Magnetic Assemblies for Deposit Prevention

Abstract

An apparatus and method for controlling and/or minimizing the formation or accumulation of unwanted deposits on the inside of fluid flow paths by employing at various locations along the path an assembly of permanent magnets oriented such that the fluid flow is preferably from the North magnetic pole to the South magnetic pole.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 221,677 filed Sep. 7, 2005, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 607,739 filed Sep. 7, 2004, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.REFERENCE TO APPENDIX[0003]Not applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]1. Field of the Invention[0005]The invention relates to the inhibition of the formation of deposits inhibiting the flow of fluid in conduits and the like and, more specifically, to methods and devices for inhibiting the formation of unwanted deposits in downhole production equipment.[0006]2. Description of Related Art[0007]The problem of unwanted solid deposition in oil wells, gas wells, surface production equipment, and in hydrocarbon flow lines has presented a challenge to ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0020]Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a magnetic apparatus and system, as well as an associated method for preventing the accumulation of unwanted solid deposits in production tubing that fully integrates with a hydrocarbon carrying conduit, such as a downhole tubing st

Problems solved by technology

The problem of unwanted solid deposition in oil wells, gas wells, surface production equipment, and in hydrocarbon flow lines has presented a challenge to the petroleum industry since the first wells were drilled more than one hundred years ago.

Although scale deposition is a major problem that interferes with the production of oil and gas, it is not the only problem.

Paraffin or wax deposition has also been recognized as a major problem from the inception of the oil industry all over the world, as has asphaltene formation.

The occurrence of these unwanted deposits in hydrocarbon producing conduits and related equipment can result in numerous problems, including reduced production and severe and often costly start up problems following pipeline shut down.

Other problems with unwanted deposits can include congealing hydrocarbons, interface problems, depositions in tank bottoms, high line pressures, plugged flow lines, under deposit corrosion, plugging of injection wells and filter plugging.

Scale deposit and accumulation is a significant problem to oil and gas producer wells.

Typically

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