Freeze-thaw method for temporarily plugging process flowline
US5125427A · kind A · utility
12Cited by
5References
7Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 2, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jun 30, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 2, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/6416
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Temporary plugs are formed in process flowlines by injecting into the flowlines a plugging material having a freezing point only slightly below the ambient temperature. The plugging material is frozen in place, and a servicing operation is conducted on the flowline. The plugging material is then allowed to thaw or is thawed by applied heat. Linear primary alcohols and normal paraffinic hydrocarbons are preferred plugging materials.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.