Petroleo Brasileiro S.a. - Petrobras

Nelson De Rocha

Carlos Nagib Khalil

Lucia Cristina Leite

A process for the thermo-hydraulic control of gas hydrates in subsea production and injection wells as well as pipelines which transport liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons is described, the process making use of a Nitrogen Generating System foamed or in solution. The control may signify the prevention of the formation of the gas hydrates or the dissolution of the gas hydrate plug already formed. Under conditions of use designed for the prevention of the formation of gas hydrates the SGN fluid prevents the thermal conditions leading to the gas hydrate plugs. Under conditions of use designed to dissolve the already formed gas hydrate plugs, the SGN fluid alters the thermo-hydraulic conditions which favor the gas hydrate plugs, so that they are dissolved and return to the water+gas phase.

Process for the thermo-hydraulic control of gas hydrates

An on-line, thermo-chemical process for the dewaxing of oil export pipelines with the aid of a Nitrogen Generating System is described, wherein the treating fluid to be employed as dewaxing fluid comprises: a) a solution of nitrogen salts activated by emulsified acetic acid and designed to yield nitrogen and heat, and b) a solvent, which is the petroleum oil being produced. The dewaxing treatment is effected at the same time as the petroleum oil is produced, this leading to great savings in costs and energy.

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Nelson De Rocha