Kinetics Rig-1

Main applications:

1. Evaluating the performance of Kinetic Hydrate Inhibitors (KHIs), by measuring the induction time, rate of hydrate formation, and pressure drop due to hydrate formation.
2. 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.
3. Determining the effect of natural inhibitors and emulsions in preventing gas hydrate problems.
4. Simulating various pipline scenarios, such as flowing, shut-in and start-up.
5. Investigating the kinetics of gas hydrate formation and dissociation.
6. Measuring the hydrate stability zone of various fluid systems (e.g., gas, gas condensate and oil systems).
7. Determining the effect of various hydrate inhibitors (e.g., salts and/or organic inhibitors) on the hydrate stability zone.
8. Qualitative measurement of viscosity and transportability of fluids containing hydrates and/or wax.

Operating conditions:

Pressure: up to 6,000 psia (40 MPa)
Temperature: from –30 to 75 ºC

Description:

The rig consists of a high-pressure vessel (40 MPa) with a 2.4 litre volume. The cell temperature is controlled by circulating coolant inside a jacket in the cell wall, and measured by a thermocouple to an accuracy of 0.1 K. The cell pressure is monitored by a quartzdyne pressure transducer (accuracy of 0.007 MPa). A magnetic stirrer with adjustable rotation speed (i.e., rpm) is used to agitate the 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.