Subsea 7 has been granted a patent for a heated subsea pipeline featuring a direct electrical heating (DEH) system for the central portion and supplementary heating systems for the end portions. These systems utilize heating elements in thermal communication with the pipeline and connect to underwater vehicles for energy supply. GlobalData’s report on Subsea 7 gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Subsea 7, Ship loading/unloading cableways was a key innovation area identified from patents. Subsea 7's grant share as of June 2024 was 57%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Heated subsea pipeline with direct electrical and supplementary heating
The patent US12038116B2 describes a heated subsea pipeline system that integrates a direct electrical heating (DEH) mechanism with a supplementary heating system. The DEH system is designed to heat a central elongate portion of the pipeline, while the supplementary heating system extends along the end portions, which are located longitudinally outboard of the central section. This supplementary system includes at least one heating element that is thermally connected to the inner flowline of the pipeline. Energy is supplied to this supplementary heating system via external connectors located at the ends of the heating elements, which are supported by a bulkhead, connector plate, or end structure of the pipeline.
The claims further detail the configuration of the pipeline, including the arrangement of current transfer zones and injection points, as well as the thermal insulation surrounding the heating elements. The heating elements can be in direct contact with the flowline or embedded within thermal insulation. The patent also outlines the integration of an underwater vehicle that can supply energy to the supplementary heating system, with provisions for connecting the vehicle to the pipeline's external connectors. The method of heating the pipeline primarily involves connecting the underwater vehicle to the supplementary heating system and circulating a heated fluid through it, which can be activated even when the pipeline is shut down. This innovative approach aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of subsea pipeline heating, addressing challenges associated with maintaining optimal temperatures in underwater environments.
To know more about GlobalData’s detailed insights on Subsea 7, buy the report here.
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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
