Mitigating hydrate formation in onshore gas wells: A case study on optimization techniques and prevention

Abstract

Gas wells, particularly those situated onshore, play a vital role in the global energy sector by supplying a significant portion of natural gas. However, operational challenges, notably gas hydrate formation, pose substantial issues, leading to complications such as flowline blockages and unexpected well shutdowns. Gas hydrates, crystalline structures resembling ice, form under specific conditions of low temperature and high pressure. This paper explores the complex process of hydrate formation in gas wells, emphasizing the challenges it presents and the need for specialized strategies to address these issues. The primary focus is a case study of an onshore gas well experiencing recurrent hydrate-related problems. Leveraging PipeSim software, a well model is developed, followed by a sensitivity analysis under various operational scenarios. The study investigates mitigation strategies, including choke position adjustments and methanol introduction, crucial for the safe production of oil and gas fields. The significance of this study lies in its aim to optimize well performance and mitigate risks associated with hydrate formation. Findings contribute to existing knowledge and offer practical solutions for industry practitioners and researchers dealing with onshore gas wells. The paper's structure includes a review of related work, details on the experimental setup and results, and concluding remarks. The perennial challenge of hydrate formation in gas wells necessitates a case-specific assessment and individualized approaches. Nodal analysis and well modeling software have become indispensable tools for engineers in developing preventative measures. This paper presents a methodological approach using a specific well as an example, evaluating the effectiveness of three methodologies: downhole choke installation, methanol dosing, and well transfer to a high-pressure separator.