Gas Hydrate

• Gas hydrates belong to a class of substances called clathrates.

• Clathrate is a compound in which molecules of one component
are physically within the crystal structure of another.
• When the host structure is water, the clathrate is called
hydrates.

Ice (water)

hydrate
HYDRATE FORMATION CONDITIONS

• The formation of hydrate requires the following three

conditions :
– The right combination of temperature and pressure
Hydrate formation is favored by low temperature and high pressure
– Hydrate former
Hydrate formers include methane, ethane, CO2, H2S, etc.
– Sufficient amount of water
Hydrate formation need not too much and not too little of water.
• Phenomena that enhance hydrate formation
– Turbulence area
Caused by high velocity or agitation
– Availability of nucleation sites
pipeline fitting, weld point, and presence of sand, silt, dirt and
scale make good nucleation sites as well.
– Free water
Free water is not necessary, but the presence of free water enhance
hydrate formation. The water gas interface is a good nucleation sites
for hydrate formation.
HYDRATE FORMATION CONDITIONS
HYDRATE FORMATION CONDITIONS

Hydrate Formation Curve, Initial Pressure 4220 psig

5000

4500 Hydrate Formation curve

from 4220/160
4000
from 4220/118
3500
from 4220/100

Pressure (psig)
3000 from 4220/85

2500 from 4220/150

from 4220/140
2000
from 4220/130
1500
from 4000/160

1000 from 3500/160

from 3000/160
500
from 2500/160
0
-200 -100 0 100 200 300 400 water dew point
Temperature (F)