Patrick Lee Matthews

US Patent:

8329965, Dec 11, 2012

Filed:

Nov 10, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/943455

Inventors:

Patrick N. Matthews - Cypress TX, US
Sivakumar Subramanian - Houston TX, US
Jefferson L. Creek - Katy TX, US

Assignee:

Chevron U.S.A. Inc. - San Ramon CA

International Classification:

C09K 8/52

US Classification:

585 15, 507 90

Abstract:

The present invention includes a method for inhibiting hydrate formation blockage in a flow line used to transport hydrocarbon containing fluids. Water is added to a hydrocarbon containing fluid to produce a water cut enhanced hydrocarbon containing fluid. Salt may be added to the hydrocarbon containing fluids as well. Hydrate formation blockage is inhibited from forming within the flow line by the addition of the water and/or the salt. Sufficient water may be added such that the hydrocarbon containing fluid is converted from a water in oil emulsion to a water continuous emulsion. A system for preventing the formation of hydrate blockage in conduits is also provided. The system includes a flow line for transporting a hydrocarbon containing fluid and a water injection conduit fluidly connected to the flow line to add water to the flow line to increase the water cut of a hydrocarbon containing fluid flowing through the flow line. A salt dispenser may also be included which is used to increase the salinity of the hydrocarbon containing fluid. The system may further include a water separator to separate hydrocarbons from water which receives fluids from the flow line.

US Patent:

20050137432, Jun 23, 2005

Filed:

Dec 17, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/740265

Inventors:

Patrick Matthews - Cypress TX, US
Sivakumar Subramanian - Houston TX, US
Jefferson Creek - Katy TX, US

International Classification:

C07C009/00

US Classification:

585015000, 095153000

Abstract:

The present invention includes a method for inhibiting hydrate formation blockage in a flow line used to transport hydrocarbon containing fluids. Water is added to a hydrocarbon containing fluid to produce a water cut enhanced hydrocarbon containing fluid. Salt may be added to the hydrocarbon containing fluids as well. Hydrate formation blockage is inhibited from forming within the flow line by the addition of the water and/or the salt. Sufficient water may be added such that the hydrocarbon containing fluid is converted from a water in oil emulsion to a water continuous emulsion. A system for preventing the formation of hydrate blockage in conduits is also provided. The system includes a flow line for transporting a hydrocarbon containing fluid and a water injection conduit fluidly connected to the flow line to add water to the flow line to increase the water cut of a hydrocarbon containing fluid flowing through the flow line. A salt dispenser may also be included which is used to increase the salinity of the hydrocarbon containing fluid. The system may further include a water separator to separate hydrocarbons from water which receives fluids from the flow line. The flow line, water separator and water injection conduit may cooperate to form a loop wherein water from the flow line may be separated by the water separator and a portion of the separated water is delivered back to the water injection conduit to be reinjected into the flow line.