Modelling Hydrate Deposition in Gas-Dominant Subsea Pipelines in Operating and Shutdown Scenarios

This study addresses a significant research gap related to hydrate formation in subsea gas pipelines, with specific focus on deposition rates during shutdown scenarios, which has received limited attention previous studies. Past employed various methodologies, including experimental, analytical, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approaches, predict conditions, but none have tackled the prediction of shutdowns. In this study, we employ multiple linear regression modeling approach using MATLAB learner app. Four distinct models were developed data generated from 81 CFD simulations, utilising 10 m length by 0.0204 diameter 3D horizontal pipe model Ansys Fluent, as previously Through cross-validation against experimental data, standard emerged most reliable choice for predicting rates, providing predictions within ±10% uncertainty bounds results up pressures 8.8 MPa at hydrate-forming temperatures. The uniqueness new lies its ability estimate risk especially low flow periods, are critical maintenance planning. Furthermore, estimating depositional volumes, predicts slurry volumes receiving facilities, contributing energy sustainability benefiting transport pipeline operators, particularly aging fields declining production.