Hydrate Prediction, Inhibition, and Remediation
INTECSEA has addressed hydrate prediction, prevention, inhibition, and remediation in oil and gas systems for many clients. The prediction of hydrate formation temperatures/pressures and the design of the overall system to prevent plug formation during system startup, steady state operation, and shutdown (both planned and unplanned) are fundamental to the design and operability of subsea production systems.
Starting from fresh-water hydrate dissociation curve predictions, INTECSEA adjusts those curves to account for formation water salinity, where appropriate. Analytical tools from Calsep (PVTSim) and Infochem (Multiflash) are used to calculate the hydrate dissociation curves and to assess the effect of inhibitors. Client test data is used when available. Industry developments in low dosage and kinetic inhibitors (i.e., anti-agglomerants and kinetic hydrate inhibitors) are closely tracked.
In designing the system, a choice is often made to prevent hydrate formation by using inhibitors – typical for gas systems – or to prevent them by keeping the fluid warm (insulation) and/or reducing pressure (using subsea chokes to keep line operating pressures low) – typical for oil systems. Active flowline heating is also an option and can be considered where appropriate.
For hydrate remediation, the pressure reduction (or temperature increase) required to melt a hydrate plug can be determined using the physics of hydrate dissociation, and the time required to melt hydrate plugs can be estimated. Other means of plug removal will be applied as practical and appropriate. The development of optimal designs includes the tradeoff between the cost of hydrate plug remediation, the cost to minimize the need for such remediation, and the associated risks.
Systems Engineering
- Flow Assurance and Operability
- Complete System Designs
- Thermal-Hydraulic Simulations
- Hydrate Prediction, Inhibition,
and Remediation - Production Chemistry –
Wax and Asphaltene Management - Production Chemistry – Scale Management
- Slug Prediction and Slug Catcher Sizing
- Production/Flow System Operability
- Production System Design
- Flow Assurance and Operability
Design Stages - Analysis Tools
- Subsea Engineering
- Subsea Active Production Technologies
- Offshore Wind
- Interface Management
- Construction Management
- Project Management
- Materials Engineering
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