Multiphase flow modeling of gas hydrates with a simple hydrodynamic slug flow model

•A simple hydrodynamic slug flow model is extended to consider gas + liquid + hydrates flow.•Hydrates induce flow regime transition from stratified to slug flow.•Multiphase flow modeling is now possible with gas/water system and the formation of hydrates.

The formation and accumulation of natural gas hydrates in deep subsea flow lines are one of the most challenging flow assurance problems. Typical high pressure/low temperature operation conditions in deep subsea facilities promote rapid formation of gas hydrates. Recent observations in flow loop experiments in gas/water systems suggested a relationship between hydrate volume and flow regime on pressure drop. In the current work, a simple hydrodynamic slug flow model, based on fundamental multiphase flow concepts, is coupled with a transient hydrate kinetics model to study the effect of hydrate formation on slug flow in gas/water systems.

Graphical abstractMultiphase flow modeling demonstrates how hydrates induce slug formation in the transition from two-phase (gas/water) to three-phase (gas/water/hydrate) flow.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (180 K)Download as PowerPoint slide