Hydrate Inhibition Fundamentals for Facilities Engineers - eLearning series

This short course is from the industry-standard Gas Conditioning and Process course (G-4), known globally as the Campbell Gas Course. The course includes

• 2.5 hours prerequisite e-Learning modules (participants may test out)
• 3 hours required e-Learning modules
• 6 hours virtual, instructor-led sessions (pre-recorded)

Hydrates are solid ice-like compounds composed of light hydrocarbon molecules (plus CO2 and H2S) and water.

Hydrates in natural gas systems can form at very moderate temperatures well above the freezing point of water. Hydrate formation can be a significant problem in offshore wet (water-saturated) gas pipelines, onshore wet gas gathering systems, and natural gas conditioning and processing facilities. They can completely block a gathering system pipeline, and often form in processing equipment that can require a plant shutdown to mitigate the blockage.

Hydrate formation is a complex phenomenon which is a function of the operating temperature and pressure of the system, natural gas composition, fluid velocity, and time. Understanding the system hydrate formation temperature and hydrate inhibitor injection requirements are critical to preventing hydrate formation in wet natural gas systems.

This short course describes hydrates and explores conditions favoring hydrate formation. It also describes how to estimate the hydrate formation temperature of a natural gas stream, and provides methods to estimate hydrate inhibitor injection requirements. Participants will learn the key differences between low dosage hydrate inhibitors and thermodynamic inhibitors.

The problem assignment will provide technical insight into the differences between methanol and mono-ethylene glycol used as hydrate inhibitors. The problem debrief and round table will explore the advantages and disadvantages of both inhibitors and provide additional depth on practical industry experience regarding hydrate inhibition for both pipeline and NGL extraction plants (such as J-T Valve and Refrigeration facilities) applications.

During the problem debrief and round table discussion, participants will have the opportunity to ask additional questions and share their challenges and experiences with hydrate inhibition.

Prerequisites, of which participants can test out, cover Basic Conversions, Gas and Liquid Physical Properties, Multicomponent Phase Behavior, and Water Content of Sweet and Sour Natural Gas.