Abstract
A concept, CONWHYP (CONversion of Water to HYdrate Particles), has been developed in which a recirculation stream containing hydrate particles seeds hydrate growth in a cooled water-containing well stream. The hydrate particles then grow quickly and in a controlled manner. The hydrate particles are dry, non-depositing and non-agglomerating, and will eliminate free water from the rest of the transport system. The concept has been tested and verified in a prototype laboratory setup. The results include general observations of dry hydrate behavior, experiments on water content, hydrate particle morphology, and salt and "black oil" effects. Some possible designs for industrial application of the concept as a subseaprocessing unit for multiphase flow solutions in harsh environments are outlined.
