Clariant Oil Services Treats the Formation of Hydrates on Unmanned Platform in North Sea

• Reduction in the platform’s total cost of operation (TCO)
• Improved safety and handling due to non-flammable formulation
• Combined KHI/CI negated the need for separate pump skids and tanks on the already valuable platform real estate
• Chemical cost savings and reduced visits to the unmanned platform (to fill tanks) due to reduced required volume

Background

A combination unmanned platform and gas operator in the Dutch sector of the Southern North Sea had been using MonoEthylene Glycol (MEG) and MEG regeneration as its primary hydrate inhibition strategy. The line exports gas from an unmanned platform to an onshore terminal via a 10-inch, 17km long flowline.

A major concern for the operator was the resulting cost of hydrate formation, which had caused blockages in the flowline, and the incumbent hydrate inhibition method, which had driven the TCO above desirable levels. The platform conditions are shown in Table 1.

Table 1: System Conditions

Clariant Oil Services Solutions and Value Delivered

The operator had raised concerns about the use of a combined KHI/CI. Because there would be occasions when water would be left in the MGL for up to 14 days, he feared the possibility that the KHI would stop inhibiting hydrate formation before that time. To alleviate these concerns, Clariant Oil Services performed a series of laboratory hydrate tests at a sub-cooling of 5o C (the maximum sub-cooling expected in the flowline) for 20 days.

Results from these tests identified no hydrate formation during this time. The results of the laboratory studies showed that HYTREAT should be applied at a recommended dose rate of 1.11% volume, wrt water production rates.

This information corresponds to the present state of our knowledge and is intended as a general description of our products and their possible applications. Clariant makes no warranties, express or implied, as to the information’s accuracy, adequacy, sufficiency or freedom from defect and assumes no liability in connection with any use of this information. Any user of this product is responsible for determining the suitability of Clariant's products for its particular application.*Nothing included in this information waives any of Clariant’s General Terms and Conditions of Sale, which control unless it agrees otherwise in writing. Any existing intellectual/industrial property rights must be observed. Due to possible changes in our products and applicable national and international regulations and laws, the status of our products could change. Material Safety Data Sheets providing safety precautions, that should be observed when handling or storing Clariant products, are available upon request and are provided in compliance with applicable law. You should obtain and review the applicable Material Safety Data Sheet information before handling any of these products. For additional information, please contact Clariant.

*For sales to customers located within the United States and Canada the following applies in addition: NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY IS MADE OF THE MERCHANTABILITY, SUITABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR OTHERWISE OF ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE.

Copyright © Clariant International Ltd, 2013.