Gene Kliewer,
Technology Editor

STAVANGER, Norway –Experiments at a new hydrate test facility by the Norsk Hydro Oil & Energy Research Centre and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences indicated that water cut in the flow is the major parameter affecting transportability. Results of the tests were presented at DOT in Stavanger today.

The experiments used a light hydrocarbon liquid system with hydrocarbon gas and salt water at 80 bar with temperatures between 4 º C and 7º C. The researches reported that hydrates formed as soon as the water phase was mixed with the hydrocarbons.

In general, water cuts below 25% showed no problems of hydrate plugging. In fact, the researchers reported, in some cases, experiments ran for several hours at 50% water cut.

Cooling and transport at ambient temperatures usually caused wax deposition and hydrate formation. Either one or a combination of both can stop flow.

No direct electrical heat was applied in the experiments

10/11/2007