Hydrate Management in Deadlegs: Detection of Hydrate Deposition Using Permittivity Probe

Formation of gas hydrates in oil/gas pipelines has to be properly managed as they can often lead to plugging, primarily by deposition, causing safety issues and significant expenses for repair and recovery. Early detection of hydrate deposition is thus critical for managing such risks and establishing stratagies for hydrate mitigation and remediation. Here, a permittivity probe is applied to a 1-in. vertical pipe system in order to detect hydrate deposition. The vertical pipe system simulates a deadleg, which is a pipe section used for intermittent services and maintenance in hydrate management. Hydrate deposition under water saturated gas environment is monitored by measuring the dielectric constant of the hydrate layer, which is considered as a three-component mixture of hydrates, gas, and water. The permittivity responses upon hydrate formation and dissociation are observed, and their physical interpretations are also provided. By applying appropriate models, thickness, wetness, and porosity of hydrate deposits are quantitatively estimated. Knowledge obtained from this work will be helpful in further developing a real-time monitoring of hydrate deposition by dielectric measurements.