Frequency Converter for Induction Heating Oil in Oil Pipelines

Abstract

Heating oil in oil pipelines to the required temperature, with the most efficient use of electrical energy,is possible with using of the induction heating method. The most important parameter of induction heating settings is frequency. For each process, there is an optimal frequency range that provides the best technological and economic results. Induction heating of the oil pipeline occurs as follows, if alternating high-frequency current is passed through the windings of the oil pipeline inductor (Fig. 1), an alternating magnetic field is formed, which intersects the metal walls of the oil pipeline and induces eddy currents in them. These currents heat the metal walls of the pipeline to the desired temperature and, accordingly, the oil. MITSUBISHI's VIPM Series Intelligent Power Transistor Modules (IPM), which is a functionally complete product, are currently developed and marketed. These transistor modules are designed for high voltages, currents and power. A frequency converter made on these transistor modules allows to heat large diameter oil pipelines. A prototype IGBT transformer was designed and manufactured. Figure 2 shows a prototype of a frequency converter with a power of 6 kW at frequencies from 2 to 20 kHz. Induction heating of metal was used as a load for the frequency converter

Frequency Converter for Induction Heating Oil in Oil Pipelines

“…The design of the induction heater, which will be located at the bottom of the oil well, is a metal pipe. The main purpose of the induction heater is to create an electromagnetic field of any configuration in order to create eddy currents in the heater core.n general, an induction heater is an energy converter that converts electricity to heat [2].…”

“…Test results and discussion. If an induction heater is considered as an electric machine converter with a braked rotor, then it will convert electric energy into thermal energy [2]. In this case, the heater will have basic main dimensions: the outer diameter D1 and the inner diameter D2, the estimated length L, the base power P b , frequency f. The sizes D1, D2 and L are related to power, frequency f and electromagnetic loads following expression [2] where: A-is the linear load of the heater, B-is the induction in the core of the heater, k B = 1.1 is the coefficient of the shape of the voltage curve, k об = 0.95 is the winding coefficient.…”

“…This is possible using the induction heating method. [2] Induction heating is used to heat technological equipment (oil pipelines, pipelines, tanks, etc. ), heat liquid media, and dry coatings of materials (for example, wood).…”