Hydrates and Hydrate Inhibition: What are the Options?

The best way to prevent hydrate formation (and corrosion) is to keep the pipelines, tubing and equipment free of liquid water. The best approach is to dehydrate the gas in the field if possible. There are occasions, rightly or wrongly, when the decision is made to operate a pipeline or process in which the gas is saturated and contains free water. If this decision is made, and the operating temperature is below the hydrate formation temperature (HFT), inhibition of this water is necessary. Many chemicals may be added to free water to inhibit or depress both the hydrate and freezing temperatures. It is important to understand what the various hydrate inhibition options are when selecting an inhibitor or mixture of inhibitors to minimize the operating costs.