Gas Hydrate Control Using Monoethylene Glycol in the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

One of the more challenging flow assurance problems in deepwater subsea gas pipelines and equipment is the formation of natural gas hydrates. Gas hydrates form under conditions of low temperatures and high pressures, such as those found in deep water, when ice-like crystalline structures of water form "cages" around low molecular weight gases, especially methane. Methane is the most common trapped gas in hydrates, comprising 99% of the trapped gas. Carbon dioxide, propane, and ethane can also form hydrates.