High Frequency Heating of Subsea Oil Production Pipelines

Direct Electrical Heating (DEH) of offshore pipelines is an established cost-efficient and environmental friendly method for flow assurance in offshore oil production compared to traditional methods such as chemical injection. The first DEH system was installed in year 2000 in the North Sea, and is presently designed for around 5 years of usage during the lifetime of the field. In order to increase the attractiveness of the DEH technology an innovative step by higher power frequency and optimized pipe coating methods is utilized. The main drivers for this next generation DEH are continuous usage, applicable to ultra-deep waters and marginal fields as well as reduced costs and weight.