METHOD FOR REMOVING HYDRATE PLUG FROM A FLOWLINE

摘要

A method of drilling through a blockage in a flowline using a remotely controlled electrically operated drilling tool that comprises a drill bit, a steering means, a pumping means, and a propulsion system wherein the drilling tool is connected either directly or indirectly to an electric cable and the drill bit is mounted on the steering means, the method comprising: introducing the drilling tool into the flowline; actuating the electrically operated propulsion system to move the drilling tool through the flowline to the location of the blockage; actuating the electrically operated steering means so that the drill bit is aligned with the blockage; actuating the electrically operated drill bit so that the drill bit engages with and drills through the blockage; and actuating the electrically operated pump so that when the drill bit engages with the blockage, fluid that is present in the flowline adjacent the blockage is passed over the cutting surfaces of the drill bit and cuttings from the blockage are transported away from the cutting surfaces of the drill bit suspended in the fluid.