The Prevention and Elimination of Natural Gas Hydrates in Pipeline

Natural gas hydrates (NGH) are ice-like crystalline compounds that form when natural gas molecules contact water molecules at appropriate conditions. They can be formed in pipelines transporting wet gases, condensates or crude oils, which are considered to be nuisances because they usually result to the blockage in pipes, valves and treatment facilities. To prevent and eliminate the threat of NGH becomes more and more important to the petroleum and natural gas industry. This paper summarily discusses the thermody-namic terms and kinetic mechanisms of NGH's formation and decompostition, and comprehensively introduces the physical and chemical methods of NGH's prevention and cure technology. It is pointed out that these two methods should be used in combination way in practice. Furthermore, this paper particularly discusses the kinetic inhibitors, which are regarded as the emphasis of future development. Besides, this paper gives out three application examples in southern North Sea, East Texas and West Swan Area where kinetic inhibitors are successfully utilized.