Method of transitioning to kinetic hydrate inhibitors in multiple tie-in well systems
US8047296B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 22, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 1, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 10, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/0391
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The technical challenges for a smooth transition between using both a thermodynamic hydrate inhibitor (THI) and a kinetic hydrate inhibitor (KHI) to simply using only the KHI in multiple tie-in gas natural gas production systems is solved by adding more THI in a first pipeline leg of the production system while ceasing adding THI in a second pipeline leg of the system. Further, more KHI is added into the second leg of the system, and subsequently THI is gradually and/or slowly reduced in the remaining legs of the system until only KHI is being injected, after which the KHI amount in all legs may be reduced to the equilibrium or steady-state levels.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.