Patent ID: 8431015
Filing Date: 2013-04-30
Classification: E21B,F16L

Abstract:
1. A method of upgrading hydrocarbons, comprising: mixing a microwave energy absorbing substance with the hydrocarbons to form a mixture that is conveyed through tubing, wherein the hydrocarbons are produced from a well; and introducing microwaves into the mixture within the tubing along a flow path of the mixture disposed outside the well between a wellhead of the well and a transport outlet to a refinery, wherein at least part of the mixture is heated by the microwaves to above 250° C. such that at least some molecules of the hydrocarbons are broken into smaller molecules, wherein the tubing defines a first portion and a manifold with second and third portions, which each have a smaller cross-sectional area than the first portion and are where the microwaves are introduced.