GB2541667A - Apparatus and method for predicting or detecting hydrates - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for predicting or detecting hydrates Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2541667A GB2541667A GB1515023.8A GB201515023A GB2541667A GB 2541667 A GB2541667 A GB 2541667A GB 201515023 A GB201515023 A GB 201515023A GB 2541667 A GB2541667 A GB 2541667A
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- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- pipeline
- bore
- medium
- hydrate formation
- determining
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 37
- 150000004677 hydrates Chemical class 0.000 title claims abstract description 22
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 78
- 239000003112 inhibitor Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 16
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 57
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010587 phase diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 1
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 125000004435 hydrogen atom Chemical group [H]* 0.000 description 1
- 230000002209 hydrophobic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Chemical group 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
- B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
- B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
- B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
- B08B9/053—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction
- B08B9/055—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction the cleaning devices conforming to, or being conformable to, substantially the same cross-section of the pipes, e.g. pigs or moles
- B08B9/0551—Control mechanisms therefor
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B37/00—Methods or apparatus for cleaning boreholes or wells
- E21B37/06—Methods or apparatus for cleaning boreholes or wells using chemical means for preventing or limiting, e.g. eliminating, the deposition of paraffins or like substances
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
- F16L55/26—Pigs or moles, i.e. devices movable in a pipe or conduit with or without self-contained propulsion means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
- G01N27/02—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance
- G01N27/04—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance
- G01N27/06—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a liquid
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
- G01N33/22—Fuels; Explosives
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
- G01N33/26—Oils; Viscous liquids; Paints; Inks
- G01N33/28—Oils, i.e. hydrocarbon liquids
- G01N33/2835—Specific substances contained in the oils or fuels
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Biochemistry (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Immunology (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Pipeline Systems (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
Abstract
A system or method for predicting or detecting the formation of hydrates in a pipeline comprises a pig 12 for travelling in a pipeline bore 16, the pig including sensing means 14 for obtaining data indicative of one or more parameters of a medium in the bore; and processing means 18 for receiving data from the sensing means and determining a likelihood or presence, including the specific location, of hydrate formation in the pipeline. Also claimed is a method comprising obtaining the electrical conductivity or resistivity, temperature, and pressure of a medium in the bore; and using these data to determine a likelihood or presence of hydrate formation in the pipeline. Also claimed is a pig comprising a supply of hydrate inhibitor; and means for delivering the hydrate inhibitor to the bore of the pipeline.
Description
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PREDICTING OR DETECTING HYDRATES
[0001] This invention reiates to a system and method for predicting or detecting the formation of hydrates, and in particuiar, for predicting or detecting the formation of hydrates in a pipeiine.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Ciathrate hydrates (referred throughout the present specification as “hydrates”) are crystaiiine water-based soiids physicaiiy resembiing ice, in which smaii non-poiar moiecuies (typicaiiy gases) or poiar moiecuies with iarge hydrophobic moieties are trapper inside “cages” of hydrogen bonded, frozen water moiecuies.
[0003] At suitabie temperatures and pressures, iow moiecuiar weight gases, inciuding O2, H2, N2, CO2, CH4, H2S, Ar, Kr, and Xe, as weii as some higher hydrocarbons and freons, wiii form hydrates.
[0004] Hydrate formation is a probiem within pipeiines such as oii and gas pipeiines. Such pipeiines often have regions that have temperature and pressure profiies that are favourabie to hydrate formation. Hydrate formation in a pipeiine can be particuiariy probiematic as it can iead to reduced fiuid fiow or a compiete biockage of the pipeiine. To remedy a pipeiine with hydrate formations, the pipeiine may be shut down to aiiow mechanicai removai of the hydrates or chemicai treatment of the hydrates. Any biockage or shutdown of a pipeiine may be very expensive and inconvenient.
[0005] Known methods of detecting hydrate formation in a pipeiine inciude using sound waves to identify the presence of hydrates.
[0006] However, existing methods of detecting hydrates cannot identify a precise iocation of hydrate formation within a pipeiine. As such, the whoie pipeiine may be treated in order to remove or reduce a hydrate formation. Additionaiiy, existing methods are oniy capabie of indicating when a hydrate formation is present.
[0007] it is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to overcome certain disadvantages associated with the prior art. it is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide an improved means for detecting hydrate formations in a pipeiine. it is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a means for predicting or providing an estimation of the iikeiihood of hydrate formation within a pipeiine.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0008] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for predicting or detecting the formation of hydrates in a pipeline, comprising: a pipe pig for travelling in a bore of the pipeline, the pipe pig including sensing means for obtaining data indicative of one or more parameters of a medium in the bore; and processing means for receiving data from the sensing means and determining, in dependence on the data, a likelihood or presence of hydrate formation in the pipeline.
[0009] The determined likelihood or presence of hydrate formation may include a location of likely or actual hydrate formation in the pipeline.
[0010] The sensing means may include means for determining a water content of the medium in the bore. Additionally or alternatively, the sensing means may include means for determining an electrical conductivity and/or electrical resistivity of the medium in the bore. In certain embodiments, the means for determining an electrical conductivity of the medium in the bore may be used to determine a water content of the medium.
[0011] The sensing means may include means for determining a pressure of the medium in the bore.
[0012] The sensing means may include means for determining a temperature of the medium in the bore.
[0013] In certain embodiments, the pipe pig may include the processing means.
[0014] The pipe pig may include a memory for receiving and storing data from the sensing means, wherein the processing means are configured to receive data from the sensing means via the memory.
[0015] In certain embodiments, the pipe pig may include transmission means for transmitting data to the processing means.
[0016] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of estimating a likelihood or presence of hydrate formation in a pipeline, comprising: providing a pipe pig for travelling along a bore of the pipeline, wherein the pipe pig comprises sensing means; using the sensing means to obtain data indicative of one or more parameters of a medium in the bore; and determining, in dependence on the data, a likelihood or presence of hydrate formation in the pipeline.
[0017] The determined likelihood or presence of hydrate formation may include a location of likely or actual hydrate formation in the pipeline.
[0018] The sensing means may include means for determining a water content of the medium in the bore. The sensing means may include means for determining an electrical conductivity and/or electrical resistivity of the medium in the bore. The means for determining an electrical conductivity of the medium in the bore may be used to determine a water content of the medium.
[0019] The sensing means may include means for determining a pressure of the medium in the bore.
[0020] The sensing means may include means for determining a temperature of the medium in the bore.
[0021] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of estimating a likelihood or presence of hydrate formation in a pipeline, comprising: obtaining first data indicative of an electrical conductivity and/or electrical resistivity of a medium in the bore; obtaining second data indicative of a temperature of the medium in the bore; obtaining third data indicative of a pressure of the medium in the bore; and using the first data, second data, and third data to determine a likelihood or presence of hydrate formation in the pipeline.
[0022] The determined likelihood or presence of hydrate formation may include a location of likely or actual hydrate formation in the pipeline.
[0023] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pipe pig configured to travel along a bore of a pipeline, the pipe pig comprising: a supply of a hydrate inhibitor; and means for delivering the hydrate inhibitor to the bore of the pipeline.
[0024] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling hydrate formation in a pipeline, comprising: providing a pipe pig for travelling along a bore of the pipeline, wherein the pipe pig includes a supply of a hydrate inhibitor; and supplying hydrate inhibitor to the pipeline from the pipe pig.
[0025] The method may comprise determining a likelihood or presence of hydrate formation in the pipeline and subsequently supplying hydrate inhibitor to the pipeline from the pipe pig.
[0026] The step of determining a likelihood or presence of hydrate formation may comprise the method of estimating a likelihood or presence of hydrate formation in a pipeline described above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a system for predicting or detecting the formation of hydrates in a pipeline according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2A is a schematic illustration of a pipe pig according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2B is a schematic illustration of a pipe pig according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of estimating a likelihood or presence of hydrate formation in a pipeline according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Figure 1 schematically shows a system 10 for predicting or detecting the formation of hydrates in a pipeline 16 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system includes a pipe pig 12 configured to travel along a bore of the pipeline 16. The pipe pig 12 may be any suitable pipe pig that in certain embodiments may be moveable along the bore of the pipeline 16 by virtue of the fluid pressure of a flowing medium therein. In alternative embodiments, other propulsion or moving means may alternatively or additionally be employed for moving the pipe pig 12 along the bore of the pipeline 16.
[0029] The pipe pig 12 includes sensing means in the form of one or more sensors for obtaining data indicative of one or more parameters of a medium within the bore (e.g. a flowing fluid such as oil or gas).
[0030] Processing means 18 in the form of one or more processors (e.g. microprocessors) are provided for receiving data obtained by the sensing means 14. The processing means 18 are configured to determine, in dependence on the data received from the sensing means, a likelihood or presence of hydrate formation in the pipeline 16.
[0031] By using a pipe pig 12 to obtain the data that is then used to determine the likelihood or presence of hydrate formation, a more accurate determination may be made in contrast to prior art methods that rely on external assessment or fixed internal assessment of the pipeline 16. Additionally or alternatively, the use of a pipe pig 12 may allow for a determination to be made concerning the location or region within the pipeline 16 that the hydrate has or is likely to form.
[0032] The data that is obtained by the sensing means 14 and processed by the processing means 18 may be indicative of any one or more parameters that may be used to determine the presence or likelihood of hydrate formation. For example, the data may be indicative of certain conditions that are favourable to hydrate formation. Additionally or alternatively, the data may be indicative of certain conditions that are likely to indicate that hydrates have actually formed within the pipeline.
[0033] In certain embodiments, the sensing means 14 may include means that are configured to determine a water content of the medium within the bore. A high water content may be favourable for hydrate formation. Therefore, regions of the medium flowing in the pipeline having a high water content may be more prone to hydrate formation than surrounding regions.
[0034] In further or alternative embodiments embodiments, properties of the medium that may indicate a susceptibility to hydrate formation (or an actual hydrate formation) may be determined by using the sensing means 14 to obtain data indicative of the electrical conductivity and/or electrical resistivity (and/or related electrical properties) of the medium. In certain embodiments, the data indicative of the electrical conductivity and/or electrical resistivity (and/or related electrical properties) of the medium may be used to determine a water content of the medium within the bore or at least determine the presence of water.
[0035] In certain embodiments, the sensing means 14 may include means for determining a pressure of the medium in the bore. Any suitable sensors, including but not limited to pressure sensors such as absolute pressure sensors, gauge pressure sensors, vacuum pressure sensors, differential pressures or sealed pressure sensors, may be used to directly or indirectly determine the pressure. Such data may be useful in predicting or detecting the formation of hydrates given that certain pressures are particularly favourable to hydrate formation. Therefore, if the pressure is found to be at or beyond (e.g. above or below) a particular pressure threshold, it is likely that a hydrate will be present. Similarly, if the pressure is found to be close to the particular pressure threshold, it may be considered likely that a hydrate will form.
[0036] In certain embodiments, the sensing means 14 may include means for determining a temperature of the medium in the bore. Any suitable sensors, including but not limited to temperature sensors such as thermistors, thermocouples, resistance thermometers or semiconductor-based devices, may be used to directly or indirectly determine the temperature. Such data may be useful in predicting or detecting the formation of hydrates given that certain temperatures are particularly favourable to hydrate formation. Therefore, if the temperature is found to be at or beyond (e.g. above or below) a particular temperature threshold, it is likely that a hydrate will be present.
[0037] A method 50 of estimating a likelihood or presence of hydrate formation in the pipeline 16 is illustrated in Figure 3. The pipe pig 12 is provided at step 52, data indicative of one or more parameters of a medium in a bore of the pipeline 16 is obtained at step 54, and a determination is made at step 56 as to the likelihood or presence of hydrates within the pipeline 16.
[0038] In certain embodiments, use of both data relating to temperature and data relating to pressure may be particularly advantageous in determining the presence or likelihood of hydrate formation. In particular, hydrate formation is known to occur at pressures and temperatures corresponding to specific regions of a pressure-temperature phase diagram. Therefore, a determination may be made as to whether the pressure and temperature are such that the medium is within or close to a region of the phase diagram that is favourable to hydrate formation. This method may be further improved by additionally considering data indicative of the water content of the flowing medium and/or the electrical conductivity and/or electrical resistivity (and/or related electrical properties) of the medium. Indeed, in certain embodiments of the present invention, the likelihood or presence of hydrate formation in the pipeline 16 may be estimated by obtaining and using such data, irrespective of whether or not such data is obtained by the pipe pig 12. However, significant advantages are afforded by using the pipe pig 12 to obtain and optionally process such data.
[0039] The processing means 18 may be separate to the pipe pig 12 as illustrated in Figure 1 such that data obtained by the sensing means 14 may be stored and transferred to the processing means after the pipe pig 12 has exited the pipeline 16 (as is described in further detail below). Alternatively, the data obtained by the sensing means 14 may be transmitted to the processing means 18 (as is described in further detail below). Further alternatively, the processing means 18 may form part of the pipe pig 12 such that in situ processing of the data obtained by the sensing means 14 may take place.
[0040] Figure 2A shows an embodiment of a pipe pig 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The pipe pig 12 illustrated in Figure 2A includes sensing means 14 that are disposed near to an outer surface of the pipe pig 12. In alternative embodiments, the sensing means 14 may be disposed in or on the pipe pig 12 at any suitable location. The sensing means 14 are connected to a memory for receiving and storing data (e.g. temporarily) from the sensing means 14. Processing means 18 are provided in the pipe pig 12 to receive data from the sensing means 14 (via the memory 20) to determine a likelihood or presence of hydrate formation in the pipeline. In certain embodiments, the memory 20 may form part of the processing means 18 or the sensing means 14. The pipe pig 12 further includes a power source 22 such as a battery for providing electrical power to any of the sensing means 14, the memory 20, or the processing means 18.
[0041] Figure 2B shows a pipe pig 12 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The pipe pig 12 illustrated in Figure 2B is identical to the pipe pig 12 illustrated in Figure 2A with the exception that the pipe pig 12 of Figure 2B includes transmission means 24 in place of the processing means 18. The transmission means 24 may be in the form of any suitable transmitter and may be configured to transmit data received from the sensing means 14 (e.g. via the memory 20) to processing means 18 disposed outside of the pipe pig 12, and possibly outside of the pipeline 16. Suitable transmitters include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth, infra-red, radio or other wireless transmission means.
[0042] If it is determined that a hydrate is present or the conditions within the pipeline 16 (e.g. at a particular point along the pipeline 16) are such that the formation of a hydrate is likely, action can be taken to either remove or reduce the hydrate, or alter the conditions within the pipeline 16 to reduce the likelihood of hydrate formation. In one example, a hydrate inhibitor may be introduced into the pipeline 16 that may reduce or eliminate an existing hydrate, or make the conditions within the pipeline 16 less favourable to the formation of hydrates.
Hydrate inhibitors are known and any suitable hydrate inhibitor may be employed. In certain embodiments, the hydrate inhibitor may be supplied to the pipeline 16 from a supply contained on or within the pipe pig 12 via suitable supply means such as a nozzle or other outlet. This arrangement is particularly advantageous since the pipe pig 12 may determine a particular region within the pipeline 16 that has existing or likely hydrate formation, and the hydrate inhibitor may be applied directly and with little or no time delay from the pipe pig 12 to reduce, eliminate or pre-empt the hydrate formation. The pipe pig 12 may deliver the hydrate inhibitor to the specific region of the pipeline 16 that is determined to include an existing or likely hydrate formation. This is hugely advantageous over prior art arrangements wherein a hydrate inhibitor is flushed through an entire pipeline to tackle hydrate formations. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, other means for supplying hydrate inhibitor to the pipeline 16 may be employed following determination of the presence of likelihood of hydrate formation therein.
[0043] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.
[0044] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
[0045] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.
Claims (27)
1. A system for predicting or detecting the formation of hydrates in a pipeline, comprising: a pipe pig for travelling in a bore of the pipeline, the pipe pig including sensing means for obtaining data indicative of one or more parameters of a medium in the bore; and processing means for receiving data from the sensing means and determining, in dependence on the data, a likelihood or presence of hydrate formation in the pipeline.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the determined likelihood or presence of hydrate formation includes a location of likely or actual hydrate formation in the pipeline.
3. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the sensing means include means for determining a water content of the medium in the bore.
4. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the sensing means include means for determining an electrical conductivity and/or electrical resistivity of the medium in the bore.
5. The system of claim 4, when dependent on claim 3, wherein the means for determining an electrical conductivity of the medium in the bore are used to determine a water content of the medium.
6. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the sensing means include means for determining a pressure of the medium in the bore.
7. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the sensing means include means for determining a temperature of the medium in the bore.
8. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the pipe pig includes the processing means.
9. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the pipe pig includes a memory for receiving and storing data from the sensing means, wherein the processing means are configured to receive data from the sensing means via the memory.
10. The system of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pipe pig includes transmission means for transmitting data to the processing means.
11. A method of estimating a likelihood or presence of hydrate formation in a pipeline, comprising: providing a pipe pig for travelling along a bore of the pipeline, wherein the pipe pig comprises sensing means; using the sensing means to obtain data indicative of one or more parameters of a medium in the bore; and determining, in dependence on the data, a likelihood or presence of hydrate formation in the pipeline.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the determined likelihood or presence of hydrate formation includes a location of likely or actual hydrate formation in the pipeline.
13. The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein the sensing means include means for determining a water content of the medium in the bore.
14. The method of any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the sensing means include means for determining an electrical conductivity and/or electrical resistivity of the medium in the bore.
15. The method of claim 14 when dependent on claim 13, wherein the means for determining an electrical conductivity of the medium in the bore are used to determine a water content of the medium.
16. The method of any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the sensing means include means for determining a pressure of the medium in the bore.
17. The method of any of claims 11 to 16, wherein the sensing means include means for determining a temperature of the medium in the bore.
18. A method of estimating a likelihood or presence of hydrate formation in a pipeline, comprising: obtaining first data indicative of an electrical conductivity and/or electrical resistivity of a medium in the bore; obtaining second data indicative of a temperature of the medium in the bore; obtaining third data indicative of a pressure of the medium in the bore; and using the first data, second data, and third data to determine a likelihood or presence of hydrate formation in the pipeline.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the determined likelihood or presence of hydrate formation includes a location of likely or actual hydrate formation in the pipeline.
20. A pipe pig configured to travel along a bore of a pipeline, the pipe pig comprising: a supply of a hydrate inhibitor; and means for delivering the hydrate inhibitor to the bore of the pipeline.
21. A method of controlling hydrate formation in a pipeline, comprising: providing a pipe pig for travelling along a bore of the pipeline, wherein the pipe pig includes a supply of a hydrate inhibitor; and supplying hydrate inhibitor to the pipeline from the pipe pig.
22. The method of claim 21, comprising determining a likelihood or presence of hydrate formation in the pipeline and subsequently supplying hydrate inhibitor to the pipeline from the pipe pig.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of determining a likelihood or presence of hydrate formation comprises the method of any of claims 11 to 19.
24. A system for predicting or detecting the formation of hydrates in a pipeline substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
25. A pipe pig substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
26. A method of estimating a likelihood or presence of hydrate formation in a pipeline substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
27. A method of controlling hydrate formation in a pipeline substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1515023.8A GB2541667A (en) | 2015-08-24 | 2015-08-24 | Apparatus and method for predicting or detecting hydrates |
| PCT/GB2016/052567 WO2017032984A1 (en) | 2015-08-24 | 2016-08-19 | Apparatus and method for predicting or detecting hydrates |
| EP16756760.1A EP3341715A1 (en) | 2015-08-24 | 2016-08-19 | Apparatus and method for predicting or detecting hydrates |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1515023.8A GB2541667A (en) | 2015-08-24 | 2015-08-24 | Apparatus and method for predicting or detecting hydrates |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201515023D0 GB201515023D0 (en) | 2015-10-07 |
| GB2541667A true GB2541667A (en) | 2017-03-01 |
Family
ID=54292119
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1515023.8A Withdrawn GB2541667A (en) | 2015-08-24 | 2015-08-24 | Apparatus and method for predicting or detecting hydrates |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP3341715A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2541667A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2017032984A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN115825373B (en) * | 2022-10-10 | 2023-08-22 | 中国地质大学（武汉） | Method and device for predicting natural gas hydrate, storage medium and computer equipment |
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| US20070276169A1 (en) * | 2005-11-16 | 2007-11-29 | Heriot-Watt University | Methods for monitoring hydrate inhibition including an early warning system for hydrate formation |
| US20090199873A1 (en) * | 2008-02-08 | 2009-08-13 | Tdw Delaware, Inc. | Vortex Inhibitor Dispersal Pig |
| US20140080224A1 (en) * | 2012-09-14 | 2014-03-20 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Systems and Methods for Inspecting and Monitoring a Pipeline |
| US20140190574A1 (en) * | 2013-01-10 | 2014-07-10 | Chevron U.S.A. Inc. | Pig assembly and method for maintaining a functional line for conveying fluid |
| US8858732B1 (en) * | 2014-03-26 | 2014-10-14 | Ahmad A. M. J. J. Al Qanaei | Chemical pigging apparatus including an inflatable device and method of using same |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB0006758D0 (en) * | 2000-03-22 | 2000-05-10 | Copipe Systems Limited | Pipeline pigging device for the non-destructive inspection of the fluid environment in a pipeline |
| GB0008373D0 (en) * | 2000-04-06 | 2000-05-24 | Copipe Systems Limited | Articulated pigging device |
-
2015
- 2015-08-24 GB GB1515023.8A patent/GB2541667A/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2016
- 2016-08-19 WO PCT/GB2016/052567 patent/WO2017032984A1/en active Application Filing
- 2016-08-19 EP EP16756760.1A patent/EP3341715A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5795402A (en) * | 1995-07-25 | 1998-08-18 | Hargett, Sr.; Daniel | Apparatus and method for removal of paraffin deposits in pipeline systems |
| US20040200019A1 (en) * | 2002-06-14 | 2004-10-14 | Pruett Rick D. | Inhibitor dispensing pipeline pig |
| US20070276169A1 (en) * | 2005-11-16 | 2007-11-29 | Heriot-Watt University | Methods for monitoring hydrate inhibition including an early warning system for hydrate formation |
| US20090199873A1 (en) * | 2008-02-08 | 2009-08-13 | Tdw Delaware, Inc. | Vortex Inhibitor Dispersal Pig |
| US20140080224A1 (en) * | 2012-09-14 | 2014-03-20 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Systems and Methods for Inspecting and Monitoring a Pipeline |
| US20140190574A1 (en) * | 2013-01-10 | 2014-07-10 | Chevron U.S.A. Inc. | Pig assembly and method for maintaining a functional line for conveying fluid |
| US8858732B1 (en) * | 2014-03-26 | 2014-10-14 | Ahmad A. M. J. J. Al Qanaei | Chemical pigging apparatus including an inflatable device and method of using same |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2017032984A1 (en) | 2017-03-02 |
| EP3341715A1 (en) | 2018-07-04 |
| GB201515023D0 (en) | 2015-10-07 |
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