ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 16 -- United States Patent no. 12,497,862, issued on Dec. 16, was assigned to ConocoPhillips Co. (Houston).
"Hydrate removal in hydrocarbon wells" was invented by Rolf Hegna (Tananger, Norway).
According to the abstract* released by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: "A process for removing an obstruction (13) caused by gas hydrates or water ice from the tubing (12) of a hydrocarbon production or injection well or a riser using a microwave. The process comprises passing a microwave generating and emitting tool (5) on wireline (8) down the tubing (12) and supplying electrical power to the tool via the wireline (8) or from a battery to produce microwave energy and direct it to the gas hydrate and/or water ice deposit ...