Fast-Track Flow Assurance Design for Kinetic Hydrate Inhibitors Without Laboratory Testing: A Case Study

Recent research has proved that kinetic hydrate inhibitors (KHI) are not only nucleation delayers but also growth inhibitors, therefore providing predictable, long-term hydrate protection over a range of operating conditions. This challenges the traditional perception that KHIs offer an uncertain (possibly short) "induction time"; where hydrates will not form at a specific subcooling, leading to the mistaken impression that the inhibitor has failed when hydrate crystals appear. In this paper, we describe a flow assurance design where a gas well (Varg) is tied into an existing North Sea field (Rev), introducing KHI for hydrate protection. The project schedule was fast-tracked such that laboratory performance testing of the candidate KHI did not take place until after completion of FEED, taking into advantage new understanding of KHI hydrate inhibition. This case study follows the design from Concept to Execution, noting the key technological advances and design philosophy that underpinned this successful project.