Hydrate Rig-1

Main applications:

1. Measuring the hydrate stability zone of various fluid systems (e.g., gas, gas condensate and oil systems).
2. Determining the effect of various hydrate inhibitors (e.g., salts and/or organic inhibitors) on the hydrate stability zone.
3. Determining the hydrate characteristics of water or oil based drilling fluids.
4. Investigating the kinetics of gas hydrate formation and dissociation.
5. Measuring the amount and composition of equilibrated phases (including gas hydrates).

Operating conditions:

Pressure: up to 10,000 psia (70 MPa)
Temperature: from –50 to 75 ºC

Description:

Rig-1 consists of a high-pressure cell with a variable volume (650 cc max) which is adjusted by adding or withdrawing mercury using a pump. The temperature of the cell is controlled to within 0.05 K by circulating coolant from cryostat. The pressure in the cell is monitored by two pressure transducers with an estimated accuracy of ±0.007 MPa. A computer is used to collect data and control the system. At lower pressures, an optically clear quartz tube can be insterted into the centre, into which a borescope may be placed, allowing visual observation and video capture. The cell is mounted on a motorised pivot mechanism, allowing rocking to aid mixing of contents.