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AssigneeBaker Hughes Incorporated
InventorsEdward J. O'Malley, Bennett M. Richard, Paul M. McElfresh, Aftab Khokhar, Daniel L. Crosby, Vu Thieu, Roger W. Fincher, Larry A. Watkins
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Gas hydrates, particularly natural gas hydrates e.g. methane hydrates, may be formed and controlled within conduits and vessels by imparting energy to gas and water, for instance using agitation or vibration. The systems and methods allow for improved flow characteristics for fluids containing the gases, e.g. hydrocarbon fluids being transported, and for improved overall efficiencies. The gas and water within a gas flow path may be perturbed or agitated to initiate formation of relatively small hydrate particles. The hydrate particles continue to form as long as energy is imparted and water and hydrate guest molecules are available. High amplitude agitation of the gas and water will repeatedly break up agglomerated hydrate particles that form and encourage the formation of more and smaller particles. As more hydrate forms in this manner, less and less free water may be available proximate the gas and water contact.
A method for controlling the agglomeration of gas hydrates within a vessel or flowbore comprising:
A system for controlling gas hydrates within a vessel or flowbore, the system comprising:
A method for controlling the agglomeration of gas hydrates within a vessel or flowbore comprising:
A system for controlling gas hydrates within a vessel or flowbore, the system comprising:
A method for controlling the agglomeration of gas hydrates within a vessel or flowbore comprising:
A system for controlling gas hydrates within a vessel or flowbore, the system comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.