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.
