Abstract: A method of treating or maintaining an apparatus is achieved by subjecting at least one treated component of an apparatus to cathodic protection. The treated component is that having surfaces treated with a coating of a treatment composition of a colloidal particle dispersion having inorganic nanoparticles with an average particle size from 500 nm or less that exhibit properties of Brownian motion. At least some of the inorganic nanoparticles are positively charged nanoparticles, and wherein at least some of the positively charged nanoparticles reside on the surfaces when the at least one treated component of an apparatus is subjected to cathodic protection.

Abstract: A method of operating a pipeline or apparatus is carried out by subjecting a pretreated component of a pipeline or apparatus to cathodic protection. The pretreated component is that having surfaces previously treated with a coating of a treatment composition of a colloidal particle dispersion having inorganic nanoparticles with an average particle size from 500 nm or less that exhibit properties of Brownian motion. At least some of the inorganic nanoparticles of the treatment composition are positively charged nanoparticles. The surfaces of the pretreated component are fresh surfaces or surfaces where any residues or deposits that have been previously formed on the surfaces from prior material contact have been removed prior to being treated.

Abstract: A method of treating an apparatus to remove surface deposits therefrom is performed by selecting a colloidal particle dispersion having inorganic nanoparticles with an average particle size of from 500 nm or less that exhibit properties of Brownian motion that facilitate penetration of solid deposits on surfaces of an apparatus that is subject to surface deposits from contact with fluids. The surfaces of the apparatus are contacted with a treatment composition comprising the colloidal particle dispersion. The composition is allowed to act upon the materials adhering to the surfaces of the apparatus to loosen and breakup the materials adhering to the surfaces of the apparatus. The loosened and broken materials are removed from the surfaces of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of pretreating a pipeline or apparatus is carried out by selecting a colloidal particle dispersion having inorganic nanoparticles with an average particle size of from 500 nm or less that exhibit properties of Brownian motion. Surfaces of a pipeline or apparatus are contacted with a treatment composition comprising the colloidal particle dispersion. The colloidal particles of the treatment composition are allowed to adhere the surfaces of the pipeline or apparatus to facilitate a reduction in friction of the surfaces of the pipeline or apparatus and/or lower the pressure drop of fluid flowing over the surfaces of the pipeline or apparatus and/or to reduce the formation of surface deposits on the surfaces of the pipeline or apparatus.

Abstract: A method of treating a pipeline is performed by selecting a colloidal particle dispersion having inorganic nanoparticles with an average particle size of from 500 nm or less that exhibit properties of Brownian motion that facilitate penetration of solid deposits on interior surfaces of a pipeline. A treatment composition comprising the colloidal particle dispersion is introduced into an interior of a pipeline by at least one of (A) introducing a batch amount of the treatment composition in a selected volume into the interior of the pipeline, and (B) continuously introducing the treatment composition at a selected rate into the interior of the interior of the pipeline. The composition is allowed to act upon the surfaces and materials adhering to the surfaces of the interior of the pipeline.

Abstract: A method of treating an apparatus to remove surface deposits therefrom is performed by selecting a colloidal particle dispersion having inorganic nanoparticles with an average particle size of from 500 nm or less that exhibit properties of Brownian motion that facilitate penetration of solid deposits on surfaces of an apparatus that is subject to surface deposits from contact with fluids. The surfaces of the apparatus are contacted with a treatment composition comprising the colloidal particle dispersion. The composition is allowed to act upon the materials adhering to the surfaces of the apparatus to loosen and breakup the materials adhering to the surfaces of the apparatus. The loosened and broken materials are removed from the surfaces of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of treating a pipeline is performed by selecting a colloidal particle dispersion having inorganic nanoparticles with an average particle size of from 500 nm or less that exhibit properties of Brownian motion that facilitate penetration of solid deposits on interior surfaces of a pipeline. A treatment composition comprising the colloidal particle dispersion is introduced into an interior of a pipeline by at least one of (A) introducing a batch amount of the treatment composition in a selected volume into the interior of the pipeline, and (B) continuously introducing the treatment composition at a selected rate into the interior of the interior of the pipeline. The composition is allowed to act upon the surfaces and materials adhering to the surfaces of the interior of the pipeline.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a pipeline is performed by introducing a treatment composition comprising a colloidal particle dispersion having inorganic nanoparticles with an average particle size of from 500 nm or less into an interior of a pipeline to be cleaned. A pig or body is passed through the pipeline to spread the composition upon surfaces of the interior of the pipeline. The composition and materials adhering to the surfaces of the interior of the pipeline are removed to facilitate cleaning of the pipeline.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a pipeline is performed by introducing a treatment composition comprising a colloidal particle dispersion having inorganic nanoparticles with an average particle size of from 500 nm or less into an interior of a pipeline to be cleaned. A pig or body is passed through the pipeline to spread the composition upon surfaces of the interior of the pipeline.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a pipeline is performed by introducing a treatment composition comprising a colloidal particle dispersion having inorganic nanoparticles with an average particle size of from 500 nm or less into an interior of a pipeline to be cleaned. A pig or body is passed through the pipeline to spread the composition upon surfaces of the interior of the pipeline.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a pipeline is performed by introducing a treatment composition comprising a colloidal particle dispersion having inorganic nanoparticles with an average particle size of from 500 nm or less into an interior of a pipeline to be cleaned. A pig or body is passed through the pipeline to spread the composition upon surfaces of the interior of the pipeline. The composition and materials adhering to the surfaces of the interior of the pipeline are removed to facilitate cleaning of the pipeline.