Effects of ethylene glycol on hydrate formation in subsea pipelines

This study evaluated the effect of Mono-Ethylene Glycol (MEG) on hydrate formation conditions in subsea pipelines for a typical gas deepwater field Nigeria, using flow assurance simulator 'PIPESIM'. At turndown, normal and maximum conditions, production rates were 1640, 2460, 3280 sm3/day, respectively. The wellhead temperature varies between 50-55oC, inlet pressure at is 25 bara. outlet topside facility must be 11 bara above to achieve flow. From available flowline internal diameters 0.24, 0.29, 0.34m, simulation was run determine suitable diameter which will not lead erosion due velocity. In deciding temperature, utilized estimation. Also, determining minimum MEG volume required appearance 30 °C, volumes 0, 10, 20 wt%. simulations, hydrates observed form 11.4 30wt%. 30wt% suppressed 8.9 °C. A slug 8.5m3 adequate ensure fluid transport topside. work's outcomes findings also suggest inner 0.29m, an overall heat transfer coefficient 0.81W/m2oC, optimum rate sm3/day avoid drop assurance.