and thermodynamic properties of the product being transported, seasonal and climatic changes in the ambient temperature.

The objective of the utility model was to expand the functionality of the system.

This problem is solved by a system (a set of devices) containing n signal damage sensors configured to install directly on the pipeline, n signal processing units, as well as a remote terminal device containing at least a central processor configured to perform control, diagnostic functions and processing signal information and a multi-protocol switching node, the system contains n temperature sensors for the pipeline, each of which through yn of the n signal processing units and the remote terminal device is connected to a generator of control signals.

The claimed utility model is illustrated in the drawing.

In FIG. A block diagram of a pipeline monitoring system is presented.

The pipeline monitoring system contains signal damage sensors (SDPs) 1 (installed directly on the pipeline at a distance of 300-500 m from each other), signal processing units (BOS) 2 and a remote terminal device 3. Each signal damage sensor 1 may contain ( analogies to the prototype) acoustic transducer (usually piezoelectric), pre-amplifier, diagnostic emitter. Each signal processing unit 2 may include an automatic gain control unit, a microprocessor, a receiver and a transmitter, an analog switch, a main receiver-transmitter unit comprising a main receiver and a main transmitter, an amplifier, a bandpass filter, an analog-to-digital converter, and an adaptive threshold signal detector. Remote terminal device 3 includes a central processor 4 and multi-protocol

switching unit 5. To the signal processing unit 2, for example, a fault signal sensor 1, a temperature sensor 6 and a cable communication line (CLS) are connected via cable to transmit information and receive control commands from a remote terminal device 3. With a remote terminal device 3 the control signal generator 7 is also connected.

The system for detecting damage to the pipeline is as follows.

Acoustic signals from two adjacent sensors 1 located on the pipeline closest to the place of mechanical impact are converted into electrical signals that go through the stages of amplification, filtering, accumulation of slowly changing background components of the signal in the signal processing unit 2. Exceeding the signal above the background threshold to the formation of the resolution of signal transmission to the remote terminal device 3, where according to the results of correlation processing of signals from two adjacent sensors 1 is formed an alarm signal and the place of exposure is determined by the difference in amplitudes and arrival times of acoustic signals to the corresponding sensors. The signal is transmitted to the remote terminal device 3 together with the identification numbers of the signal damage sensors 1 and the corresponding signal processing units 2, presented in binary code in the DTMF standard. The central processor 4 combines the functions of control, diagnostics of the device elements and the amplitude and correlation processing of signal information to determine the location of damage by calculating the distance from the sensor 1 S = D / 2 + C * T, where C is the speed of sound propagation in the pipeline wall, T is the delay time of the signals from the sensors 1. The Central processor 4 transmits a warning signal and a location in the coordinates of the world positioning system (GPS) by maintaining continuous information interaction actions with top-level structures through a multiprotocol switching node 5, designed to coordinate data transfer protocols. The system may have a self-diagnosis mode performed using diagnostic emitters as part of signal damage sensors 1.

Data from the temperature sensor 6, in real time is also transmitted to the signal processing unit (BOS) 2, which calculates the difference between the sensor readings for the previous and current time and transmits this difference through the central processor (CPU) 4 of the remote terminal device 3 to the control generator

signals 7, which generates control signals for the heating devices of the pipeline.

The Central processing unit (CPU) 4 calculates the difference between the readings of neighboring sensors and generates the current temperature distribution along the length of the pipeline and through the generator of control signals transmits information to the display device. If the pipeline temperature drops below an acceptable level, the control signal generator automatically generates an alarm.

As temperature sensors 6, a known type of sensor systems can be used that allow remote on-line monitoring of parameters (temperature, pressure, deformation, etc.) of distributed objects - mine containers, gas pipelines, oil pipelines, oil wells. [Multi-sensor remote control systems for the spatial distribution of temperature / voltage of extended objects. An article on the Internet portal of the SibAcademInnovation Association. http://www.sibai.ru/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=373&Itemid=486].

The detecting element of the system (fiber sensor) is a piece of fiber with special properties (narrow-band selective reflector). The spectrum of the laser radiation reflected from the fiber sensor has the form of a narrow peak, the position of which depends on the temperature / deformation / pressure of the object to which the sensor is attached. By registering the spectral position of the peak, one can determine the parameters of the object. Light signals reflected from all sensors (each with its own wavelength) are transmitted via optical fiber to a remote recording unit, which after computer processing allows you to determine the temperature / deformation / pressure of each sensor with high accuracy in real time.

In general, the system of monitoring the condition of the pipeline ensures the detection of the fact and localization of the place of unauthorized actions and other factors that can lead to damage to the pipeline or resulting from natural aging, mechanical stress on the pipeline, as well as continuous monitoring of the state of the pipeline walls and its temperature.

Claims (1)

A pipeline condition monitoring system comprising n signal damage sensors configured to install directly on the pipeline, n signal processing units, as well as a remote terminal device comprising at least a central processor configured to provide control, diagnostics, and signal processing functions information and multi-protocol switching node, characterized in that it contains n pipeline temperature sensors, each of which through one of n b signal processing locks and a remote terminal device connected to a control signal generator.