A method (400) for restarting flow in a waxy crude oil transporting pipeline (100), comprising: dividing (402) the gel plug into plurality of smaller gel segments (112, 114, 116) by removing a fraction of gel volume creating plurality of voids (132, 134), introducing (404) a compressible fluid into each of the voids; and applying (406) a pressure at first end (112A) of a first gel segment (112) contiguous to a pumping unit thereby creating a high pressure gradient between first end and second end (112B) of the first gel segment, causing the first gel segment to degrade and move towards a first void (132) thereby compressing the compressible fluid, the movement of the gel segment deforms and breaks the gel segment whereby the broken gel segment migrates towards a next gel segment (114) until all the gel segments are sequentially broken and flow of the waxy crude oil restarts.

A method (400) for restarting flow in a waxy crude oil transporting pipeline (100), comprising: dividing (402) the gel plug into plurality of smaller gel segments (112, 114, 116) by removing a fraction of gel volume creating plurality of voids (132, 134), introducing (404) a compressible fluid into each of the voids; and applying (406) a pressure at first end (112A) of a first gel segment (112) contiguous to a pumping unit thereby creating a high pressure gradient between first end and second end (112B) of the first gel segment, causing the first gel segment to degrade and move towards a first void (132) thereby compressing the compressible fluid, the movement of the gel segment deforms and breaks the gel segment whereby the broken gel segment migrates towards a next gel segment (114) until all the gel segments are sequentially broken and flow of the waxy crude oil restarts.

An apparatus (112) for heating a fluid is proposed. The apparatus (112) comprises at least one electrically conductive pipeline (120) for receiving the fluid at least one electrically conductive coil (110) at least one AC voltage source (114), which is connected to the coil (110) and is designed for an AC voltage to be applied to the coil (110).

The coil (110) is designed for generating at least one electromagnetic field by applying the AC voltage. The pipeline (120) and the coil (110) are arranged in such a way that the electromagnetic field of the coil (110) induces in the pipeline (120) an electrical current, which warms up the pipeline (120) by Joulean heat, which is produced when the electrical current passes through conducting pipe material, for heating the fluid.

An apparatus (112) for heating a fluid is proposed. The apparatus (112) comprises at least one electrically conductive pipeline (120) for receiving the fluid at least one electrically conductive coil (110) at least one AC voltage source (114), which is connected to the coil (110) and is designed for an AC voltage to be applied to the coil (110).

The coil (110) is designed for generating at least one electromagnetic field by applying the AC voltage. The pipeline (120) and the coil (110) are arranged in such a way that the electromagnetic field of the coil (110) induces in the pipeline (120) an electrical current, which warms up the pipeline (120) by Joulean heat, which is produced when the electrical current passes through conducting pipe material, for heating the fluid.

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.

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.

A system and method for a passive thermal diode (PTD) to be disposed on a pipeline that inhibits heat transfer from the pipeline to the environment below a threshold temperature and promotes heat transfer from the environment to the pipeline above a threshold temperature.

A production method can include flowing a heterogeneous fluid mixture into contact with a homogenizing cutting tool, measuring a fluid mixture temperature so as to obtain a measured fluid mixture temperature, and determining a target fluid mixture temperature. The fluid mixture can be frictionally heated so as to obtain a heated and homogenized fluid mixture by driving the cutting tool at a rate based on (i) the target fluid mixture temperature and (ii) the measured fluid mixture temperature. The heated and homogenized fluid mixture can be flowed away from the cutting tool.

A production method can include flowing a heterogeneous fluid mixture into contact with a homogenizing cutting tool, measuring a fluid mixture temperature so as to obtain a measured fluid mixture temperature, and determining a target fluid mixture temperature. The fluid mixture can be frictionally heated so as to obtain a heated and homogenized fluid mixture by driving the cutting tool at a rate based on (i) the target fluid mixture temperature and (ii) the measured fluid mixture temperature. The heated and homogenized fluid mixture can be flowed away from the cutting tool.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for treating petroleum in a container are disclosed herein. The method includes electrically heating a portion of the container to generate heat sufficient to create convection currents in the petroleum. The method also includes stopping heating after the petroleum cools below a threshold temperature. The systems, methods, and apparatuses mitigate yield stress in petroleum susceptible to gelling.