Patent ID: 6307191
Filing Date: 2001-10-23
Classification: B08B,F16L,H05B,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for removing or inhibiting the formation of inclusion complexes in a hydrocarbon fluid pipeline comprising:generating microwave signals;transmitting said microwave signals through a waveguide assembly having an outlet fitted with a microwave distributor, wherein said microwave distributor is positioned in a fluid pipeline at a junction between an upstream section and a downstream section of said pipeline, and wherein said upstream section has a pipe wall comprising a structural layer formed from a first material and a transmissive layer formed from a second material, said transmissive layer being substantially less resistant to transmission of said microwave signals than said structural layer;propagating said microwave signals from said microwave distributor through said upstream section of said fluid pipeline to substantially heat said upstream section, wherein said second material dissipates said microwave signals to a lesser degree than said first material, thereby extending a propagation distance of said microwave signals from said microwave distributor through said upstream section.