Gas Hydrates

Gas hydrates are crystalline, "ice-like" compounds composed of water and natural gas. The conditions that tend to promote hydrate formation include the following: low temperature, high pressure, and a gas at or below its water dew point, with free" water present.

 Two structures of gas hydrates are known to form in light gases: Type I and Type II (GPSA, 1994). Type I forms with smaller molecules such as methane, ethane, and hydrogen sulfide. Larger molecules like propane and butane combine with water to form the diamond lattice structure of Type II.

Gas hydrate

 The two hydrate structures are equally damaging; However, an advantage in treating hydrate problems is that all suppression methods are effective on both Type I and Type II structures

METHODS USED TO SUPPRESS HYDRATE FORMATION

Controlling Process Conditions. Dehydrating a gas stream to prevent water free phase. Using Inhibitors.

 Controlling Process Conditions Process conditions may often be manipulated to prevent or retard the formation of hydrates in process equipment or a pipeline. For example, the addition of a line heater may serve to maintain operating temperatures above hydrate formation temperatures. Also, a reduction in pressure may impede the hydrate formation process

Dehydration
Dehydration Several solid desiccants have the physical characteristics to adsorb water from natural gas. Adsorbents in common commercial use include the following : 1. Silica gel 2. Silica-based beads 3. Activated alumina 4. Alumina-gel balls 5. Activated bauxite 6. Molecular sieves

Disadvantages
high initial cost. higher pressure drop. relatively high heat requirement for regeneration. and susceptibility to breakup or poisoning.

Inhibitors
The most common inhibitors is methanol, and ethylene glycol (EG). Since glycols viscosity makes effective separation difficult at cryogenic conditions, methanol is usually preferred under these circumstances.

Pressure Surges

 Changes in pressure arise in pipelines when there is a change in fluid velocity. These changes are the result of events such as pump switching and valve operation. The greater the rate of change of velocity, the greater the pressure wave travelling along a pipeline.

 The initial wave is followed by an equal and opposite reflected wave.

Why is pressure surge a problem?

Unless surge protection measures are taken, the life expectancy of the installation may be reduced or sudden failure may result. Small systems are just as vulnerable as large systems. If the pressure drops below the fluid vapor pressure, then vapor cavities will form and subsequently collapse.

 High pressures may weaken and burst sections of pipe (some pipe materials are particularly sensitive to abrupt changes in pressure). In addition, pressure surge will increase the loads on pipe supports, especially at bends. In some systems, pressure waves are reflected back at different times from different parts of the network. When these reflected waves meet, they can combine to cause pressures higher than the initial surge.

How can pressure surge be controlled

selection of the appropriate type of valve ( Use Relief Valve ) a change in operating procedures a change in valve closure rates provision of air valves provision of surge vessels or tanks installation of surge protection valves

Scaling

 Scale is usually a mineral compound consisting mainly of calcium or magnesium carbonates or calcium sulphate. The main compound causing scale is calcium carbonate deposits. In many cases it is mixed with other substances such as iron or sand grains.

 When dirt or scale forms on pipeline , PIGS are used for removing the scales/dirt from pipelines .