Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for implementing a method for detecting a deposit (D) that might form inside a fluid transport pipe (2). According to the invention, the installation comprises: at least one production source (3) for producing a thermal gradient, the source being for mounting on an “active” zone (Za) of the outside surface of the pipe; at least one measurement sensor (7) for measuring heat flux, the sensor being for mounting on a zone (Zm) of the outside surface of the pipe situated relative to the active zone at a given distance in consideration of the length of the pipe; and control and monitoring means (5) connected to the production source (3) and to the measurement sensor (7), and adapted to detect when the heat flux corresponding at least in part to the applied thermal gradient and transmitted by the pipe exceeds a determined threshold indicative of the presence of a deposit inside the pipe.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-intrusive method of characterizing flow disturbances of a fluid inside a cylindrical pipe (2).

Abstract: A mechanical or acoustic excitation apparatus 26 imparts mechanical vibrations to a pipeline 12 in at least two longitudinally spaced areas of its outer surface. At least one sensor 30 is positioned in proximity to the pipeline, which collects vibration data supplied to it along the pipeline. A processing and analysis apparatus 40 derives from the vibration data information concerning the gas and liquid content of the multiphase fluid, in particular the length and rate of travel of liquid plugs and air pockets, and a control device 42 regulates intake valves of downstream petroleum equipment to adjust the intake flow rate of the phases as a function of the storage and/or treatment capacity of the equipment.