Abstract: An improved method and system for removing blockage from hydrocarbon transfer conduits. An apparatus and methods for cleaning a hydrocarbon transfer conduit is disclosed whereby a laser head is placed in a hydrocarbon transfer conduit to be cleaned and supplied with a laser beam. The laser head applies the laser beam to an area in the hydrocarbon transfer conduit to be cleaned.

Abstract: A pipeline pig includes a fluid driven electrical power generator and an ultraviolet radiation source powered by the electrical power generator. Radiation is directed away from the pig to irradiate the inner surface of a pipeline when the pig is driven through the pipeline by fluid and thereby disinfects the inner surface of the pipeline.

Abstract: A pipeline tool for use within a pipeline comprises a tool body with an internal flow bore, a swellable component disposed about the tool body, and a temporary seal disposed internally of the flow bore. The pipeline tool may further comprise a tracking device attached to the tool body, wherein the tracking device comprises a mechanical fixture, or an emitter that emits a signal that can be tracked.

Abstract: A method of performing a servicing operation within a pipeline comprises positioning a swellable component about at a desired location within a pipeline, exposing the swellable component to a swelling agent within the pipeline, expanding the swellable component into sealing engagement with the pipeline, thereby forming a seal across the pipeline, and opening a fluid pathway through the pipeline without removing the swellable component. Another method of performing a servicing operation within a pipeline comprises inserting into the pipeline a pipeline tool comprising an externally mounted swellable component, propelling the pipeline tool through the pipeline to about a desired location via a flow of fluid, expanding the swellable component into sealing engagement with the pipeline at about the desired location, and opening a flow path through the pipeline tool.

Abstract: A pipeline tool for use within a pipeline comprises a tool body with an internal flow bore, a swellable component disposed about the tool body, and a temporary seal disposed internally of the flow bore. The pipeline tool may further comprise a tracking device attached to the tool body, wherein the tracking device comprises a mechanical fixture, or an emitter that emits a signal that can be tracked.

Abstract: A method of performing a servicing operation within a pipeline comprises positioning a swellable component about at a desired location within a pipeline, exposing the swellable component to a swelling agent within the pipeline, expanding the swellable component into sealing engagement with the pipeline, thereby forming a seal across the pipeline, and opening a fluid pathway through the pipeline without removing the swellable component. Another method of performing a servicing operation within a pipeline comprises inserting into the pipeline a pipeline tool comprising an externally mounted swellable component, propelling the pipeline tool through the pipeline to about a desired location via a flow of fluid, expanding the swellable component into sealing engagement with the pipeline at about the desired location, and opening a flow path through the pipeline tool.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon industry servicing fluid comprises an irradiated fluid that is biologically inert. The fluid may be irradiated with ultraviolet light. A method comprises performing a hydrocarbon industry service operation with an irradiated fluid that is biologically inert. The method may comprise disposing of the irradiated fluid to the environment or capturing the irradiated fluid when the service operation is complete. The method may further comprise re-irradiating the captured irradiated fluid to produce a remediated fluid, and performing a service operation with the remediated fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of moving a pig through pipeline, the method comprising the steps of: a) introducing the pig into the pipeline; b) causing a chemical reaction between two or more reagents to produce at least one reaction product that would be in a gaseous state at STP, wherein the reagents would be in a non-gaseous state at STP; and c) introducing the gaseous reaction product to into the pipeline. The invention also provides a method of moving a pig through a pipeline, the method comprising the steps of: a) introducing the pig into the pipeline; b) introducing into the pipeline two or more reagents capable of chemically reacting to produce at least one reaction product that would be in a gaseous state at STP, wherein the reagents would be in a non-gaseous state at STP.

Abstract: The location of a pig in a conduit, e.g., an underwater pipeline, may be determined by measuring an amount of a fluid displaced by the pig from the conduit and calculating the location of the pig in the conduit based on that amount of fluid. In particular, the amount of the fluid displaced by the pig may be measured using a flow meter positioned near an exit of the conduit. This amount may then be transmitted to a computer for calculating the location via, for example acoustic telemetry. The location of the pig may then be transmitted form the computer to a receiving device for receiving and displaying the location.