Main applications
- Evaluating the performance of Kinetic Hydrate Inhibitors (KHIs), by measuring the induction time, rate of hydrate formation, and pressure drop due to hydrate formation.
- Evaluating the performance of Anti-Agglomerants (AA) in preventing gas hydrate problems, by measuring the torque applied to the mixer, and rate of hydrate formation.
- Determining the effect of natural inhibitors and emulsions in preventing gas hydrate problems.
- Simulating various pipline scenarios, such as flowing, shut-in and start-up.
- Investigating the kinetics of gas hydrate formation and dissociation.
- Measuring the hydrate stability zone of various fluid systems (e.g. gas, gas condensate and oil systems).
- Determining the effect of various hydrate inhibitors (e.g., salts and/or organic inhibitors) on the hydrate stability zone.
- Qualitative measurement of viscosity and transportability of fluids containing hydrates and/or wax.
Operating conditions
Pressure: up to 10,000 psia (70 MPa)
Temperature: from –30 ºC to 75 ºC
Description
Kinetics Rig-2 is similar in design Kinetic Rig-1. It consists of a high-pressure vessel (69 MPa) with a 0.5 litre volume. Temperature is controlled by circulating coolant inside a jacket around the cell. The set-up has an operating temperature range of -20 to 75 ºC. Temperature is measured by a thermocouple (accuracy of 0.1 K), with pressure being monitored by a pressure transducer (accuracy of 0.015 MPa). A magnetic stirrer with adjustable rotation speed (i.e., rpm) is used to agitate test fluids. The torque required to drive the stirrer at a constant speed is measured and related to the viscosity of the system. A computer is used to collect data for pressure, temperature and torque.