Study on Gas Hydrate Formation and Hydrate Slurry Flow in a Multiphase Transportation System

Abstract

As oil and/or gas exploration and production enter deeper water, the flow assurance confronts challenges, one of which is the hydrate formation and blockage. Investigations about gas hydrate formation and hydrate slurry flow in a multiphase transportation system were performed on a newly constructed high-pressure experimental loop. On the basis of the experimental hydrate formation data, an inward and outward hydrate shell model was improved to predict the gas consumed amount during the hydrate formation process. With the help of a focused beam reflectance measurement and particle video microscope installed in this flow loop, the distribution of hydrate particles was observed, characterized in the coalescence and fragmentation. A “minimum safety flow rate” was first addressed for the safety of hydrate slurry flow in a multiphase transportation system. Then, the comparisons between our experimental data of the natural gas hydrate slurry flow pattern and the Mandhane flow pattern map revealed the influence of hydrate particles on the flow pattern of the slurry. Furthermore, the influence of the gas/liquid superficial velocity on the pressure drop was discussed at stratified flow for this gas hydrate slurry multiphase system.