Development and implementation of a sok ware package for optimizing the dosage of hydrate inhibitors in gas networks

Introduction. The formation of gas hydrates in natural gas collection and transportation systems is a serious technological problem that can lead to complete pipeline closures, emergency production shutdowns, and significant economic losses. The main method of preventing hydrate formation is the dosing of inhibitors such as methanol or monoethylene glycol (MEG). The cost of these reagents accounts for a signifi cant proportion of the operating costs of the fields, and their overexpenditure due to suboptimal dosing remains an urgent problem for the gas industry.

Purpose. Development of sok ware for dynamic calculation of optimal inhibitor dosage in real time.

Materials and methods. Within the framework of this work, a comparison of various methods for calculating the optimal dosage of the inhibitor using specialized sok ware, empirical calculation formulas, as well as instructions and rules of gas producing organizations was carried out.

Results and conclusion. The developed sok ware solution is integrated with the fi eld’s automatic process control system, providing automatic dosing based on calculated data. Industrial testing at the gas fi eld demonstrated a 40% reduction in inhibitor consumption at bush sites and gas collection networks compared to the previous period of operation. The obtained result confi rms the economic efficiency and practical applicability of the proposed approach to optimize the consumption of methanol. 

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