THE CSIRO has commissioned a new flow loop to help researchers find solutions to predict and control hydrates formation in offshore oil and gas pipelines.
The loop will simulate the high pressure and low temperature gas-liquid flows found in deep sea environments.
The research body says hydrates are 'ice-like' crystals composed of gas and water that can form in the pipelines. They can block pipes, disrupt production and cause flow lines to burst.
The entity hopes to develop a model to enable operators to predict the formation and flow of hydrates and therefore anticipate problems. This will lead to improvements in the design and operation of pipelines.
Add a comment