Could Hydrate Plugging Be Avoided Because of Surfactant Properties of the Crude and Appropriate Flow Conditions?

摘要

For several years, research has been conducted to find alternatives to thermodynamical hydrate inhibition. The recent deepwater developments have created new operational conditions where hydrate plugging could occur. Huge amounts of water are expected to be produced in deepwater oildominated operations. This new situation forced the industry to imagine new prevention alternatives. Self-inhibition based on natural surfactants has been investigated and fieldobserved. More recently, experiments have demonstrated the capabilities of appropriate flow conditions to restart operations in the hydrate domain. Based on field experiences and pilot loop tests, this paper will review conditions for which flow is expected to be successfully ensured within the hydrate domain and others corresponding to more hazardous situations.