F17D1/05

Smart subsea pipeline

Pipeline segments can contain cables, such as communication cables (e.g., fiber optic cables) within insulation material surrounding the pipeline segments. Cables can be embedded within the insulation material, run through conduits embedded within the insulation material, placed in channels formed in the insulation material, or otherwise. Channels containing one or more cables can be filled with supplemental insulation material, thus securing the cables within the channels. Pipelines created as disclosed herein can enable data transfer between distant points without the need to lay fiber optic cable in addition to the pipeline. Further, fiber optic cable embedded thusly can be used to sense conditions in the pipeline, such as leaks, seismic activity, strain, and temperature information.

CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRESSURE-LET-DOWNS STATIONS
20180356044 · 2018-12-13 ·

A system for depressurizing a gas in a pipeline is described. The system com-prises an expander configured and arranged for generating mechanical power by expanding gas from a first pressure to a second pressure. The system further comprises a heat pump and a heat transfer circuit containing a heat transfer fluid circu-lating therein, for receiving heat from the heat pump and delivering heat to the gas through a heat exchanger. A controller is further provided, configured and arranged for modulating a flow rate of the heat transfer fluid circulating in the heat transfer circuit as a function of a heat rate to be transferred from the heat transfer fluid to the gas, particularly as a function of temperature differentials between the gas and the heat transfer fluid at a gas inlet side and a gas outlet side of the heat exchang-er.

CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRESSURE-LET-DOWNS STATIONS
20180356044 · 2018-12-13 ·

A system for depressurizing a gas in a pipeline is described. The system com-prises an expander configured and arranged for generating mechanical power by expanding gas from a first pressure to a second pressure. The system further comprises a heat pump and a heat transfer circuit containing a heat transfer fluid circu-lating therein, for receiving heat from the heat pump and delivering heat to the gas through a heat exchanger. A controller is further provided, configured and arranged for modulating a flow rate of the heat transfer fluid circulating in the heat transfer circuit as a function of a heat rate to be transferred from the heat transfer fluid to the gas, particularly as a function of temperature differentials between the gas and the heat transfer fluid at a gas inlet side and a gas outlet side of the heat exchang-er.

REAL TIME INTEGRITY MONITORING OF ON-SHORE PIPES
20180320826 · 2018-11-08 ·

A method includes providing a length of pipeline that has a housing defining a central bore extending the length of the pipe and a space formed within the housing and extending the length of the pipe. At least one condition within the space is continuously monitored within the space to detect in real time if a change in the housing occurs.

REAL TIME INTEGRITY MONITORING OF ON-SHORE PIPES
20180274731 · 2018-09-27 ·

A method includes providing a length of pipeline that has a housing defining a central bore extending the length of the pipe and a space formed within the housing and extending the length of the pipe. At least one condition within the space is continuously monitored within the space to detect in real time if a change in the housing occurs.

FREEZE PREDICTION SYSTEM
20180266087 · 2018-09-20 ·

A freeze prediction system for components such as one or more water pipes situated in a building. The building may have a heating system, a mechanism with a temperature setting connected to the heating system, and an indoor temperature indicator connected to the thermostat. A call may be made for heat if thermostat setting is greater than an indoor temperature. A check may be made as to whether a call for heat may be answered. Outdoor conditions may be read and accounted for in the system. An expected time may be calculated of a freeze danger. One may determine whether the freeze danger is significant according to the expected time of freeze danger compared to a predetermined time. If the freeze danger is not significant, a regular equipment failed alert may be sent out. If the freeze danger is significant, a pipe freeze warning alert may be sent out.

Tool and method for removing gas hydrates from the surface of subsea oil and gas exploration and production equipment through laser radiation

A tool and related method for removing unwanted gas hydrates from the surface of equipment used in subsea exploration and production. The tool includes a main vessel and a power cable linked together by a connector. Inside the vessel a laser device is connected to an adjustable focus collimator by a cable, with the wavelength emitted by the laser being between 200 nm and 930 nm. When the radiation reaches the subsea exploration equipment it causes the heating thereof, which in turn heats the hydrate through conduction, breaking down the hydrate formation from the inside out. The front lid of the tools includes a window fitted with anti-reflection film that forms an interface between the vessel and the aqueous medium.

Tool and method for removing gas hydrates from the surface of subsea oil and gas exploration and production equipment through laser radiation

A tool and related method for removing unwanted gas hydrates from the surface of equipment used in subsea exploration and production. The tool includes a main vessel and a power cable linked together by a connector. Inside the vessel a laser device is connected to an adjustable focus collimator by a cable, with the wavelength emitted by the laser being between 200 nm and 930 nm. When the radiation reaches the subsea exploration equipment it causes the heating thereof, which in turn heats the hydrate through conduction, breaking down the hydrate formation from the inside out. The front lid of the tools includes a window fitted with anti-reflection film that forms an interface between the vessel and the aqueous medium.

Circulating inert-gas seal system based on gas-supply servo device and QHSE based storage and transportation method
20180216784 · 2018-08-02 · ·

A circulating inset-gas seal system based on gas-supply servo device and QHSE based storage and transportation method are provided. The gas-supply servo device includes a servo constant pressure unit including: inlet gas compressors a charging check valve, a gas supply container and a degassing valve control unit which are connected in sequence and communicated and controlled by a one-way valve. According to a preset gas pressure of the gas phase space in the material container, a inert sealing medium filled in the material container group is received, stored and released via an inerting pipe to form a station-type circulating inert seal system. A multi-group circulating inerting system cooperates with a mobile material container for self-sealing loading and unloading, which is capable of realizing a QHSE storage and transportation system with no gas phase emission.

Circulating inert-gas seal system based on gas-supply servo device and QHSE based storage and transportation method
20180216784 · 2018-08-02 · ·

A circulating inset-gas seal system based on gas-supply servo device and QHSE based storage and transportation method are provided. The gas-supply servo device includes a servo constant pressure unit including: inlet gas compressors a charging check valve, a gas supply container and a degassing valve control unit which are connected in sequence and communicated and controlled by a one-way valve. According to a preset gas pressure of the gas phase space in the material container, a inert sealing medium filled in the material container group is received, stored and released via an inerting pipe to form a station-type circulating inert seal system. A multi-group circulating inerting system cooperates with a mobile material container for self-sealing loading and unloading, which is capable of realizing a QHSE storage and transportation system with no gas phase emission.