Abstract: A method of moving a string assembly within a wellbore is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method comprises moving the string assembly within the wellbore; obtaining surface data regarding at least one parameter associated with moving the string assembly within the wellbore over a range of depths; modeling the at least one parameter over the range of depths for a plurality of assumed friction factors to obtain modeled data for each assumed friction factor; calculating a derivative of the surface data over the range of depths; calculating a derivative of the modeled data over the range of depths; comparing the derivative of the surface data to the derivative of the modeled data; determining one or more local friction factors for the range of depths based on the comparison; and adjusting at least one string assembly operating parameter based on the one or more local friction factors.

Abstract: A pipe in pipe electric heater assembly comprising a work string comprising an inner pipe and an outer pipe and a heater element, wherein the heater element is provided with power supplied by the inner pipe and the outer pipe acting at least as conductors and associated methods.

Abstract: An induction heater is proposed for melting paraffin deposits formed in borehole columns filled with borehole liquid. The heater includes an inductor joined essentially with a control module enclosing electronic components. The inductor includes a non-metallic protective cover enclosing particularly an induction coil heating up a heating rod with a tip that melts paraffin deposits. The protective cover provides free propagation of HF-magnetic field created by the coil, which also heats up the column's walls melting paraffin thereon. An internal cavity is formed particularly by surfaces of the protective cover, tip, induction coil, etc., and communicates with an elastic compensator. The cavity is filled with liquid filler allowing the inductor to withstand high pressure of the borehole liquid. Surplus of the filler formed in the cavity due to volumetric temperature expansion flows essentially into the compensator.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for treating petroleum in a container are disclosed herein. The method includes electrically heating a portion of the container to generate heat sufficient to create convection currents in the petroleum. The method also includes stopping heating after the petroleum cools below a threshold temperature. The systems, methods, and apparatuses mitigate yield stress in petroleum susceptible to gelling.

Abstract: A offshore system for storing oil includes a hull. The hull includes a buoyancy compartment and an oil storage compartment disposed below the buoyancy compartment. The oil storage compartment has an upper end, a lower end, and an inner cavity. In addition the system includes a water port in fluid communication with the inner cavity and configured to allow water to exit the inner cavity. Further, the system includes an oil heating and circulation system coupled to the hull. The oil heating and circulation system includes a suction line having an inlet disposed in the inner cavity proximal the upper end. The inlet is configured to draw oil from the inner cavity. The oil heating and circulation system also includes an oil heater coupled to the suction line and configured to heat oil passing through the suction line. Further, the system includes a return line coupled to the oil heater.

Abstract: A shear tester for in-situ determination of rock formation geomechanical properties is provided. The tester has a radially expandable cylindrical membrane, a metal sheath covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the membrane, at least one stud fixed on the sheath, at least one cone fixed on each of the at least one stud, and a piston operable to apply an upward axial force on the metal sheath. A device for the same use comprises the shear tester and a pressuremeter. A method of using the shear tester comprises applying a normal force to the formation by expanding the membrane until at least one of the at least one cone penetrates the rock formation and applying an upward axial force to the at least one of the at least one cone by operating the piston until at least a portion of the rock formation shears.

Abstract: A method for forming a radio frequency (RF) radiator in a laterally extending wellbore in a subterranean formation containing a hydrocarbon resource may include positioning at least one electrically conductive member within the laterally extending wellbore. The method may also include supplying a solidifiable material adjacent the at least one electrically conductive member, and solidifying the solidifiable material to form a dielectric material layer over the at least one electrically conductive member to form the RF radiator.

Abstract: A method of recovering oil from an oil well and producing steam for injection into an injection well is provided. After recovering an oil-water mixture from the oil well, oil is separated from the mixture to produce an oil product and produced water. In one process, the produced water is directed to an indirect fired steam generator which is powered by an independent boiler or steam generator. As water moves through the indirect fired steam generator, the same is heated to produce a steam-water mixture. The steam-water mixture is directed to the steam separator which separates the steam-water mixture into steam and water. The separated water is directed from the steam separator back to and through the indirect fired steam generator. This separated water is continued to be recycled through the indirect fired steam generator. Steam separated by the steam separator is directed into the injection well.

Abstract: A device for recovering hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation may include a radio frequency (RF) source, a ferrofluid source, and an RF applicator coupled to the RF source and configured to supply RF power to the hydrocarbon resources. The RF applicator may include concentric tubular conductors defining ferrofluid passageways therebetween coupled to the ferrofluid source.

Abstract: Method of managing hydrates in a subsea production system that includes a host production facility, one or more producers, one or more water injectors, a water injection line, and a single production line for directing production fluids from the producers to the host production facility. The method comprises placing a pig in the subsea production system, shutting in production from the producers, and injecting a displacement fluid into the subsea production system in order to displace production fluids in the production line. The method also includes applying electrically resistive heat along a selected portion of the single production line to maintain production fluids within the production line at a temperature above a hydrate formation temperature after production has been shut in.

Abstract: A method for heating a production fluid in a wellbore. The method can include heating, using a packer fluid, a working fluid flowing through a first medium disposed in a first section of the wellbore, where the first medium transfers heat from the packer fluid to the working fluid. The method can also include circulating the working fluid into a second section of the wellbore through a second medium, where the second medium transfers heat from the working fluid to the production fluid. The method can further include returning the working fluid to the first section of the wellbore through the first medium.

Abstract: An apparatus may be used to test the ability of a first fluid to remove a second fluid from a surface. The apparatus comprises a reservoir that contains the first fluid and a testing cell that contains the second fluid. The testing cell also contains a rotor within. The first fluid is pumped into the testing cell, thereby displacing the second fluid. The displaced second fluid flows to a collection vessel. The apparatus is particularly useful for determining the ability of a chemical wash or a spacer fluid to remove non-aqueous drilling fluids from a metallic surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods comprise structures and methods for using a plurality of chemicals which are mixed subsea, resulting in a heated fluid which can be delivered by various means to an area about a subsea structure such as a pipe or other structure which has been compromised by a plug such as a solid gas hydrate or paraffinic plug. Various embodiments allow for selective use of insulated chambers and baffled conduits and the like, or combinations thereof, to aid in the mixing of the various chemicals and achieving a desired temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods comprise structures and methods for using a plurality of chemicals which are mixed subsea, resulting in a heated fluid which can be delivered by various means to an area about a subsea structure such as a pipe or other structure which has been compromised by a plug such as a solid gas hydrate or paraffinic plug. Various embodiments allow for selective use of insulated chambers and baffled conduits and the like, or combinations thereof, to aid in the mixing of the various chemicals and achieving a desired temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods comprise structures and methods for using a plurality of chemicals which are mixed subsea, resulting in a heated fluid which can be delivered by various means to an area about a subsea structure such as a pipe or other structure which has been compromised by a plug such as a solid gas hydrate or paraffinic plug. Various embodiments allow for selective use of insulated chambers and baffled conduits and the like, or combinations thereof, to aid in the mixing of the various chemicals and achieving a desired temperature.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and heaters for treating a subsurface formation are described herein. At least one method for providing power to one or more subsurface heaters is described herein. The method may include monitoring one or more operating parameters of the heaters, the intermittent power source, and a transformer coupled to the intermittent power source that transforms power from the intermittent power source to power with appropriate operating parameters for the heaters; and controlling the power output of the transformer so that a constant voltage is provided to the heaters regardless of the load of the heaters and the power output provided by the intermittent power source.

Abstract: A first conductor is positioned in the substantially horizontal or inclined portion of a first wellbore. The first conductor includes electrically conductive material. A portion of the first conductor positioned in the first wellbore includes copper coupled to the electrically conductive material. The copper tapers from a larger thickness at a first end of the portion to a smaller thickness at a second end of the portion. A power supply coupled to the first conductor electrically excites the electrically conductive materials of the first conductor such that current flows between the electrically conductive materials in the first conductor, through at least a portion of the formation, to a second conductor located in the hydrocarbon containing layer in the formation, and the current resistively heats at least a portion of the formation between the two conductors.

Abstract: Apparatus and methodology for self-generating high-temperature water and superheated steam for recovering embedded heavy-viscosity hydrocarbons from subterranean rock, shale, bitumen, sand formations and enabling continuous flow of released heavy-viscosity hydrocarbons using four successive spiral trough-like flowpaths, and optionally comprising an internal elongated pump member. Another embodiment promotes continuous flow of heavy-viscosity hydrocarbons through surface pipelines to tanks, railway tankcars, ships, refineries. A plurality of high-temperature, sheathed insertion heaters sustains constant high temperature to assure continuous flow of such hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Methods and systems generate steam for thermal oil recovery, such as a steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) operation. Feedwater is first pressurized to a pressure above that desired for steam injection in the SAGD operation before being heated to avoid at least some nucleate boiling. After being throttled, the local boiling regime is beyond the nucleate boiling regime due to the local pressure drop and the enhanced mixing caused by the throttling process. Two-phase liquid may continue through the boiler generating higher quality steam.

Abstract: A first wellbore includes a substantially horizontal or inclined portion in a hydrocarbon containing layer in the formation. A first conductor having electrically conductive material is at least partially positioned in the first wellbore. At least one conducting material substantially surrounds the first conductor in the first wellbore. A second conductor having a substantially horizontal or inclined portion is located in the hydrocarbon containing layer in the formation. The second conductor includes electrically conductive material. At least one conducting material substantially surrounds the second conductor. A power supply is coupled to the first conductor to electrically excite the electrically conductive materials of the first conductor such that current flows between the electrically conductive materials in the first conductor, through at least a portion of the formation, to the second conductor, and the current resistively heats at least a portion of the formation between the two conductors.

Abstract: A method of recovering oil from an oil well and producing steam for injection into an injection well is provided. After recovering an oil-water mixture from the oil well, oil is separated from the mixture to produce an oil product and produced water. In one process, the produced water is directed to an indirect fired steam generator which is powered by an independent boiler or steam generator. As water moves through the indirect fired steam generator, the same is heated to produce a steam-water mixture. The steam-water mixture is directed to the steam separator which separates the steam-water mixture into steam and water. The separated water is directed from the steam separator back to and through the indirect fired steam generator. This separated water is continued to be recycled through the indirect fired steam generator. Steam separated by the steam separator is directed into the injection well.

Abstract: A device for transporting and upgrading a hydrocarbon resource may include a pair of pipeline segments configured to transport the hydrocarbon resource therethrough and a radio frequency (RF) upgrading device. The RF upgrading device may include an RF applicator comprising an inner tubular dielectric coupler between the pair of pipeline segments, and an electrically conductive outer housing surrounding the inner tubular dielectric coupler. The RF upgrading device may also include an RF source coupled to the electrically conductive outer housing and having an operating frequency and power to upgrade the hydrocarbon resource.

Abstract: A technique involves collecting formation fluids through a single packer having at least one drain located within the single packer. The single packer comprises an outer seal layer, and the at least one drain is positioned in the outer seal layer. A viscosity system also is incorporated and enables the viscosity of a surrounding fluid to be selectively lowered for sampling.

Abstract: A thermal control system and method of using same are disclosed. Preferably, the thermal control system includes at least a combination data logger and control module interacting with a heat transfer medium circulation device, a heat transfer medium distribution system communicating with a heat transfer medium circulation device, and a service object interacting with a heat transfer distribution system, wherein the heat transfer medium distribution system facilitates heat transfer between the service object and a heat transfer medium confined within the heat transfer medium distribution system. Preferably, the thermal control system further includes a pair of motors each configured for driving the heat transfer medium circulation device, and a motor control and switching circuit responsive to a predetermined signal provided by the data logger and control module for selecting one of the pair of motors for use in driving the heat transfer medium circulation device.

Abstract: A borehole tool heat transfer altering system includes, a borehole tool, and a thermoelectric material in operable communication with the borehole tool configured to alter heat transfer between the borehole tool and an environment surrounding the borehole tool.

Abstract: In general, an apparatus is provided comprising either a single wall drill string or a concentric drill string for use in drilling, completing and/or stimulating a well in a heavy oil or bitumen reservoir for in situ recovery of heavy oil and bitumen. More particularly, the single wall drill string or the concentric drill string further comprises an electrical cable and heating device for heating the drill string to stimulate the flow of the heavy oil and bitumen in the well after chilling is completed.

Abstract: A well bore fluid is heated to prevent paraffin build-up or lower the viscosity of asphaltenic crude in the production line by an electrical heating element lowered into a pre-determined subterranean location. The heating element is controlled by a control unit that is connected to a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor, which detects temperature and pressure in the vicinity of the heating element and modifies an electric power source to deliver sufficient electric power to the electric heating element to keep the paraffin or other alkanes in a liquefied state. By modifications, the same heater can be used to generate steam in a well bore for the same purposes or to heat oil in a tank battery to prevent solidification of high molecular weight constituents in the crude.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drilling a well in a heavy oil or bitumen reservoir for in situ recovery of heavy oil and bitumen is provided. More particularly, an apparatus and method for drilling, completing and/or stimulating a heavy oil or bitumen well in a heavy oil or bitumen reservoir is provided, comprising: providing a concentric drill string having an inner tube and an outer tube defining an annulus therebetween, the outer tube further having a plurality of slots sealed with a temporary filler material; drilling a borehole into the reservoir using a drilling member connected at the lower end of the concentric drill string and delivering drilling medium through one of the annulus or inner tube and extracting the exhaust drilling medium through the other of the annulus or inner tube; leaving the concentric drill string in the well after drilling of the borehole is completed; and removing the temporary filler material to expose the plurality of slots in the outer tube and form a slotted liner.

Abstract: A system for power supply to subsea installations and plants for production of hydrocarbons, comprising a preferably heat insulated pipeline (10), in which the possibility for internal formation of detrimental hydrates or wax deposits are present, and comprising electrical power supply cables (12, 31) for direct electrical heating of the pipeline (10), and having an electrical connection (36) to the surrounding sea at an end of the supply cable. The power supply cable (12) is further configured, in a second circuit configuration, to provide a three-phase power supply to an electrically powered motor in an subsea installation unit (11) connected to the pipeline (10), and that means (18, 19) are arranged for switching so that the three conductors (28) forming the power supply cables (12) form parallel conductors in a second circuit configuration, wherein the power supply cables (12, 31) supply power for direct heating of the pipeline (10).

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for producing hot water without a flame. The system and method heats water to at least a specified temperature without a flame by providing a source of water and a prime mover, pumping water from the source of water into one or more heat exchangers, pre-heating the water using the one or more heat exchangers, heating the pre-heated water to at least the specified temperature without a flame using a dynamic heat generator driven by the prime mover, using the heated water in the one or more heat exchangers to pre-heat the water and providing the heated water to an output.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drilling a well in a heavy oil or bitumen reservoir for in situ recovery of heavy oil and bitumen is provided. More particularly, an apparatus and method for drilling, completing and/or stimulating a heavy oil or bitumen well in a heavy oil or bitumen reservoir is provided, comprising: providing a concentric drill string having an inner tube and an outer tube defining an annulus therebetween, the outer tube further having a plurality of slots sealed with a temporary filler material; drilling a borehole into the reservoir using a drilling member connected at the lower end of the concentric drill string and delivering drilling medium through one of the annulus or inner tube and extracting the exhaust drilling medium through the other of the annulus or inner tube; leaving the concentric drill string in the well after drilling of the borehole is completed; and removing the temporary filler material to expose the plurality of slots in the outer tube and form a slotted liner.

Abstract: A system that includes a plurality of heat sources configured to heat a portion of a formation is described. At least one production well is in the formation. A bottom portion of the production well is a sump in an underburden of the formation below the heated portion of the formation. Fluids from the heated portion of the formation are allowed to flow into the sump. A pump system has an inlet in the sump. A production conduit is coupled to the pump system. The production conduit is configured to transport fluids in the sump out of the formation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to processes and systems that introduce microwaves into mixtures containing hydrocarbons. The microwaves cause heating of the hydrocarbons in order to upgrade the hydrocarbons. Such upgrading occurs after recovering the hydrocarbons from within a formation and results in lowering viscosity of the hydrocarbons to enable transportation of the hydrocarbons to offsite locations, such as a refinery.

Abstract: A system for providing heat to natural gas well pipes and equipment uses a thermoelectric generator to supply electricity to a motor and gear pump. The thermoelectric generator drives a DC brushless motor and gear pump in order to circulate heated glycol from a dehydrator through a heating tube to thereby heat the pipes and equipment. Batteries may be used to buffer the power supply to prevent overloading the thermoelectric generator.

Abstract: A method of recovering oil from an oil well and producing steam for injection into an injection well is provided. After recovering an oil-water mixture from the oil well, oil is separated from the mixture to produce an oil product and produced water. In one process, the produced water is directed to an indirect fired steam generator which is powered by an independent boiler or steam generator. As water moves through the indirect fired steam generator, the same is heated to produce a steam-water mixture. The steam-water mixture is directed to the steam separator which separates the steam-water mixture into steam and water. The separated water is directed from the steam separator back to and through the indirect fired steam generator. This separated water is continued to be recycled through the indirect fired steam generator. Steam separated by the steam separator is directed into the injection well.

Abstract: A system and process is disclosed for retorting oil shale and extracting shale oil and other hydrocarbons therefrom, in which a cased heat delivery well is drilled generally vertically through an overburden and then through a body of oil shale to be retorted to the bottom thereof, generally horizontally under the body of oil shale to be retorted, and then back to the earth surface. Heat energy is transmitted conductively to the body of oil shale to be retorted from a closed loop heat delivery module in the well, the module comprising a fluid transmission pipe containing a heating fluid heated to at least a retorting temperature. Heat energy is also transmitted to the body of oil shale to be retorted above the fluid transmission pipe by vapor conduits that conduct retort vapors upward through the body of oil shale to be retorted; the ascending retort vapors condense and reflux, delivering their latent heat of vaporization to the body of oil shale to be retorted, and the condensed retort liquids descend.

Abstract: A system for prevention of hydrate formation has a manifold, a production piping communicating with the manifold, a chemical injection line positioned in heat exchange relationship along the production piping, and a fluid delivery system connected to the chemical injection line for passing a heated fluid through at least a portion of the chemical injection line. The chemical injection line has a first portion affixed to a surface of the production piping and a second portion extending outwardly therefrom. The fluid delivery system is in communication with the second portion of the chemical injection line. The chemical injection line extends in a U-shaped pattern or in a spiral pattern around an outer surface of the production piping.

Abstract: A reciprocating hydraulic compressor capable of pumping liquids, gases or liquids mixed with gases. An apparatus and process for simultaneously compressing liquids and gases and exchanging the heat of compression with fluids which may be the same liquids and gasses compressed. An apparatus and process for heating maintenance fluids using heat generated when the lift gas is compressed. The compressor may be used for recovering oil and gas from a subterranean formation wherein the production rate is controlled by the gas pressure at the well head, resulting in very slow strokes or pulses and bubbles of lift gas 500 feet long or longer. It may also be used for well maintenance using cooled injection gas from the well and heated fluids, which also may come from the well and be mixed with the well gas during compression, may be conducted without interrupting production.

Abstract: A subsurface thermally autogenous reactor and method has downgoing and upgoing flow passages connected at the bottom to form a U-tube and in heat exchange relation to each other. The downgoing and upgoing flow passages each have an upper heat exchange section and a lower reaction section. An air injection system injects air into the downgoing flow passage between the heat exchange and reaction sections. The cross sectional area of the upgoing heat exchange section is greater than the cross sectional area of the downgoing heat exchange section to balance the downgoing and upgoing flow velocities. The downgoing heat exchange section has multiple tubes to increase the heat transfer area.

Abstract: A subterranean electro-thermal heating system including one or more heater cable sections extending through one or more heat target regions of a subterranean environment and one or more cold lead sections coupled to the heater cable section(s) and extending through one or more non-target regions of the subterranean environment. A cold lead section delivers electrical power to a heater cable section but generates less heat than the heater cable section. The heater cable section(s) are arranged to deliver thermal input to one or more localized areas in the subterranean environment to vaporize a liquid, e.g. water.

Abstract: A system for power supply to subsea installations and plants for production of hydrocarbons, comprising a preferably heat insulated pipeline (10), in which the possibility for internal formation of detrimental hydrates or wax deposits are present, and comprising electrical power supply cables (12, 31) for direct electrical heating of the pipeline (10), and having an electrical connection (36) to the surrounding sea at an end of the supply cable. The power supply cable (12) is further configured, in a second circuit configuration, to provide a three-phase power supply to an electrically powered motor in an subsea installation unit (11) connected to the pipeline (10), and that means (18, 19) are arranged for switching so that the three conductors (28) forming the power supply cables (12) form parallel conductors in a second circuit configuration, wherein the power supply cables (12, 31) supply power for direct heating of the pipeline (10).

Abstract: An apparatus and process for simultaneously compressing liquids and gases and exchanging the heat of compression with fluids which may be the same liquids and gasses compressed. An apparatus and process for heating maintenance fluids using heat generated when the lift gas is compressed. The compressor may be used for recovering oil and gas from a subterranean formation wherein the production rate is controlled by the gas pressure at the well head, resulting in very slow strokes or pulses and bubbles of lift gas 500 feet long or longer. It may also be used for well maintenance using cooled injection gas from the well and heated fluids, which also may come from the well and be mixed with the well gas during compression, may be conducted without interrupting production.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating and lagging at least one main undersea pipe for conveying a flow of hot effluent. The apparatus includes a covering of thermally insulating material surrounding the main pipe(s), and covered by a leaktight outer protective casing and an internal chamber coaxial with the outer casing. The insulating covering surrounds the internal chamber in an annular space between the outer casing and the internal chamber. The main pipe is contained inside an internal chamber that is preferably cylindrical in shape. A heat-transfer fluid having a maintained temperature surrounds the main pipe contained inside the internal chamber and is circulated inside the internal chamber.

Abstract: A subterranean electro-thermal heating system including one or more heater cable sections extending through one or more heat target regions of a subterranean environment and one or more cold lead sections coupled to the heater cable section(s) and extending through one or more non-target regions of the subterranean environment. A cold lead section delivers electrical power to a heater cable section but generates less heat than the heater cable section. The heater cable section(s) and the cold lead section(s) are arranged to deliver thermal input to one or more localized areas in the subterranean environment.

Abstract: A heat exchanging apparatus including a gas fuelled flameless heater and a heat exchanger loop. The heat exchanger loop includes a heat absorbing section which is contained within the flameless heater so that the flameless heater provides a heat source for the heat exchanger loop, and the heat exchanger loop further includes a heat transferring section for transferring heat from the heat exchanger loop to a heat sink.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for installing electrically heated composite umbilicals within subsea flowlines containing produced hydrocarbons as immersion heaters to prevent waxes and hydrates from forming within the subsea flowlines that could block the flowlines. The electrically heated composite umbilicals may be installed, or retrofitted, into existing subsea flowlines. Such retrofitted electrically heated composite umbilicals provide an alternative for previously installed, but failed, permanent heating systems. A hydraulic pump installed on the distant end of an electrically heated composite umbilical also provides artificial lift for the produced hydrocarbons. Other electrically heated umbilicals used as immersion heaters are described. Such immersion heater systems may be removed from the well, repaired, and retrofitted into flowlines without removing the flowlines. Near neutrally buoyant electrically heated umbilicals are described which may be installed great distances into flowlines.

Abstract: A method for completing a well in a single trip, including: inserting a completion tool assembly into the well, the completion tool assembly having a gravel packing assembly and a service tool assembly slidably positioned substantially within an interior cavity in the gravel packing assembly; removably coupling the service tool assembly and the gravel packing assembly; plugging at a first location, whereby fluid is blocked from flowing through the interior channel; diverting fluid blocked by the plugging at the first location through a first fluid flow path to an exterior of the completion tool assembly; circulating a gravel pack slurry through the completion tool assembly; plugging at a second location, whereby fluid is blocked from flowing through the interior channel; diverting fluid blocked by the plugging at the second location through a second flow path that reenters the interior channel at a location distal of the first and second plugging locations; and circulating a filter cake stimulating fluid thro

Abstract: Hydrocarbon liquids are transported from a subsea welihead to an above-surface hydrocarbon processing facility along a pipe-in-pipe flowline. The flowline is a pipe placed coaxially within an outer carrier pipe and the annulus between the pipes is filled with thermally insulating material. The hydrocarbon liquids have their temperature maintained above solidification/precipitation temperature by heat from an active heating system. Hot liquid, preferably hot water, is passed along the annulus, either along a single pipe or multiple pipes installed in the insulation-filled annulus, or along an inner annulus formed by a water pipe added concentrically around the hydrocarbon-transporting inner pipe, inside the outer insulation-filled annulus. The water or other suitable liquid can be heated in a heater at or adjacent the subsea wellhead, or by a water heater in the above-surface hydrocarbon processing facility.

Abstract: The method of taking a remotely operated vehicle to the ocean floor to land on and move along a subsea pipeline above or below the seafloor and repeatedly circulate seawater which has been heated electrically, mechanically, or chemically across the outer surface of the pipeline to melt hydrates or paraffins which have formed on the inside of the pipeline.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for setting cement in the annulus of an oil or gas well during well completion or other similar well operations. An induction heating tool is lowered to a desired position within the well casing and power is supplied to the tool to heat the casing and the cement which has been injected in the annulus adjacent the heated well casing and the wellbore.