Device and method for detecting the presence of gas hydrate crystals

A device for detecting at least the presence of gas hydrate crystals formed from a fluid likely to form gas hydrate crystals, characterized in that said device comprises:

• A. a polychromatic light source likely to emit a radiation at least in the visible spectrum;
• B. a body whereof at least a portion is in contact with said fluid, said portion of said body comprising a reflecting surface having a predefined color, said predefined color being associated with a wavelength range in the visible spectrum;
• C. means for measuring a light intensity as a function of wavelength, so arranged as to detect a radiation re-emitted in a non-specular manner by said reflecting surface of said portion of said body having a predefined color when said reflecting surface of said portion of said body having a predefined color is illuminated by said polychromatic light source;
• D. means for detecting at least said presence of hydrate crystals from said light intensity measured as a function of wavelength and at least one predefined threshold.