A system may automatically control a pipeline heating system to maintain a desired temperature and/or to provide flow assurance of process fluid along a pipeline. The system may identify the occurrence and location of the solidification of a given process fluid or the melting of the given process fluid by monitoring temperatures along the pipeline and identifying from the monitored temperatures the occurrence and location of a latent heat signature associated with the solidification or melting of the given process fluid. The system may calculate and display fill percentages of the solidified process fluid at locations along the pipeline. The system may determine the percentage of a given section of pipeline that is filled with solid and/or liquid process fluid on a meter-by-meter basis. The system may perform automated re-melt operations to resolve plugs of solidified process fluid that may occur in the pipeline.

A method for monitoring a pipeline temperature management system includes communicating, via a management console, with a controller of the pipeline temperature management system, where the controller is configured to obtain temperature data from sensors of the pipeline and control application of heat to sections of the pipeline. The method also includes displaying, via a user interface of the management console, a current state of the pipeline based on information from the controller, receiving an alarm notification based on the temperature data, and displaying the alarm notification via the user interface.

A system for heating one or more sulfur transport and storage systems including a hot oil distribution system, a first transport line fluidly connecting one or more reboilers to an inlet on a heating jacket on a sulfur transport system, a second transport line fluidly connecting an outlet of the heating jacket on the sulfur transport system to an inlet on a heating coil in a sulfur storage system, and a third transport line fluidly connecting an outlet on the heating coil in the sulfur storage system to a return header on the hot oil distribution system.

A system and method of providing a high temperature hot water system assembly including a direct buried valve box that connects to one or more underground service pipes is disclosed. The buried valve box contains a valve assembly configured to control the flow of water through the one or more service pipes. An air gap within the valve box allows for movement and expansion of the components as the temperatures rise, preventing cracking or other failures. A bypass valve is also provided within the buried valve box, allowing for a small amount of hot water to flow through the service pipes to gradually increase the temperature. The direct buried valve boxes, controllable through valve risers that terminate in surface assembly boxes, eliminate the need for large, concrete underground vaults that make maintenance and operation of valve assemblies more difficult.

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.

A water management system is provided. The system includes a manifold with ports adapted to connect the manifold to piping that connects to various water fixtures in a home or building. Each port has a flow sensor and an actuated valve configured to shut off flow to a fixture in the event of a leak in order to mitigate damage from the leak. Water flow occurring due to a leak may be detected and mitigated based on input provided by the flow sensor and a motion sensor, a button switch, or a timer switch.

A system may automatically control a pipeline heating system to maintain a desired temperature and/or to provide flow assurance of process fluid along a pipeline. The system may identify the occurrence and location of the solidification of a given process fluid or the melting of the given process fluid by monitoring temperatures along the pipeline and identifying from the monitored temperatures the occurrence and location of a latent heat signature associated with the solidification or melting of the given process fluid. The system may calculate and display fill percentages of the solidified process fluid at locations along the pipeline. The system may determine the percentage of a given section of pipeline that is filled with solid and/or liquid process fluid on a meter-by-meter basis. The system may perform automated re-melt operations to resolve plugs of solidified process fluid that may occur in the pipeline.

A system may automatically control a pipeline heating system to maintain a desired temperature and/or to provide flow assurance of process fluid along a pipeline. The system may identify the occurrence and location of the solidification of a given process fluid or the melting of the given process fluid by monitoring temperatures along the pipeline and identifying from the monitored temperatures the occurrence and location of a latent heat signature associated with the solidification or melting of the given process fluid. The system may determine a distribution of solidified process fluid along the pipeline. The system may determine the percentage of a given section of pipeline that is filled with solid and/or liquid process fluid on a meter-by-meter basis. The system may perform automated re-melt operations to resolve plugs of solidified process fluid that may occur in the pipeline.

A water management system is provided. The system includes a manifold with ports adapted to connect the manifold to piping that connects to various water fixtures in a home or building. Each port has a flow sensor and an actuated valve configured to shut off flow to a fixture in the event of a leak in order to mitigate damage from the leak. Water flow occurring due to a leak may be detected and mitigated based on input provided by the flow sensor and a motion sensor, a button switch, or a timer switch.