Subsea Induction Heating for Flow Assurance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea hydrocarbon production systems face flow assurance issues such as wax deposition, hydrate blockage, and inefficient heating due to distance-related power losses and low efficiency in direct active heating technologies, which thermal insulation and Joule effect systems cannot adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A subsea induction heating system comprising an electromagnetic induction heating module controlled by a subsea variable frequency drive, which generates a variable magnetic field to induce heat in subsea equipment and fluid, using an induction coil and a modular structure with sensors for monitoring and control, allowing for efficient heating and dissociation of solid deposits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If direct active heating using Joule effect is used, then heating function is provided, but power losses and low efficiency occur due to long distances between platform and heating system
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into modular segments that can be deployed at different locations along the subsea pipeline. Each module contains its own power supply and heating elements, allowing localized heating without requiring long power transmission lines from the platform, thereby reducing power losses.
Solution Approach 2:
A subsea variable frequency drive acts as an intermediary between the power supply and the heating modules. It converts electrical power to variable frequency AC, enabling efficient power transmission over shorter distances and providing control over the heating process, thus reducing the impact of long distance power losses.
2Temperature
If thermal insulation is used to address low temperatures, then temperature maintenance is improved, but insulation is insufficient for long pipelines and certain equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The induction heating system provides preliminary heating to the production fluid before it enters long pipeline sections or equipment that cannot be insulated. By pre-heating the fluid, the system compensates for the insufficient thermal insulation over long distances and in equipment with complex geometries.
3Productivity
If existing heating technology is used, then heating function is provided, but efficiency is low and platform footprint is large
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is extracted from the platform and transferred to subsea modules. The platform only provides power supply and control, while the actual heating occurs in compact subsea induction modules, significantly reducing the platform footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical heating methods with electromagnetic induction heating. This substitution enables more efficient heat generation and transfer, improving heating efficiency while requiring less platform space for the heating equipment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system reduces platform footprint, increases efficiency, and enhances hydrocarbon production by positioning the power source closer to the equipment, achieving higher heating efficiency and effective dissociation of solid deposits, thus overcoming limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
an induction coil configured for generating a variable magnetic field in the component
Implementation Method 2
The SIH will create an induced current in the equipment surface to generate heat that will be transferred to the production fluid and/or to solid deposits in the equipment
Implementation Method 3
The SIH will create an induced current in the equipment surface to generate heat
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A subsea induction heating system (10) comprising a subsea inline heater module (14) configured for heating a subsea hydrocarbon production or processing component (7) is described. The subsea inline heater module has an induction coil (6) configured for generating a variable magnetic field in the component. The system has a subsea variable frequency drive (4) configured for energizing the induction coil to achieve a desired temperature in the component. A corresponding method is also disclosed.