US 12,338,712 B2
Systems and methods for thermal management of subsea conduits using a jumper having adjustable insulating elements
Antonio C. F. Critsinelis, Kingwood, TX (US); Sid Mebarkia, Sugar Land, TX (US); Michelle A. Wise, Berkeley, CA (US); Yesudas J. Manimala, Katy, TX (US); William C. Hughes, Houston, TX (US); Steven W. Cochran, Houston, TX (US); Edgar Uribe, Houston, TX (US); and Jason D. Garcia, Bellaire, TX (US)
Assigned to CHEVRON U.S.A. INC., San Ramon, CA (US)
Filed by CHEVRON U.S.A. INC., San Ramon, CA (US)
Filed on Apr. 14, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/301,197.
Application 18/301,197 is a continuation of application No. 16/774,708, filed on Jan. 28, 2020, granted, now 11,634,970.
Prior Publication US 2024/0052724 A1, Feb. 15, 2024
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. E21B 36/00 (2006.01); E21B 43/01 (2006.01); F16L 59/14 (2006.01)
CPC E21B 36/001 (2013.01) [E21B 36/003 (2013.01); E21B 43/01 (2013.01); F16L 59/14 (2013.01)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
13. A method for thermal management of a subsea conduit that carries oil and/or gas produced from a subsea well in a subsea production facility located on a seabed, comprising:
a. providing at least one adjustable insulation element surrounding a conduit for carrying production fluids having two ends for connecting to subsea components;
b. transmitting oil and/or gas produced from the subsea well through the conduit;
c. adjusting the at least one adjustable insulation element between at least a first position wherein the conduit is relatively less insulated with respect to seawater surrounding the conduit and a second position wherein the conduit is relatively more insulated with respect to the seawater such that heat transfer between the conduit and the seawater is controlled; and
d. monitoring an internal fluid temperature of a fluid in the conduit and/or monitoring an internal fluid flow velocity of a fluid in the conduit and transmitting temperature and/or flow rate data to a processor of a control system set to automatically activate an alarm indicating a need to adjust a position of the at least one adjustable insulation element based on a predetermined fluid temperature and/or flow rate.