Method and kit for removing trapped hydrocarbons

Abstract

A method of removing trapped hydrocarbons from pipework, the pipework comprising a through pipe (1) extending from an inlet to an outlet, and at least one up-pipe (2a, 2b) extending upwardly from the through pipe. The method comprises: flushing the through pipe with a water-based liquid (6) which has a density less than hydrocarbons; wherein the water-based liquid comprises a plurality of rigid containers, such as microspheres, the rigid containers each having a sealed void containing a gas. in this way, hydrocarbons in the up-pipes may be removed without hot-tapping them. The flushing may be performed by directing pipeline pigs (5a, 5b) in front of and behind the water-based liquid. The pigs may be a cross-linked gel, based pipeline pig with elastomeric properties. A kit of parts for such a method is also disclosed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.