Predicting hydrate blockage formation in gas-dominant systems

Thomas B. Charlton, Luis E. Zerpa, Carolyn A. Koh, Eric F. May, Zach M. Aman

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference paperConference paperpeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We present the development of a new model to predict hydrate growth and transport in gas-dominant systems, based on experimental observations of hydrate film growth and particle deposition. Incorporated as a user-defined plugin in a transient flow simulator, we present predictions of hydrate blockage formation using this tool for three of eight Tommeliten field trials: (i) depressurized restart; (ii) thermodynamic inhibitor injection failure and; (iii) pressurized restart. Deposition plays a key role in these predictions, and the new model predicts significant hydrate stenosis occurring in the same timescale as blockage formation in the field trials. The mechanism of sloughing, a key precursor to the formation of hydrate plugs, is not incorporated in a transient simulation environment. However, shear stress predictions as a deposit develops may exceed the threshold previously reported in literature to generate a sloughing event. This represents a key way forward in the development of a comprehensive hydrate prediction tool for oil and gas flowlines.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationOffshore Technology Conference Asia 2018, OTCA 2018
Place of PublicationMalaysia
PublisherOffshore Technology Conference
ISBN (Print)9781510862159
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2018
EventOffshore Technology Conference Asia 2018, OTCA 2018 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Duration: 20 Mar 201823 Mar 2018

Publication series

NameOffshore Technology Conference Asia 2018, OTCA 2018

Conference

ConferenceOffshore Technology Conference Asia 2018, OTCA 2018
Country/TerritoryMalaysia
CityKuala Lumpur
Period20/03/1823/03/18

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