Scientists from the Perm National Research Polytechnic University (PNIPU) have developed a method for predicting hydrate formation in oil wells. These deposits of water-hydrocarbon compounds can clog equipment and stop the oil production process. The new technique allows predicting hydrate formation with 90% accuracy, the university press service said.
During field development, scientists noticed that one in three wells is subject to hydrate formation processes. To determine the intervals of hydrate accumulation, researchers studied temperature and pressure at various points along the wellbore. Taking into account the composition of the associated oil gas and formation water, they determined the dependence of the deposit formation on these parameters. As a result, scientists created pressure-temperature curves that allowed them to determine the conditions for the onset of hydrate formation. The technique was successfully tested in 22 wells.
According to Associate Professor Alexander Lekomtsev, the intensity of hydrate formation is affected by the high gas factor, the inlet pressure of electric centrifugal pumps is lower than the saturation pressure, and the high oil water cut. The developed methodology will help to assess and predict the fields that negatively affect oil production. This will allow to take timely measures to optimize the process and operate wells more efficiently.
Source: Ferra
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