Abstract

The present invention provides a drain apparatus (200) for use in a subsea pipeline to remove liquid from a multiphase flow in the subsea pipeline. The drain apparatus comprises a first channel (20) for carrying a multiphase flow comprising liquid and gas phases; and liquid extraction means (11, 12, 14, 18) for extracting the liquid phase from the multiphase flow in the first channel (20). The internal diameter of the first channel (20) is substantially the same as an internal diameter of a subsea pipe arranged to carry the multiphase flow in the subsea pipeline, such that a pig travelling along the subsea pipe can pass through the first channel (20). The present invention also provides a subsea pipeline comprising a subsea pipe for transporting a multiphase flow subsea; and at least one drain. The at least one drain is disposed partway along a gradient in the subsea pipe to reduce liquid holdup.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 43/36 - Underwater separating arrangements
• B01D 45/08 - Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces by utilising inertia by impingement against baffle separators
• C10L 3/10 - Working-up natural gas or synthetic natural gas
• F17D 3/14 - Arrangements for supervising or controlling working operations for eliminating water

Abstract

The present invention provides a drain apparatus (200) for use in a subsea pipeline to remove liquid from a multiphase flow in the subsea pipeline. The drain apparatus comprises a first channel (20) for carrying a multiphase flow comprising liquid and gas phases; and liquid extraction means (11, 12, 14, 18) for extracting the liquid phase from the multiphase flow in the first channel (20). The internal diameter of the first channel (20) is substantially the same as an internal diameter of a subsea pipe arranged to carry the multiphase flow in the subsea pipeline, such that a pig travelling along the subsea pipe can pass through the first channel (20). The present invention also provides a subsea pipeline comprising a subsea pipe for transporting a multiphase flow subsea; and at least one drain. The at least one drain is disposed partway along a gradient in the subsea pipe to reduce liquid holdup.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 43/36 - Underwater separating arrangements
• B01D 45/08 - Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces by utilising inertia by impingement against baffle separators
• C10L 3/10 - Working-up natural gas or synthetic natural gas
• F17D 3/14 - Arrangements for supervising or controlling working operations for eliminating water

Abstract

The present invention provides a drain apparatus (200) for use in a subsea pipeline to remove liquid from a multiphase flow in the subsea pipeline. The drain apparatus comprises a first channel (20) for carrying a multiphase flow comprising liquid and gas phases; and liquid extraction means (11, 12, 14, 18) for extracting the liquid phase from the multiphase flow in the first channel (20). The internal diameter of the first channel (20) is substantially the same as an internal diameter of a subsea pipe arranged to carry the multiphase flow in the subsea pipeline, such that a pig travelling along the subsea pipe can pass through the first channel (20). The present invention also provides a subsea pipeline comprising a subsea pipe for transporting a multiphase flow subsea; and at least one drain. The at least one drain is disposed partway along a gradient in the subsea pipe to reduce liquid holdup.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 43/36 - Underwater separating arrangements
• B01D 45/08 - Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours by gravity, inertia, or centrifugal forces by utilising inertia by impingement against baffle separators
• C10L 3/10 - Working-up natural gas or synthetic natural gas
• F17D 3/14 - Arrangements for supervising or controlling working operations for eliminating water

Abstract

The present invention provides a drain apparatus (200) for use in a subsea pipeline to remove liquid from a multiphase flow in the subsea pipeline. The drain apparatus comprises a first channel (20) for carrying a multiphase flow comprising liquid and gas phases; and liquid extraction means (11, 12, 14, 18) for extracting the liquid phase from the multiphase flow in the first channel (20). The internal diameter of the first channel (20) is substantially the same as an internal diameter of a subsea pipe arranged to carry the multiphase flow in the subsea pipeline, such that a pig travelling along the subsea pipe can pass through the first channel (20). The present invention also provides a subsea pipeline comprising a subsea pipe for transporting a multiphase flow subsea; and at least one drain. The at least one drain is disposed partway along a gradient in the subsea pipe to reduce liquid holdup.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 43/36 - Underwater separating arrangements
• B01D 17/00 - Separation of liquids, not provided for elsewhere, e.g. by thermal diffusion
• B01D 19/00 - Degasification of liquids