Experimental Investigation on Hydrate Plugging Formation in Horizontal Single-Pass Gas-Dominant Flows
Jianbo Zhang, Longqiao Chen, Shaowei Pan, Hui Liu, Yongle Ma, Jihao Pei, Baojiang Sun, Zhiyuan Wang
Abstract
Hydrate plugging is a common hazard that threatens pipeline safety in the oil and gas industry. Previous research on hydrate plugging mainly focused on oil- or water-dominant flow. In this study, the formation of hydrate plugging in single-pass gas-dominant flows was analyzed in real time. The results suggest that a sudden increase in pressure drop, a sudden drop in temperature, and gas flow rate are important signals that indicate the formation of hydrate plugging. As the subcooling of hydrate formation increased, the hydrate deposition ratio increased gradually and the number of sloughing events and the time required for hydrate plugging decreased significantly. Finally, based on the research results, the formation mechanism and early warning method for hydrate plugging in single-pass gas-dominant flows were proposed. The results of this study can provide a valuable reference for the monitoring and prevention of hydrate plugging during the development of natural gas fields.