Developing a hydrate early detection system

In deepwater field development, because of high pressure combined with low sea-bed temperature, gas hydrate blockage is one of the major challenges for oil/gas transport. Gas hydrate preventions are usually thermal or chemical based, i.e., keeping the fluids warm, removing water, or chemical treatment (e.g., injecting thermodynamic/kinetic hydrate inhibitors). In case of unplanned events (i.e., injector pump malfunction) there still could be a hydrate formation risk along the pipeline. So having an early warning system which could monitor and detect initial hydrate formation would be a useful backup to any hydrate prevention strategy.

A Joint Industry Project was launched in 2005 with support from six industrial sponsors. A number of techniques were tested and finally a technique was chosen for further investigation and industrial application. The laboratory results under simulated pipeline conditions are very promising. The technique which is based on online downstream monitoring is able to detect early signs of hydrate formation. The information can be transferred to the control room or used as feedback to the inhibition facilities for planning remedial actions. In collaboration with the project sponsors a field evaluation is being planned.