A PROCESS FOR THE THERMO-HYDRAULIC CONTROL OF GAS HYDRATES

摘要

A process for the thermo-hydraulic control of gas hydrates in subsea production and injection wells as well as pipelines which transport liquid o r gaseous hydrocarbons is described, the process making use of a Nitrogen Generating System foamed or in solution. The control may signify the prevention of the formati on of the gas hydrates or the dissolution of the gas hydrate plug already formed. Under conditions of use designed for the prevention of the formation of gas hydrates the SGN flu id prevents the thermal conditions leading to the gas hydrate plugs. Under conditions of use designed to dissolve the already formed gas hydrate plugs, the SGN fluid alters the thermo-hydraulic conditions which favor the gas hydrate plugs, so that they are dissolved and return to the water + gas phase.