US3892252A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Micellar systems aid in pipelining viscous fluids
Assignee: Marathon Oil Co
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Filing: 1972-12-18
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Granted: 1975-07-01
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Expires: 1992-12-18
Abstract
Abstract In pipelining viscous fluids, e.g., heavy oils, an annular ring of micellar solution is applied to the inside surface of the pipe to decrease the energy necessary to pump the viscous liquid and to increase the carrying capacity of the pipeline. The micellar solution may be either water or oil-external.
Inventors
- 👤 Fred H Poettmann
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 20:07
CPC Classifications
F; F15; F15D; F15D1/00; F15D1/02; F15D1/06; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/0318; Y10T137/0391; Y10T137/8593; Y10T137/87571; Y10T137/87652
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
52 words
A METHOD FOR INCREASING FLOW CAPACITY OF PIPELINES FOR TRANSPORT OF FLUIDS, SAID MTHOD COMPRISING INTRODUCING A MACELLAR SYSTEM INTO THE FLUID FLOW OF SUCH A PIPELINE AT A POINT NEAR THE PERIPHERY OF SAID PIPELINE TO FORM A SELF-SUSTAINING, SUBSTANTIALLY CONTINUOUS, ADHERING FILM, SAID MICELLAR SYSTEM COMPRIING SURFACTANT, HYDROCARBON, AND WATER
Claim 2
Independent Claim
52 words
A METHOD FOR INCREASING FLOW CAPACITY OF PIPELINES FOR TRANSPORT OF FLUIDS, SAID MTHOD COMPRISING INTRODUCING A MACELLAR SYSTEM INTO THE FLUID FLOW OF SUCH A PIPELINE AT A POINT NEAR THE PERIPHERY OF SAID PIPELINE TO FORM A SELF-SUSTAINING, SUBSTANTIALLY CONTINUOUS, ADHERING FILM, SAID MICELLAR SYSTEM COMPRIING SURFACTANT, HYDROCARBON, AND WATER
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
82 words
A pipeline having increased flow capacity for transport of fluid, comprising a plurality of sections of pipe joined as a continuous conduit and a substantially continuous lining on the external surface of said pipeline, said lining comprising a self-sustaining substantially continuous adhering film of a micellar system, said micellar system comprising surfactant, hydrocarbon, and water, the interior interface of said micellar system with the fluids being transported in said pipeline being considerably smoother than the internal surface of said sections of pipe.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
82 words
A pipeline having increased flow capacity for transport of fluid, comprising a plurality of sections of pipe joined as a continuous conduit and a substantially continuous lining on the external surface of said pipeline, said lining comprising a self-sustaining substantially continuous adhering film of a micellar system, said micellar system comprising surfactant, hydrocarbon, and water, the interior interface of said micellar system with the fluids being transported in said pipeline being considerably smoother than the internal surface of said sections of pipe.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
67 words
A method according claim 1 wherein said micellar system is injected at a plurality of points near the interior of said pipeline and is moved downstream by the action of fluids flowing through said pipeline, said micellar system forming said interior lining by the conjoint action of said fluids moving through said pipeline and an attraction between said micellar system and the interior wall of said pipeline.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein said micellar system is a water-external micellar system.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process according to claim 2 wherein said micellar system is a oil-external micellar system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the fluids transported in said pipeline are viscous fluids selected from the group consisting of heavy crude oils, waxy crudes, refined lubricating oils, fuel oils and polymer solutions.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the fluids transported are slurries.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-06-30 | 1978-12-30 | 1979-07-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-06-30 | 1982-12-30 | 1983-07-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-06-30 | 1986-12-30 | 1987-07-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |