Magnetic Assemblies for Deposit Prevention

Abstract

An apparatus and method for controlling and/or minimizing the formation or accumulation of unwanted deposits on the inside of fluid flow paths by employing at various locations along the path an assembly of permanent magnets oriented such that the fluid flow is preferably from the North magnetic pole to the South magnetic pole.

1 . A system for inhibiting deposit buildup in a fluid flow path in well extending into a subterranean formation, the system comprising:
 a substantially cylindrical permanent magnet adapted to be used in a subterranean well and disposed about an outer surface of a fluid-transporting conduit such that fluid flows through a North-to-South axially oriented magnetic field created by the magnet within the conduit while the conduit is disposed in the subterranean well.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic assembly comprises a rare earth magnet. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the rare earth magnet is a samarium cobalt magnet. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the magnet is cylindrical. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the system comprises a plurality of magnets spaced apart from one another. 
     
     
         6 . A process for removing or inhibiting the formation of solid phase deposits from hydrocarbons present in a fluid flowing through production tubing, the process comprising:
 connecting a system of  claim 1  to an end of a first conduit to be placed into a subterranean formation;   running the first conduit and associated system into a subterranean formation;   connecting and running additional conduits and systems so as to have at least a plurality of systems longitudinally spaced apart from one another in the wellbore; and   flowing a hydrocarbon-containing fluid through the systems.   
     
     
         7 . The process of  claim 6 , wherein the systems of  claim 1  are longitudinally spaced apart a distance from about 100 feet to about 500 feet apart. 
     
     
         8 . The process of  claim 6 , wherein the solid phase deposits removed or inhibited are scale deposits, paraffin deposits, hydrate deposits, asphaltene deposits, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus for magnetically treating fluids flowing through a conduit to inhibit the formation and/or deposition of solid phase deposits within the conduit, the apparatus comprising:
 an elongated tubular member configured to be interconnected with the conduit in an axial manner, having at a first end an inlet and at a second end longitudinally opposite the first end an outlet for the flowing fluid;   a cylindrical magnet assembly, having a North pole, a South pole, an inner surface and an outer surface;   a magnet retention device comprising first and second hemispherical portions, each having a first end and a second end longitudinally opposite, the first end comprising a flanged portion having a top surface and disposed about an outer surface of the elongated tubular member; and   a separate lock ring assembly slidably disposed at the second end of the tubular member and retained in place with a plurality of attachment means;   wherein the magnet assembly is located intermediate the flange of the magnet retention device and the lock ring,   the inner surface of the magnet is adjacent the second outer surface of the magnet retention device, and   the outside diameter of the magnet is less than or equal to the outside diameter of the flange, the lock ring, or both the flange and the lock ring.   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the magnetic assembly comprises a rare earth magnet. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the rare earth magnet is a samarium cobalt magnet. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the magnet is cylindrical. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the lock ring assembly is annular, and of single piece construction.