Defining a Slurry Phase Map for Gas Hydrate Management in Multiphase Flow Systems

This study proposes a criterion for the safe transportability of gas hydrate slurries in oil-dominant flowlines. Fluids chemistry plays role how particles agglomerate, which occurs time window take to decrease their porosity because crystallization capillary walls or seal water within pores by action chemical additives, completely preventing any outer surface particle and avoiding liquid bridge formation (agglomeration). Hydrodynamic aspects come from lift vs buoyancy/weight forces that tend suspend/settle particles, as well collision disruption rates play agglomeration process. The is rather simple shows importance subcooling crystallization, cut, mixture velocity, oil–water interfacial tension can be lowered use additives. A chart assuring safe, fully suspended slurry flow (low plugging risk) proposed, called phase map, directives its flowline design management are discussed. Discussion also given on scale up laboratory measurements into field conditions proposal new dimensionless group, Bassani number.