Method and apparatus for preventing slug flow in pipelines

A system for controlling the formation of a slug along a pipeline receiving at least a two-phase production fluid from a well, comprising:

• a supply line in fluid communication with the production fluid dispensing at least an oil surface tension reducing agent into the production fluid in an amount functionally effective to reduce formation of the slug along the pipeline;
• an injection unit pumping the agent into the production fluid;
• and
• a control unit controlling the injection unit in response to a measured parameter of interest.

A system for recovering hydrocarbons from a subsea wellbore, comprising:

• (a) a wellhead positioned over the sub sea wellbore;
• (b) a flow line connected to the wellhead at one end and connected to a hydrocarbon receiving facility at the other end, a two-phase producing fluid flowing through the flow line after being produced from the wellhead;
• (c) a supply line in fluid communication with the production fluid;
• and
• (d) an injection unit connected to the supply line injecting an oil surface tension reducing agent into the production fluid in an amount functionally effective to reduce formation of one or more slugs along the flow line.