Microwave heating system for gas hydrate removal or inhibition in a hydrocarbon pipeline

A method for removing or inhibiting the formation of inclusion complexes in a hydrocarbon fluid pipeline while controlling a function of a remote device, the method comprising:

• generating microwave signals;
• frequency or amplitude modulating said microwave signals to embed information in said microwave signals;
• transmitting said modulated microwave signals through a waveguide assembly having an outlet positioned at a junction between an upstream section and a downstream section of said pipeline;
• propagating said modulated microwave signals through said upstream section of said fluid pipeline to substantially heat said upstream section;
• and
• propagating said modulated microwave signals to a remote device positioned at a point on said upstream section, wherein said remote device responds to said information embedded in said modulated microwave signals.

A method for removing or inhibiting the formation of inclusion complexes in a hydrocarbon fluid pipeline while controlling a function of a remote device, the method comprising:

• generating primary microwave signals;
• transmitting said primary microwave signals through a waveguide assembly having an outlet positioned at a junction between an upstream section and a downstream section of said pipeline;
• propagating said primary microwave signals through said upstream section of said fluid pipeline to substantially heat said upstream section;
• generating secondary signals;
• frequency or amplitude modulating said secondary signals to embed information in said secondary signals;
• transmitting said modulated secondary signals through said waveguide assembly;
• propagating said modulated secondary signals to a remote device positioned at a point on said upstream section, wherein said remote device responds to said information embedded in said modulated secondary signals.

A method for removing or inhibiting the formation of inclusion complexes in a hydrocarbon fluid pipeline while powering a remote device, the method comprising:

• generating microwave signals;
• transmitting said microwave signals through a waveguide assembly having an outlet positioned at a junction between an upstream section and a downstream section of said pipeline;
• propagating said microwave signals through said upstream section of said fluid pipeline to substantially heat said upstream section;
• propagating said microwave signals to a power absorbing means positioned at a point on said upstream section, wherein said power absorbing means is coupled with an electrical storage battery positioned at said point;
• absorbing power from said microwave signals with said power absorbing means and charging said electrical storage battery with said absorbed power;
• and
• powering an electrically-powered remote device with said electrical storage battery, wherein said remote device is coupled with said electrical storage battery and is positioned at said point.