Method and system for preventing clathrate hydrate blockage formation in flow lines by enhancing water cut
US8329965B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 10, 2010 |
| Grant date | Dec 11, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 10, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/4238
- WIPO fieldOrganic fine chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention includes a method for inhibiting hydrate formation blockage in a flow line used to transport hydrocarbon containing fluids. Water is added to a hydrocarbon containing fluid to produce a water cut enhanced hydrocarbon containing fluid. Salt may be added to the hydrocarbon containing fluids as well. Hydrate formation blockage is inhibited from forming within the flow line by the addition of the water and/or the salt. Sufficient water may be added such that the hydrocarbon containing fluid is converted from a water in oil emulsion to a water continuous emulsion. A system for preventing the formation of hydrate blockage in conduits is also provided. The system includes a flow line for transporting a hydrocarbon containing fluid and a water injection conduit fluidly connected to the flow line to add water to the flow line to increase the water cut of a hydrocarbon containing fluid flowing through the flow line. A salt dispenser may also be included which is used to increase the salinity of the hydrocarbon containing fluid. The system may further include a water separator to separate hydrocarbons from water which receives fluids from the flow line. The flow line, wa…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.