Method for hydrate plug removal
US7279052B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 25, 2004 |
| Grant date | Oct 9, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 16, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L2101/12
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for removal of deposits such as hydrate plugs from a pipeline is provided including inserting a thruster pig connected to a return flow line into the pipeline The pig is then advanced forward into the pipeline by pumping a thrusting fluid into an annulus between the pipeline and the return flow line while removing deposits continuously or intermittently and returning flow as appropriate from ahead of the pig through the return flow line. The return flow line is then disconnected from the pig after sufficient deposit removal and retrieved from the return flow line. Next, the pig may then be transported through the pipeline by the pipeline fluid to a pig receiving location once the pipeline flow is resumed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.