Developing measures to eliminate of hydrate formation in underground gas storages
Authors: Volovetskyi V.B. , Doroshenko Ya.V. , Bugai A.O. , Kogut G.M. , Raiter P.M. , Femiak Y.M. , Bondarenko R.V. 
Published: September 2022

The objective of this article is the analysys of methods for preventing and eliminating hydrates formations, classifying them and choosing the best ones for use in underground gas storage facilities. Comprehensive measures for the stable operation of gas storage facilities in the presence of conditions for the occurrence of hydrates formations were developed. Zones, being potentially prone to the hydrates formation during the gas storage facilities operation were identified.

The operational parameters of gas storage wells during gas withdrawal are analyzed. The identified wells were operated under difficult conditions due to the deposition of hydrates on the wellheads, in flowlines and process equipment of gas storage facilities. The places of the highest hydrates accumulation on underground gas storages were determined: from the bottomhole of wells to the gas purification unit of the gas gathering station. Hydrate-prone zones were identified by computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modeling at the location of regulating choke installations in underground gas storage facilities.

The zones of the greatest hydrates accumulation on underground gas storages were determined: from the bottomhole of wells to the gas purification unit of the gas gathering station. The analysis of the methods used in gas storage facilities of Ukraine to prevent and eliminate hydrates formation was out. A set of measures was proposed to prevent the hydrates formation in storage facilities to ensure their stable operation. Based on the Euler approach (Mixture model) by CFD modeling, zones prone to hydrates formation were determined at the installation site of regulating chokes in underground gas storages. The influence of the degree of fittings opening on the location of potential zones prone to hydrates formation was estimated. The gas-dynamic processes in the internal cavity of the gas pipeline at the installation site of the control fittings were studied and their influence on the distribution of bulk particles of the gaseous and liquid phases was established. Based on the studies performed, it was recommended to change periodically the mode of well operation for a certain time by opening or closing the regulating choke under favorable conditions for the formation of hydrates, especially at low ambient temperatures.

The obtained results of experimental studies and calculations showed that in order to solve the problem of hydrates formation at gas storage facilities, it is advisable to use diverse measures through the introduction of modern intelligent systems for monitoring and controlling the technological process. Further refinement of the algorithm of the proposed monitoring and control system with its approbation in production was provided.

The results of the experimental studies and CFD modeling carried out allowed providing a more reasonable approach to the application of various available methods and measures to prevent hydrates formation in underground gas storage facilities. This approach made it possible to develop new effective ways and measures to prevent such complication.

Based on the conducted experimental studies and modeling, the major zones prone to hydrates formation in underground gas storages were determined. The developed measures will allow timely detection and prevention of hydrates formation at gas storage facilities are original.