Patent ID: 6939082
Filing Date: 2005-09-06
Classification: B08B,E21B,F16L

Abstract:
1. A method of removing blockages of hydrates or paraffins from the inside of a subsea pipeline by the steps of landing a remotely operated vehicle on said subsea pipeline, engaging said subsea pipeline with traction means which are powered to control the movement of said remotely operated vehicle along said pipeline, sealingly engaging the outer surface of said subsea pipeline, flowing seawater over a portion of the outer surface of said subsea pipeline, heating the seawater which is flowing over the outer surface of said subsea pipeline to a temperature higher than the ambient temperature surrounding said subsea pipeline, and after said seawater is circulated over said portion of the outer surface of said subsea pipeline, recirculating said seawater back into circulating pumps, past the means of heating said seawater again, and over the portion of the outer surface of said pipeline again, such that said hydrates or paraffins will melt and form liquids and/or gases.