1.1 Operating Conditions: Inspection Report Template

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1 Introduction
Due to the operating condition of the Setonix Well, hydrate formation will be a significant
issue in the production of the hydrocarbon. This is due to the relatively low seabed
temperature and high operating pressure. The following diagram illustrates the operating
region in which hydrates are expected to form.
Figure 1 Hydrate Curves for Perth Canyon Crude (Setonix Basis of Design 2010)
1.1 Operating Conditions

The Perth Canyon Reservoir is will have 8 wells arranged to maximise production rate.
Due to the low pressure, the well will be supported by a support system that can pump
the hydrocarbon to the surface.
Although the reservoir operates at a high temperature, it is the operating temperature of
the wellhead and pipeline indicates a significant threat of hydrates formations. The
following table outlines the operating conditions at the wellhead of each well.
Initially, as the production fluid is drawn out of the well, it will undergo significant cooling
to the seabed temperature during the life of the project. From the data, we can conclude
that the seabed temperature ranges from _____ to _____, with an annual average
temperature of _____.
To ensure the hydrate formation margin is as small as possible, the operator will
continuously minimise the operating pressure to be as low as possible. This is ideal
because it will enable production with a lower temperature for the same amount of
inhibitors and gas rate. It is expected that the produced water will increase over the life
of the project and as such, a higher dosage of inhibitor will be added in proportion to this
increase.
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1.2 Outline of the Facilities Required

With the FPSO as the production facility, the following assets are required to maintain the
injection of the inhibitors:
 Inhibitor injection system
 Corrosion Inhibitor dosing
 Inlet separation facilities
 Methyl Ethylene Glycol regeneration facilities
 Inhibitor storage
 Injection monitoring system
 Water processing equipment
The inhibitor injection system will include a variable rate positive displacement pump that
is connected to the production line via umbilicals. Each outlet will have with it a metering
panel that measures the flow rate as well as the pressure in each injection line. It is ideal
that the maximum injection rate is maintained at all times to ensure a safe hydrate
margin.
In conjunction with the MEG, a corrosion inhibitor will also be dosed into the production
line. However, it is imperative that the corrosion inhibitor is maintained at a level of 1000
ppm in the MEG solution. Overdosing the corrosion inhibitor can potentially interfere with
the hydrate management system.
Inlet separation facilities are required to separate the MEG/corrosion inhibitor from the
production fluid. The separated MEG/corrosion inhibitor can then be directed into the MEG
regeneration facilities. Water is removed in this system and the corrosion inhibitor will
remain within the MEG solution. Inhibitor storage will then contain the available inhibitor
and corrosion to ensure steady application into the system.
Furthermore, the injection monitoring system will assess the rate of injection and return
of the MEG and corrosion inhibitor. The concentration of the MEG will be measured by a
density meter and adjustment will be made depending on the concentration within the
system.
1.3 Hydrate Inhibition Methods

Several methods will be employed to ensure that hydrates formation is prevented. The
following table outlines these methods:
Method Type of intervention Purpose
MEG injection Thermodynamic Modify the hydrate

formation curve
Elevate operating Operational Prevent production fluid to

temperature enter hydrate formation
curve
Minimize operating Operational Prevent production fluid to

temperature enter formation curve
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1.4 Hydrate Management during Start-up and Shut-down

During start-up operation, MEG should be pumped into the wellbore to inhibit the fluids
from forming hydrates. Additionally the injection of methanol will dissolve any hydrate
particles before it becomes sufficiently large to block the system.
Prior to shut-down operations, the production system should operate at lower rates. The
addition of MEG will inhibit the hydrate formation and assist with the re-start operation of
the system.
In the event of an unplanned shut-down, flaring should be conducted to lower the
concentration of the methane gas. MEG should also be injected into the system to inhibit
the cooling fluid from forming hydrate particles.
1.5 Hydrate Removal

Upon hydrate detection, depressuration should be conducted. However, in the event of
complete hydrate blockage, the pipeline should be depressurised slowly at both ends of
the pipeline. This is conducted to stop large pressure difference between the two end of
the pipeline which will propel the hydrates along the pipeline and can potentially rupture
the pipeline.
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Inspection Report Template <<Add client logo>>

1.1 Operating Conditions

XX/XX/XX/XXXX | Revision: X Page 1 of 3

1.2 Outline of the Facilities Required

1.3 Hydrate Inhibition Methods

Method Type of intervention Purpose

MEG injection Thermodynamic Modify the hydrate

Elevate operating Operational Prevent production fluid to

Minimize operating Operational Prevent production fluid to

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1.4 Hydrate Management during Start-up and Shut-down

1.5 Hydrate Removal

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