Patent ID: 6564011
Filing Date: 2003-05-13
Classification: E21B,F16L,H05B

Abstract:
In combination with a subsea oil and gas production equipment component having at least one flow path through which a well fluid is permitted to flow, the well fluid having a flow temperature and a lower hydrate formation temperature at which hydrates will form in the well fluid, a heating device comprising:at least one heating cable which is positioned in heat exchange relation with respect to the flow path and which comprises first and second generally parallel electrical conductors; a source of electrical power which is connected to the first and second electrical conductors and which when activated conducts a current between the conductors that generates heat in the heating cable; and an insulation layer disposed over the heating cable and the component; wherein when the temperature of the well fluid in the component drops to a point below its flow temperature, the heating cable will generate heat that is transferred to the well fluid to maintain the temperature of the well fluid above its hydrate formation temperature.