The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 30, 2013
Filed:
Aug. 21, 2008
Richard F. Stoisits, Kingwood, TX (US);
David C. Lucas, The Woodlands, TX (US);
Larry D. Talley, Friendswood, TX (US);
Donald P. Shatto, Houston, TX (US);
Jiyong Cai, Katy, TX (US);
Richard F. Stoisits, Kingwood, TX (US);
David C. Lucas, The Woodlands, TX (US);
Larry D. Talley, Friendswood, TX (US);
Donald P. Shatto, Houston, TX (US);
Jiyong Cai, Katy, TX (US);
ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, Houston, TX (US);
Abstract
A method for managing hydrates in a subsea production system is provided. The production system includes a host production facility, a control umbilical, at least one subsea production well, and a single production line. The method generally comprises producing hydrocarbon fluids from the at least one subsea production well and through the production line, and then shutting in the production line. In addition, the method includes the steps of depressurizing the production line to substantially reduce a solution gas concentration in the produced hydrocarbon fluids, and then repressurizing the production line to urge any remaining gas in the free gas phase within the production line back into solution. The method also includes displacing production fluids within the production line by moving displacement fluids from a service line within the umbilical line and into the production line. The displacement fluids preferably comprise a hydrocarbon-based fluid having a low dosage hydrate inhibitor (LDHI).