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Australian Energy Producers Journal Australian Energy Producers Journal Society
Journal of Australian Energy Producers
RESEARCH ARTICLE (Non peer reviewed)

Software for quantitative prediction of hydrate blockage formation in gas condensate systems

Pradeep Dhoorjaty A , Dale Erickson A and Dileep Penmetsa B C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Wood, 17900 Park Row, Houston TX 77084, USA.

B Wood, Level 1, 240 St. Georges Terrace, Perth, WA 6000, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Email: Dileep.penmetsa@woodplc.com

The APPEA Journal 60(2) 624-627 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ19177
Accepted: 17 February 2020   Published: 15 May 2020

Abstract

A new industry–university research and development program targets improved hydrate kinetic modelling in gas-dominant flows for application in engineering simulation. It is recognised that current industry hydrate blockage prediction models, based largely on experience with oil-dominant systems, may not be sufficiently accurate in gas-dominant systems. The availability of improved hydrate kinetics and transport models can enable safe field operations targeting hydrate management, rather than avoidance. This can yield significant savings in capital and operational expenditure.

Keywords: hydrate kinetics, hydrate transport, multiphase flow simulation.

Dr Pradeep Dhoorjaty is the Technology Manager for Wood’s Intelligent Operations group and has 15+ years of extensive expertise in modelling of multiphase real-time pipeline monitoring systems. Dr Dhoorjaty holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from University of Houston, USA, and is a member of SPE.

Dr Dale Erickson serves as the Vice President of Technology and Technology Development Lead for Wood’s Intelligent Operations group with 35+ years of experience in the oil and gas industry and has pioneered the development of real-time, transient, multiphase flow simulators, leak detection systems, and control/optimisation software for platforms/pipelines. Dr Erickson’s previous work in the area of flow assurance includes writing the first version of the CSM Hydrate program in 1983. Dr Erickson holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Rice University, USA, and is a member of SPE, API and Standards Committee on Metering.

Mr Dileep Penmetsa is a Principal Consultant in Wood’s Intelligent Operations group with 13+ years of global experience in leading a wide range of large capital investment flow assurance projects associated with the design of subsea oil and gas production and export systems and providing operational support. Mr. Penmetsa holds a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University, USA and is a member of SPE.


References

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