METHOD FOR LIQUIDATION OF ICE PLUGS IN WELL Russian patent published in 2023 - IPC E21B37/00 

FIELD: oil and gas industry.

SUBSTANCE: method for elimination of ice plugs in wells. The method includes pouring an electrically conductive liquid into the well with the possibility of placing it above the top of the plug, lowering the first electrode into the well with immersion in the electrically conductive liquid to the upper boundary of the plug, melting the plug material through the electrode, and advancing the electrode as the plug material melts. The electrically conductive liquid is an electrolyte solution. The second electrode is a metal pipe of the observation well connected to the negative pole of the power source, or additional electrodes are lowered into the well; the electrodes are placed in the well coaxially using electrical insulating materials, while ensuring insulation between the electrodes and the wall of the well and between the electrodes, and secured. The electrodes are connected to a direct current source, alternating the connection of the electrodes with the cathode and anode, ensuring the process of electrolysis of the electrolyte solution and melting of the ice plug without heating.

EFFECT: ability to melt the ice plug at low voltage and current without disturbing the thermal conditions of the soil, reduced energy consumption, and increased work safety.

4 cl, 3 dwg