Measurements and Predictions of Hydrate Equilibrium Conditions

Abstract

A bstract : The main objective of this study was to demonstrate the importance of reliable hydrate equilibrium data for thorough mitigation and remediation of hydrate problems. Hydrate prevention strategies generally rely on extensive use of different hydrate simulators that, in turn, are based on experimental data. Erroneous hydrate predictions may severely jeopardize the established hydrate strategy and can have severe economic implications. In this study the hydrate equilibrium conditions for eight different hydrocarbon systems were investigated by experimental measurements and by hydrate simulator predictions. The results clearly verify the importance of having due control over the experimental parameters, especially the heating gradient. The error in the determination of the hydrate equilibrium temperature seems to increase with the complexity of the system; for example, when inhibitors are added to the aqueous phase.