Patent ID: 6267172
Filing Date: 2001-07-31
Classification: E21B,F16L,F24T,Y02E

Abstract:
A method for exchanging heat between a pipeline through which fluid is flowable and an earth conduit through which heat transfer fluid is flowable, the method comprisingflowing heat transfer fluid through a first earth conduit extending from an earth surface down into the earth and having a first conduit portion in the earth at a desired location with a desired earth temperature,emplacing heat exchange apparatus with respect to a pipeline portion of a pipeline, the heat exchange apparatus including a heat exchange device within the pipeline for exchanging heat with the pipeline and connection apparatus, connecting the connection apparatus in fluid communication with the heat exchange device and the first earth conduit, andflowing the heat transfer fluid through the first earth conduit and then in heat exchange relation with the heat exchange device to transfer heat between the pipeline portion and the heat transfer fluid.