Title:
SELF-REGULATING HEAT SOURCE FOR SUBSEA EQUIPMENT
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO2002016732
Kind Code:
B1
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a heating device for preventing the formation of alkane hydrates in a subsea oil and gas production equipment component having at least one flow path through which a well fluid is permitted to flow, the well fluid having a low temperature and a lower hydrate formation temperature at which hydrates will form in the well fluid. The heating device comprises at least one heating cable which is positioned in heat exchange relation with respect to the flow path, a source of electrical power connected to the heating cable, and an insulation layer disposed over the heating cable and the component. When the temperature of the well fluid in the component drops to a point below its flow temperature, the heating cable will generate heat that is transferred to the well fluid to maintain the temperature of the well fluid above its hydrate formation temperature. The device may comprise a temperature sensitive electrically conductive polymer and/or a thermostat.
Inventors:
JANOFF DWIGHT D
VICIC JOHN C
VICIC JOHN C
Application Number:
PCT/US2001/025908
Publication Date:
June 27, 2002
Filing Date:
August 17, 2001
Export Citation:
Assignee:
FMC CORP (US)
International Classes:
E21B36/04; E21B43/01; H05B1/02; H05B3/56; (IPC1-7): E21B43/01; E21B36/04; H05B3/14
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