Thermal methods in flow assurance: A review

Abstract

Solid deposition in flow-lines is a significant challenge for offshore operations. Flow blockage can lead to reduced production and increased costs. A variety of technologies have been developed and implemented to assure that flow during production. Of these, thermal management methods have become common. Thermal management methods can be both passive and active. Passive methods include the use of insulation and pipeline burial to maintain the temperature of the fluid. The majority of flowlines that have flow assurance issues caused by temperature makes use of some form of insulation, due to its ease of installation and relatively low cost. In contrast, active methods require the application of heating techniques to maintain/raise the temperature of the fluid. Active heating methods are widely used and can be done either electrically or via circulation of hot fluid. A thermal management system describes the use of either one or more of these technologies to mitigate or remediate deposition of solids and ensure flow. This paper reviews the thermal methods implemented in offshore operations and discusses the features.