Perspective on the role of particle size measurements in gas hydrate agglomeration predictions

Particle agglomeration plays a major role in the mechanism of gas hydrate accumulation and pipeline plugging. Gas hydrates are solid inclusion compounds composed of natural gas trapped in a three-dimensional water lattice that can form in petroleum flow lines and impede fluid transfer. Agglomeration mechanics are complex yet essential to creating reliable and accurate rheological models for optimizing fluid flow operations, of which the state-of-the-art includes the contact-induced and shear-induced agglomeration models. Particle size distribution measurements of water droplets in an oil-continuous phase reacting to form gas hydrate agglomerates over time can be performed using in situ focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM) and particle video microscope (PVM) probes, or other similar tools. Particle sizing and interfacial interaction measurements form the basis of gas hydrate hydrodynamic multiphase flow models, which incorporate particle agglomeration/viscosity models and the capillary bridge theory-based cohesion model. In situ particle sizing probes can also serve as a supplementary process indicator of gas hydrate formation onset. It is essential to perform in situ particle-scale experiments to develop and validate an accurate gas hydrate agglomeration model, which is integral to state-of-the-art hydrate flow assurance modeling and risk assessment.

Automated summary

Particle agglomeration is crucial in gas hydrate accumulation and pipeline plugging, requiring complex mechanisms research and rheological model establishment. In situ particle probes and microscopes are essential for measuring particle size and interfacial interactions in the development of gas hydrate hydrodynamic multiphase flow models.