No Risk, No Reward: A New Era of Risk-Based Hydrate Management for Gas-condensate Developments

Abstract The integration of digital solutions, engineering expertise, operational knowledge, and advanced laboratory testing is unlocking value in stranded assets. By assessing the unique fluid properties and operating conditions of each asset, cutting-edge technologies, laboratory analyses, and modeling techniques can be leveraged to quantify hydrate formation and plugging risks in economically marginal gas- condensate fields. Hydrate management strategies have facilitated the development of numerous projects worldwide that were previously considered unviable due to economic and technical challenges. While there is extensive literature on risk-based hydrate management approaches for oil systems, this paper focuses on the emerging application of these strategies in gas-condensate developments. Collaborations with leading flow assurance laboratories and academic institutions enable quantification of hydrate risks associated with a project. By analyzing the critical factors for stable hydrate formation, these developments gain an additional layer of confidence, enhancing their attractiveness for investment. Utilizing the latest hydrate kinetics software embedded in OLGA (e.g., UWA, CSMHyk) provides a more pragmatic approach to subsea design for hydrate management. The insights and methodologies shared in this paper demonstrate leadership in flow assurance, guiding the implementation of effective solutions and driving future growth and optimization of production processes. Furthermore, this paper emphasizes the importance of a robust hydrate remediation strategy to minimize production deferment due to hydrate blockages. It highlights the need for upfront investment in critical infrastructure to ensure the swift and efficient resolution of any blockages that may occur throughout the field's life.