GB2577880A

GB2577880A - Apparatus and method for determining chemical composition of pipeline media

Info

Publication number: GB2577880A
Application number: GB1816368.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Banks Steven; Hodson Anthony; Gill Graham; Dodd Gregory
Original assignee: I2I PIPELINES Ltd
Current assignee: I2I PIPELINES Ltd
Priority date: 2018-10-08
Filing date: 2018-10-08
Publication date: 2020-04-15
Also published as: GB201816368D0

Abstract

A pipe pig for travelling in the bore of a pipeline. The pig comprises X-ray fluorescence means for obtaining X-ray fluorescence data in respect of media within the bore. The phase and chemical composition of the media may be determined in dependence on the X-ray fluorescence data. The pig may determine the location of each chemical composition detected and may deliver a treatment agent to the pipeline in dependence thereon. This may be a corrosion inhibitor or anti-microbial agent. The pig addresses the problem of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of pipelines, in particular that due to microorganisms leaving microbiological deposits (MBD) leading to under-deposit corrosion (UDC).

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF PIPELINE

MEDIA

[0001] This invention relates to apparatus and methods for determining the chemical composition of pipeline media. Aspects of the invention relate to a pipe pig, an apparatus that includes a pipe pig, a method of determining the chemical composition of pipeline media, and to a method of treating a pipeline.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Pipelines for transporting various media are susceptible to corrosion from a number of sources. One threat, in particular, is posed by microorganisms. Microorganisms are prevalent in many environments and are especially problematic when present in oil or gas pipelines. Microorgansisms can utilize a diverse range of food sources and, by way of their metabolism, produce byproducts known as microbiological deposits (MBDs). MBDs can cause microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) which may manifest itself as pitting in the pipeline structure, embrittlement, or under deposit corrosion (UDC).

[0003] One method of identifying MIC after it has occurred or when it is suspected is to take samples of the pipeline media, remove them from the pipeline, and analyze them to determine the presence of microorganisms or MBDs. Often, the samples are transported from an offshore location to an onshore location where analysis apparatus is located. A problem associated with this technique is that samples may chemically or biologically change and may not necessarily be representative of the pipeline media at the time of analysis. This problem has been mitigated in certain systems by providing analysis equipment offshore (e.g. on an oil platform) so that the delay between sample retrieval and analysis is reduced.

[0004] There remains, however, a need for an improved means and method of identifying the content of a pipeline. It is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to overcome certain disadvantages associated with the prior art.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pipe pig for travelling in the bore of a pipeline, the pipe pig comprising fluorescence means for obtaining fluorescence data in respect of media within the bore. In certain embodiments, the fluorescence means may comprise any suitable fluorescence means, including but not limited to X-ray fluorescence means or gamma ray fluorescence means.

[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pipe pig for travelling in the bore of a pipeline, the pipe pig comprising X-ray fluorescence means for obtaining X-ray fluorescence data in respect of media within the bore. The X-ray fluorescence means may comprise X-ray emission means for emitting X-rays and ionising media within the bore, and detection means for detecting fluorescence emitted by the media and obtaining X-ray fluorescence data.

[0007] In certain embodiments, the pipe pig may comprise a sealed pressure housing, wherein the X-ray fluorescence means may be disposed within the sealed pressure housing. The pipe pig may further comprise a window in the sealed pressure housing, wherein the window permits the transmission of X-rays. The window may or may not be opaque to visible parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the pipe pig may comprise means for determining a location of the pipe pig in the bore. The means for determining a location of the pipe pig in the bore may comprise GPS means. In alternative embodiments, the means for determining a location of the pipe pig in the bore may comprise means for measuring elapsed time, the velocity of and/or distance travelled by the pipe pig when travelling in the bore. Such means may be utilized with reference to a known location (e.g. an entry point of the pipeline) to determine the location of the pipe pig in the pipeline.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the pipe pig may further comprise a memory for receiving and storing X-ray fluorescence data obtained by the X-ray fluorescence means.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, the pipe pig may further comprise transmission means (e.g. a transmitter) for transmitting X-ray fluorescence data obtained by the X-ray fluorescence means. In certain embodiments, the transmission means may comprise a wireless transmitter.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for determining the chemical composition of pipeline media, comprising: a pipe pig as described above; and processing means arranged to receive the X-ray fluorescence data; wherein the processing means is configured to determine the chemical composition of pipeline media in dependence on the X-ray fluorescence data.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the pipe pig may comprise the processing means.

Alternatively, the processing means may be provided remotely from the pipe pig (e.g. outside of the bore of the pipeline). The X-ray fluorescence data may be transmitted or otherwise transferred to the processing means (e.g. by a physical communication link such as a USB connection).

[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of determining the chemical composition of pipeline media, comprising the steps: providing, in a bore of a pipeline, a pipe pig comprising X-ray fluorescence means; using the X-ray fluorescence means to emit X-rays and ionise media within the bore; subsequently using the X-ray fluorescence means to detect fluorescence emitted by the media and obtain X-ray fluorescence data; and determining, in dependence on the X-ray fluorescence data, the chemical composition of the media.

[0014] The method may further comprise determining, in dependence on the X-ray fluorescence data, the phase of the media.

[0015] The pipe pig may comprise means for determining a location of the pipe pig in the bore, and the method may comprise using the means for determining a location of the pipe pig in the bore to determine a location of the pipe pig in the bore; and attributing a location to media whose chemical composition has been determined in accordance with the above-described method.

[0016] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of treating a pipeline, comprising determining the chemical composition of pipeline media in accordance with any of the methods described above, and delivering a treatment agent to the pipeline in dependence on the outcome of the determining step.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the treatment agent may be a corrosion inhibitor or antimicrobial agent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a pipe pig in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in the bore of pipeline; and Figure 2 illustrates a method of determining the chemical composition of media in the bore of a pipeline according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a pipe pig 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pipe pig 10 is shown disposed in a bore 52 of a pipeline 50 (only a section of which is shown). The pipeline 50 may be any pipeline suitable for facilitating or causing the flow of media. The media may include liquid, gaseous or solid media, or combinations thereof. The media may include substances such as oil or gas, and may additionally include unwanted substances such as water, microorganisms and/or microbiological deposits (MBDs).

[0020] The pipe pig 10 is intended to travel along the bore 52 of the pipeline 50. The pressure and/or flow of the pipeline media may cause the pipe pig 10 to move along the pipeline 50. In alternative embodiments, the pipe pig 10 may be caused to move along the bore 52 of the pipeline 50. For example, the pipe pig 10 may include propulsion means for travelling along the pipeline 50, and/or the pipe pig 10 may be connected to tether/pusher means that are used to pull/push the pipe pig 10 along the pipeline 50. In preferable embodiments, the pipe pig 10 is passively caused to move along the pipeline 50 by the media contained therein. This permits a simpler construction of the pipe pig 10, reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs, and improves reliability. The pipe pig 10 may include one or more propulsion discs 13 (as shown in Figure 1) that extend radially from a body 12 of the pipe pig 10. The propulsion discs 13 may provide a reaction surface that enables a fluid pressure to build and propel the pipe pig 10 along the pipeline 50. To facilitate travel of the pipe pig 10 in the pipeline 50, a front end 10a of the pipe pig 10 may be tapered, although other configurations are not precluded from the scope of the present invention.

[0021] The pipe pig 10 includes X-ray fluorescence means 15 for obtaining X-ray fluorescence data in respect of media contained in the bore 52. The X-ray fluorescence means 15 facilitate the determination of the elemental composition of materials contained in the bore 52. In particular, the X-ray fluorescence means 15 measures the fluorescent (or secondary) X-rays emitted from a sample when it is excited by a primary X-ray. The elements within the sampled media each produce a set of characteristic fluorescent X-rays (sometimes referred to as a "fingerprint" or "signature") that is unique to that particular element. The X-ray fluorescence means may utilize any suitable type of X-ray fluorescence (XRF), including but not limited to energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), high definition X-ray fluorescence (HDXRF), wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF), micro X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), monochromatic micro X-ray fluorescence (MpXRF), monochromatic wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (MWDXRF), and confocal X-ray fluorescence.

[0022] In certain embodiments, such as the one depicted in Figure 1, the X-ray fluorescence means 15 may be in the form of X-ray emission means 16 (e.g. an X-ray emitter) for emitting X-rays and ionising media within the bore 52, and detection means 18 (e.g. a detector) for detecting fluorescence emitted by the media and obtaining X-ray fluorescence data.

[0023] The X-ray fluorescence means 15 may be disposed on or in (e.g. entirely within) the body 12 of the pipe pig 10. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in Figure 1, the X-ray fluorescence means 15 are disposed towards a rear end 10b of the pipe pig 10 within the body 12. Furthermore, the X-ray fluorescence means 15 are contained in a pressure housing 14 within the body 12 of the pipe pig 10. In alternative embodiments, the pressure housing 14 may be located elsewhere within the body 12 of the pipe pig 10. The pressure housing 14 seals and protects the X-ray fluorescence means 15 from the pressures and substances present within the bore 52 of the pipeline 50. The pressure housing 14 includes a window 26 that permits the transmission of X-rays therethrough so that the X-ray fluorescence means 15 may still adequately interrogate the media within the pipeline 50 despite being disposed within the pressure housing 14.

[0024] The pipe pig 10 may additionally include processing means 20 (e.g. a processor) for receiving the X-ray fluorescence data obtained by the X-ray fluorescence means 15. The processing means 20 may be configured to determine the chemical composition of pipeline media in dependence on the X-ray fluorescence data. In alternative embodiments, the processing means 20 may be provided remotely from the pipe pig. Whether or not the processing means 20 are provided as part of the pipe pig 10 or are remote therefrom, the pipe pig 10 may comprise a memory 22 and/or transmission means 24 (e.g. a transmitter). The memory 22 may temporally (or otherwise) store the X-ray fluorescence data. The transmission means 24 may transmit the X-ray fluorescence data (e.g. to a remote processing means) or other data produced by the processing means 20 (if present on the pipe pig 10). The pipe pig 10 may additionally or alternatively include location means 26 for determining a location of the pipe pig 10 in the bore 52 (e.g. GPS means). Any or all of the above described components 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 may be contained within the pressure housing 14 (if present).

[0025] Figure 2 illustrates a method 100 of determining the chemical composition of media within the bore 52 of the pipeline 50. The method comprises providing 102, in the bore 52 of the pipeline 50, a pipe pig comprising X-ray fluorescence means. The pipe pig 10 may be in accordance with the above-described embodiments of pipe pig 10. The pipe pig 10 may be caused or otherwise allowed to travel along the bore 52 of the pipeline 50. The method comprises the step of using the X-ray fluorescence means 15 to emit X-rays 104 and ionise media within the bore 52. Subsequently, the X-ray fluorescence means 15 are used to detect fluorescence emitted by the (previously ionized) media and obtain 106 X-ray fluorescence data. Finally, the chemical composition of the media is determined 108 in dependence on the X-ray fluorescence data. The X-ray fluorescence data may also be used to determine the phase of the media (e.g. liquid, gaseous, solid or a mixture thereof).

[0026] The X-ray fluorescence data may be obtained 106 periodically as the pipe pig 10 travels along the bore 52 of the pipeline 50. The frequency at which the X-ray fluorescence data is obtained 106 may be dependent on time, the location of the pipe pig 10 in the bore 52, and/or the velocity of the pipe pig 10 as it travels along the bore 52.

[0027] In embodiments where the pipe pig 10 includes means for determining a location of the pipe pig 10 in the bore 52, the determined chemical composition and/or phase of the media may be combined with location information so that the position of the identified media in the pipeline 50 can be determined. Such an arrangement is particularly beneficial as it permits targeted treatment of specific areas within a pipeline 50. For example, if a particular area of the pipeline 50 is determined to contain high concentrations of MBDs, anti-microbial treatment may be targeted towards that specific area. This improves the efficacy of the treatment and reduces waste of treatment agents (e.g. by avoiding application of such agents where they are not required), thereby reducing costs and reducing environmental impact. Furthermore, methods and apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may be utilized to verify that substances such as treatment agents (e.g. corrosion inhibitors) have reached the target area in the desired concentrations. Moreover, the effectiveness of the applied agents can be monitored using methods and apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present invention to verify if they are producing the desired effect. If it is determined that they are not, alternative agents or different concentrations or volumes of agents may be delivered and the chemical composition of pipeline media may be subsequently monitored.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the pipe pig 10 may include a supply of a substance to be delivered within the bore 52 of the pipeline 50, and further include delivery means for delivering the substance at a desired location within the pipeline 50. Such delivery may be in dependence on the determination of a particular chemical composition within the pipeline 50 (e.g. at a particular location). For example, the pipe pig 10 may identify the presence of MBDs at a particular location and, in response, deliver a treatment agent for reducing the effects of corrosion at that location. In another example, the pipe pig 10 may identify locations along the bore 52 where "water drop out" may be occurring or might be likely to occur. In response, measures may be taken (either using the pipe pig 10 or otherwise) to reduce or avoid such effects.

[0029] Understanding the chemical composition of a product at any point along the pipeline 52 in its dynamic environment will help predict the conditions that lead to pipeline failures before they occur. Similarly, measures can be proactively taken to reduce the severity of any predicted failures. Methods and apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present invention serve to move the pipeline industry from a preventative to a predictive integrity regime.

[0030] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0031] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0032] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 9.A pipe pig for travelling in the bore of a pipeline, the pipe pig comprising X-ray fluorescence means for obtaining X-ray fluorescence data in respect of media within the bore.
A pipe pig according to claim 1, where the X-ray fluorescence means comprises X-ray emission means for emitting X-rays and ionising media within the bore, and detection means for detecting fluorescence emitted by the media and obtaining X-ray fluorescence data.
A pipe pig according to any preceding claim, comprising a sealed pressure housing, wherein the X-ray fluorescence means are disposed within the sealed pressure housing.
A pipe pig according to claim 3, comprising a window in the sealed pressure housing, wherein the window permits the transmission of X-rays.
A pipe pig according to any preceding claim, comprising means for determining a location of the pipe pig in the bore.
A pipe pig according to claim 5, wherein the means for determining a location of the pipe pig in the bore comprises GPS means.
A pipe pig according to any preceding claim, further comprising a memory for receiving and storing X-ray fluorescence data obtained by the X-ray fluorescence means.
A pipe pig according to any preceding claim, further comprising transmission means for transmitting X-ray fluorescence data obtained by the X-ray fluorescence means.
An apparatus for determining the chemical composition of pipeline media, comprising: a pipe pig according to any preceding claim; and processing means arranged to receive the X-ray fluorescence data; wherein the processing means is configured to determine the chemical composition of pipeline media in dependence on the X-ray fluorescence data.
10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the pipe pig comprises the processing means.
11 A method of determining the chemical composition of pipeline media, comprising the steps: providing, in a bore of a pipeline, a pipe pig comprising X-ray fluorescence means; using the X-ray fluorescence means to emit X-rays and ionise media within the bore; subsequently using the X-ray fluorescence means to detect fluorescence emitted by the media and obtain X-ray fluorescence data; and determining, in dependence on the X-ray fluorescence data, the chemical composition of the media.
12. A method according to claim 11, further comprising determining, in dependence on the X-ray fluorescence data, the phase of the media. 15
13. A method according to any of claims 11 or 12, wherein the pipe pig comprises means for determining a location of the pipe pig in the bore, and the method comprises: using the means for determining a location of the pipe pig in the bore to determine a location of the pipe pig in the bore; and attributing a location to media whose chemical composition has been determined in accordance with claim 11.
14. A method of treating a pipeline, comprising determining the chemical composition of pipeline media in accordance with any of claims 11 to 13, and delivering a treatment agent to the pipeline in dependence on the outcome of the determining step.
15. A method of treating a pipeline according to claim 14, wherein the treatment agent is a corrosion inhibitor or anti-microbial agent.