Analysis of sensitivity to hydrate blockage risk in natural gas gathering pipeline  

作　　者：Ao-Yang Zhang Meng Cai Na Wei Hai-Tao Li Chao Zhang Jun Pei Xin-Wei Wang 

机构地区：[1]State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation,Southwest Petroleum University,Chengdu,610500,Sichuan,China [2]Research Institute of Production Engineering,Daqing Oilfield Co.Ltd.,Daqing,163453,Heilongjiang,China

出　　处：《Petroleum Science》2024年第4期2723-2733,共11页石油科学（英文版）

基　　金：supported by 111 Project (No.D21025);Open Fund Project of State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation (Nos.PLN2021-01,PLN2021-02,PLN2021-03);High-end Foreign Expert Introduction Program (No.G2021036005L);National Key Research and Development Program (No.2021YFC2800903);National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.U20B6005-05)。

摘　　要：During the operational process of natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines,the formation of hydrates is highly probable,leading to uncontrolled movement and aggregation of hydrates.The continuous migration and accumulation of hydrates further contribute to the obstruction of natural gas pipelines,resulting in production reduction,shutdowns,and pressure build-ups.Consequently,a cascade of risks is prone to occur.To address this issue,this study focuses on the operational process of natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines,where a comprehensive framework is established.This framework includes theoretical models for pipeline temperature distribution,pipeline pressure distribution,multiphase flow within the pipeline,hydrate blockage,and numerical solution methods.By analyzing the influence of inlet temperature,inlet pressure,and terminal pressure on hydrate formation within the pipeline,the sensitivity patterns of hydrate blockage risks are derived.The research indicates that reducing inlet pressure and terminal pressure could lead to a decreased maximum hydrate formation rate,potentially mitigating pipeline blockage during natural gas transportation.Furthermore,an increase in inlet temperature and terminal pressure,and a decrease in inlet pressure,results in a displacement of the most probable location for hydrate blockage towards the terminal station.However,it is crucial to note that operating under low-pressure conditions significantly elevates energy consumption within the gathering system,contradicting the operational goal of energy efficiency and reduction of energy consumption.Consequently,for high-pressure gathering pipelines,measures such as raising the inlet temperature or employing inhibitors,electrical heat tracing,and thermal insulation should be adopted to prevent hydrate formation during natural gas transportation.Moreover,considering abnormal conditions such as gas well production and pipeline network shutdowns,which could potentially trigger hydrate formation,the installation of meth

关 键 词：Natural gas hydrates Gathering pipeline Temperature variation Hydrate formation rate Sensitivity analysis 

分 类 号：TE866[石油与天然气工程—油气储运工程]