CSIRO commissions hydrate test flow loop

June 2, 2008
Australia's CSIRO has commissioned a new flow loop to use in research to predict and control gas hydrates formation in offshore oil and gas production pipelines.

Offshore staff

PERTH, Australia --Australia's CSIRO has commissioned a new flow loop to use in research to predict and control gas hydrates formation in offshore oil and gas production pipelines.

The flow loop, in Perth, can simulate gas-liquid flow at high pressures and low temperatures, the conditions under which hydrates can plug flowlines.

The flow loop will be used in a flow assurance project that forms part of the Platform-Free Fields program. The project takes a holistic approach to understanding the formation of hydrates in gas pipelines.

The project is an international collaboration between the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Curtin University of Technology, Institute Francais du Pétrole (IFP), the Western Australian Energy Research Alliance (WA:ERA), and industry.

06/02/2008