Subsea 7 has been granted a patent for a method to prevent blockages in subsea flowline pipes caused by solid-state materials like wax or hydrates. The technique involves using hot production fluids and a service fluid, enabling effective heating and dispersion of potential plugs to maintain hydrocarbon production. GlobalData’s report on Subsea 7 gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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 July 2024 was 57%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Method for preventing subsea flowline plugging with heated fluids
The patent US12066135B2 outlines a method and system for maintaining the production of hydrocarbon fluids from subsea wells. The method involves directing hot production fluid from a subsea well into a production flowline pipe, while simultaneously managing a service fluid through an adjacent service fluid pipe. In a first operational mode, the service fluid is injected into the well or production fluid flow, while in a second mode, some production fluid is diverted into the service fluid pipe to transfer heat, enhancing the efficiency of the production process. The system is designed to respond dynamically to conditions such as plugging or temperature fluctuations, ensuring continuous operation and optimal thermal management.
The subsea hydrocarbon production system includes a production flowline pipe and a service fluid pipe, both of which can be housed within a thermally insulated enclosure. This design allows for effective heat transfer between the pipes, which is crucial for maintaining fluid flow and preventing blockages. The system also features a flow diverter that selectively directs production fluid into the service fluid pipe based on real-time conditions, such as flow rate and temperature thresholds. Additionally, a recovery system is integrated to manage the flow of production fluid back to processing or storage locations, ensuring that the service fluid can be efficiently displaced and returned to its source. Overall, this innovative approach aims to enhance the reliability and efficiency of subsea hydrocarbon production operations.
To know more about GlobalData’s detailed insights on Subsea 7, buy the report here.
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