Title: Analysis of Subcooling Effects on Methane Hydrate Formation and Consumption Dynamics
Authors: Ndidi Emeka Uzoigwe, Isaac Eze Ihua-Maduenyi, Nyelebuchi Amadichuku
Volume: 9
Issue: 2
Pages: 15-18
Publication Date: 2025/02/28
Abstract:
This study investigates the effect of varying subcooling temperatures on methane consumption rates during gas hydrate formation in pipeline/riser systems. The analysis utilized data from Okereke et al. (2019) along with the Multiflash and OLGA simulator tools to model and simulate hydrate formation. The OLGA hydrate module was used to simulate each volume section of the pipeline/riser system, estimating hydrate formation based on material and geometry data. Multiflash, a phase behaviour and fluid property program, generated the necessary input files for OLGA. The system was modelled with a closed node at the pipeline's start, a mass source at the inlet, and a pressure node at the outlet, with the operating conditions and heat transfer defined using data from Tables 2, 3, 4, and 5. The model was initialized and run for 2 hours at a default subcooling temperature of 6.5°F, with additional simulations conducted at subcooling temperatures of 3.5°F, 8.5°F, and 10.5°F to assess the impact on gas consumption rates. The results indicate that higher subcooling temperatures affect the point at which hydrate becomes thermodynamically stable, with an increase in subcooling temperature leading to a greater distance along the pipeline before stability is reached. Furthermore, the gas hydrate consumption rate decreases as subcooling temperature increases. It was also observed that sections of the pipeline/riser system with insufficient subcooling temperature showed no gas consumption. These findings highlight the critical role of subcooling in hydrate formation and its implications for pipeline flow assurance.