Engineering Encyclopedia

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Hydrate Inhibition Methods

Note: The source of the technical material in this volume is the Professional
Engineering Development Program (PEDP) of Engineering Services.
Warning: The material contained in this document was developed for Saudi
Aramco and is intended for the exclusive use of Saudi Aramco’s
employees. Any material contained in this document which is not
already in the public domain may not be copied, reproduced, sold, given,
or disclosed to third parties, or otherwise used in whole, or in part,
without the written permission of the Vice President, Engineering
Services, Saudi Aramco.

Chapter : Process For additional information on this subject, contact

File Reference: CHE20602 R.A. Al-Husseini on 874-2792
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CONTENTS PAGES

INFORMATION

TEMPERATURE CONTROL METHODS AND EQUIPMENT USED 1

TO INHIBIT HYDRATE FORMATION IN A NATURAL GAS STREAM

CALCULATING METHANOL INJECTION RATE REQUIRED TO 7

INHIBIT HYDRATE FORMATION IN A NATURAL GAS STREAM

CALCULATING GLYCOL INJECTION RATE REQUIRED TO 27

INHIBIT HYDRATE FORMATION IN A NATURAL GAS STREAM

WORK AID
Work Aid 1: Procedures and Resources for Calculating 50
Methanol Injection Rate Required to Inhibit
Hydrate Formation in a Natural Gas Stream

Work Aid 2: Procedures and Resources for Calculating 70

Glycol Injection Rate Required to Inhibit
Hydrate Formation in a Natural Gas Stream
GLOSSARY 80

ADDENDA

Addendum A: Symbols for Physical Quantities

Used in ChE 206.02 83
Addendum B: Abbreviated List of Equations
Used in ChE 206.02 84
Addendum C: Indirect Heater Sizing Calculations 87

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TEMPERATURE CONTROL METHODS AND EQUIPMENT USED TO INHIBIT

HYDRATE FORMATION IN A NATURAL GAS STREAM

Heating a natural gas or depressurizing it (thus cooling it) while it is under hot conditions can
inhibit hydrate formation. In above ground operations, the temperature drop caused by
depressurizing (expanding) a gas can result in the temperature of the gas stream dropping
below its hydrate-formation temperature. Because of the high temperatures underground, a
gas stream can be expanded underground without the resulting temperature dropping below
its hydrate-formation temperature. Therefore, expanding a gas stream in a well bore helps
prevent hydrate-formation in downstream processing.

The two main pieces of equipment used to control gas stream temperature and inhibit hydrate
formation are downhole regulators and indirect heaters. Downhole regulators inhibit hydrate
formation by expanding gas streams while they are in the wellbore. Indirect heaters inhibit
hydrate formation both at wellheads (wellhead heaters) and along flowlines (flowline heaters).
Indirect heaters are often used to inhibit hydrate formation caused by expansion or to replace
heat lost by a flowline to the surrounding air and ground.

Downhole regulators and indirect heaters are used around the world. Saudi Aramco however,
does not commonly use either temperature control method. Saudi Aramco’s only gas wells,
Khuff gas, operate at a high enough temperature that hydrates are not a problem. Saudi
Aramco’s gas pipelines do not use indirect heaters as the gas in these lines has already been
processed to some extent (such as dew-point conditioning) that hydrates are not a problem.

Downhole Regulators

The use of downhole regulators to inhibit hydrate formation by controlling gas stream
temperatures is generally feasible when the gas well has the following conditions:

• A high reservoir pressure that is not expected to decline rapidly

• Excess pressure
• High capacity

The temperature and pressure of a gas stream as well as its composition determine whether
hydrates will form when gas is expanded into the flowlines. Cooling occurs as gas is
expanded across the choke. Downhole regulators lower the pressure of the gas stream from
well pressure to near-salesline pressure in the wellbore. Operating conditions resulting from
the expansion of the gas are outside the hydrate-formation range of the gas stream because of
the high temperatures in the well.

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Downhole Regulator Design

Downhole regulators contain a spring-loaded valve and stem that outside vendors set from the
surface by using a wireline (wire used to lower tools into the wellbore) run through the
wellbore tubing. The pressure drop across the regulator remains constant and does not
depend, within a broad range, on the flow rate of the well.

The design of downhole regulators requires using complex calculations that must account for
the following:
• Downhole pressures and temperatures
• Well depth
• Wellbore configuration

The performance of these involved calculations is not necessary because production

equipment vendors provide detailed information on the design of downhole regulators.
However, simpler calculations estimate the feasibility of installing downhole regulators.

Indirect Heaters

Two types of indirect heaters are used to inhibit hydrate formation: wellhead and flowline.
The expansion of gas streams at or near wellheads often results in the formation of hydrates.
Wellhead heaters keep the temperatures of these gas streams above their hydrate-formation
temperatures.

Flowlines in other parts of the world often lose enough heat to the surrounding air and ground
to lower the temperature of the gas stream below its hydrate-formation temperature. Flowline
heaters inhibit hydrate formation by replacing this lost heat and keeping the temperature of
the gas stream above its hydrate-formation temperature. Flowline heaters also inhibit hydrate
formation by heating gas streams expanded or choked downstream from the wellhead.

Indirect Heater Design

Different heater designs accomplish the same purpose: to heat the gas. Flowline heaters do
not require the chokes and high-pressure safety valves that wellhead heaters need.

Indirect heaters are vessels that contain a fire tube and a coil immersed in a heat transfer fluid
(usually water or a glycol and water mixture) within a heater shell. The fire tube is usually
fired by gas. The coil contains the fluid (the gas stream) to be heated and operates at full gas
pressure. The heater shell operates at atmospheric pressure. Figure 1 shows a typical indirect
heater.

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Indirect Heaters (Cont’d)

FIGURE 1: TYPICAL INDIRECT HEATER

Wellhead Heaters - Figure 2 shows a schematic of a typical wellhead heater.

FIGURE 2: TYPICAL WELLHEAD HEATER INSTALLATION

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Flowline Heaters - Flowline heaters heat gas streams above their hydrate-forming
temperatures. In many cases, properly designed and placed wellhead heaters provide
sufficient heat to eliminate the need for flowline heaters.

Unlike wellhead heaters, flowline heaters do not require most of the equipment shown in
Figure 2. Flowline heaters require a bypass valve so that a heater can be removed from
service or to allow the pipeline to be scrapped.

Indirect Heater Sizing

The determination of the size of a heater depends on the following conditions:

• Amounts of gas, water, oil, or condensate expected in the heater

• Inlet temperature and pressure
• Outlet temperature and pressure (to avoid hydrate-forming conditions)

The size of heater coils to use depends on the volume of fluid flowing through the coil and the
required heat-transfer load.

When heater coils are sized, it is important to consider operating conditions in addition to
normal, steady-state operating conditions. Transient startup of a shut-in well may require
extra heating capacity. The temperature and pressure conditions of a shut-in well and the extra
liquids accumulated while the well was shut in may increase the heating load. Often, heaters
are necessary only while wells are being started up. Installing preheat coils ahead of chokes
is generally practical for wells operated only intermittently.

System Optimization - Heat requirements that at first appear large can often be reduced or
even eliminated by optimizing the operation of a gas system. For instance, the combination
of gas streams from multiple wells can produce higher gas flow temperatures. Furthermore,
the reduction of gas pressures of the lines at a central point is generally more efficient than
separately reducing the gas pressures of the lines.

However, the reduction of flowline pressures at a central point requires extra-strength

gathering lines that can withstand wellhead shut-in pressures. The regulation of the pressure
of gathering lines by the installation of well shut-in valves eliminates the need for extra-
strength piping.

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Indirect Heater Sizing Calculations - The calculations required to size indirect heaters are
complex and are not covered in detail. The procedure for sizing an indirect heater is
described below and in Addendum C.

• The need for a heater preheat coil is determined.

• The outlet temperature of the heater is determined.
• The heat required to heat the gas is calculated.
• The size and surface area of the heating coil is determined.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Temperature Control Methods

Downhole Regulators

Downhole regulators have the following advantages:

• Low initial investment

• Do not require routine service

Downhole regulators have the following limitations or disadvantages:

• They may not inhibit hydrate formation during startup. It may be necessary to
inhibit hydrate formation by injecting either methanol or glycol until the gas flow
and temperature stabilize.

• Generally, an outside vendor must change the pressure drop on the regulator.

• When well output falls below normal production levels, processors must remove
and replace downhole regulators with another hydrate inhibition method.

• When work is performed inside a wellbore, the well may be permanently

damaged.

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Indirect Heaters

The advantages of using indirect heaters to inhibit the formation of hydrates include the
following:

• Minimal maintenance or attention required

• Very low chemical requirements

The disadvantages of using indirect heaters to inhibit hydrates include the following:

• Difficulty of supplying clean and reliable fuel to remote locations

• Large operating (fuel) costs if cheap fuel is not available
• Potentially large capital costs
• Significant plot space required
• Special safety equipment needed because of fire hazard

Comparison of Temperature Control Methods

Figure 3 compares the use of downhole regulators and wellhead heaters to inhibit hydrate
formation. The high capital costs of heaters generally limit their use to large hydrate
inhibition installations. Downhole regulators work best in large reservoirs with high
gas pressures that are not expected to decline rapidly.

DOWNHOLE
DESIGN FACTORS REGULATORS WELLHEAD HEATERS
Investment Very low Very high
Fuel None Very high
Operating Maintenance Low Low
Chemicals None Very low
Plot Area None Very high
Hazards High High
Downtime Low Low

Source: Dehydration and Hydrate Inhibition. Exxon Production Research

Company, Production Operations Division. July 1986. With permission from
Exxon Production Research Company.

FIGURE 3: COMPARISON OF TEMPERATURE CONTROL METHODS

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CALCULATING METHANOL INJECTION RATE REQUIRED TO INHIBIT

HYDRATE FORMATION IN A NATURAL GAS STREAM

Chemical Injection

Currently, methanol (MeOH) and monoethylene glycol (MEG) are the two chemicals most
commonly injected into gas streams to inhibit hydrate formation. Consider the use of
chemical injection to inhibit hydrate formation for the following:

• Gas pipelines in which hydrates form at localized points

• Gas streams operating a few degrees above their hydrate formation temperature

• Gas-gathering systems in pressure-declining fields

• Situations where hydrate problems are of short duration

Hydrate inhibitors act similarly to antifreeze. Adding a known quantity of an inhibitor to a

known quantity of pure liquid reduces the hydrate-formation temperature by a calculable
amount.

Equation for Calculating Required Depressions of Hydrate-Formation Temperatures

Hydrate inhibitors act similarly to antifreeze. Adding a known quantity of an inhibitor to a

known quantity of pure liquid reduces the hydrate-formation temperature by a calculable
amount. Equation 1 calculates the required depression of hydrate-formation temperatures as
follows:

∆T = TH - Tminimum+ S (Eqn. 1)

where: DT = Depression of hydrate-formation temperature, °F

TH = Hydrate-formation temperature of gas stream, °F
Tminimum = Minimum temperature of system, °F
S = Safety factor to account for uncertainty in TH, °F

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Hammerschmidt Equation

The flow rate of the chemical inhibitor required to depress the hydrate-formation temperature
of a gas stream can be calculated by hand or with computer programs. Computer programs
(PRO/II and HYSIM) use thermodynamic equations (Eqn. 2) that describe the freezing point
depression of an ideal solution.

RT02  n 
∆T = In 1+ inhibitor 
∆Hf  n solvent  (Eqn. 2)

where: DT = Depression of hydrate-formation temperature, °F

R = Gas constant
T0 = Normal freezing point (absolute temperature scale)
DHf = Enthalpy of fusion per mole of solvent
ninhibitor = Moles of solute (inhibitor)
nsolvent = Moles of solvent

The simplification of Eqn. 2 for hand calculations results in the Hammerschmidt equation
(Eqn. 3). Theoretically, this equation applies only to typical natural gases with solute
concentrations less than 0.20 mole fraction. In practice, however, the Hammerschmidt
equation has been successfully used for glycol systems with inhibitor concentrations up to
0.40 mole fraction (70 wt % MEG) and with temperatures as low as -40°F to -50°F. The
Hammerschmidt equation is as follows:

KHwI
∆T =
100M -MwI (Eqn. 3)

Equation 4 is the Hammerschmidt equation (Eqn. 3) solved for the weight percent of
inhibitor.

(∆T)(M)
wI = (100)
KH + (∆T)(M) (Eqn. 4)

where: w I = Weight percent of the chemical inhibitor in the solution

DT = Depression of hydrate-formation temperature, °F
M = Molecular weight of the chemical inhibitor (methanol or glycol)
KH = 2,335 for methanol and 4,000 for glycol

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Methanol

Methanol works well as a hydrate inhibitor because of the following reasons:

• It can attack or dissolve hydrates already formed.

• It does not react chemically with any natural gas constituents.
• It is not corrosive.
• It is reasonable in cost.
• It is soluble in water at all concentrations.

Methanol significantly depresses hydrate-formation temperatures. Figure 4 shows the effect

of methanol on the hydrate-formation temperature of propane.

Source: Katz, Donald L. and Robert L. Lee; Natural Gas Engineering: Production and Storage .
McGraw-Hill. © 1990. With permission from the Gas Processors Suppliers Association.
FIGURE 4: EFFECT OF METHANOL ON HYDRATE FORMATION IN PROPANE

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Methanol Applications

Because methanol’s material cost is so low and its vapor losses so high, methanol is often not
recovered. Not requiring a recovery system significantly reduces capital costs. Therefore,
methanol injection is generally economical for temporary installations, situations with low gas
volumes, or situations with mild, infrequent, or seasonal hydrate problems.

For instance, the Uthmaniyah Gas Plant uses methanol injection in case its solid desiccant
dehydration system fails. Because of its high volatility, methanol is also injected to inhibit
hydrate formation in pipelines.

Methanol Injection System

Figure 5 shows a simplified schematic of a typical methanol injection system. This system
inhibits hydrate formation at a choke or pressure-reducing valve. A gas-driven pump injects
the methanol into the gas stream upstream of the choke or pressure-reducing valve. The
temperature controller measures the temperature in the gas stream and adjusts the power-gas
control valve. The power-gas control valve controls the flow of power gas, which controls
the methanol injection rate.

Source: Dehydration and Hydrate Inhi bition. Exxon Production Research Company, Production
Operations Division. July 1986. With permission from Exxon Production Research
Company.
FIGURE 5: METHANOL INJECTION SYSTEM

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Figure 6 shows the cycle of a typical methanol injection and recovery system for a cryogenic
application. The free-water knockout first removes free water and other entrained liquids.
Then the system injects methanol into a gas-gas exchanger before the gas stream enters a
chiller. The methanol-hydrocarbon separator removes the methanol from the gas stream. The
water wash tower washes the methanol from liquid hydrocarbons collected in the flash drum
and the methanol-hydrocarbon separator.

The reduction of the amount of free water in a gas stream before the gas stream reaches the
chemical injection point considerably reduces the amount of chemical inhibitor required. A
free-water knockout installed at a wellhead removes free water, and thereby reduces the
amount of inhibitor needed.

Washed
propane
To fractionation

Water
HC wash
gas tower Propane
Methanol- product from
hydrocarbon depropanizer
Gas-gas
exchanger separator
Vent gas
Feed Chiller
gas Spray
Nozzle
Dissolved
gas
Free- Reflux
Flash
water pump
drum
knockout Methanol
still

Water
surge
drum

Excess water
Methanol
injection pump Methanol
storage

Source: Nielsen, R. B. and R. W. Bucklin. "Use of Methanol for Hydrate Control in

Expander Plants." Fluor Engineers and Constructors, Inc. Presented at 1981 Gas
Conditioning Conference. With permission from Fluor engineers and Constructors,
Inc.

FIGURE 6: METHANOL INJECTION AND RECOVERY SYSTEM

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For instance, the saturated water content of gas at reservoir conditions of 2,500 psia and
200°F is 315 lb H2O/MMSCF. The saturated water content of this same gas at wellhead
conditions of 2,000 psia and 120°F is 65 lb H2O/MMSCF. Therefore, the gas at wellhead
conditions contains 250 lb H2O/MMSCF of free water. If this extra free water is not
removed, extra chemical inhibitors have to be used. However, the use of extra chemical
inhibitors increases the cost of the operation.

Method of Injecting Methanol - The injection of methanol considerably upstream of a

hydrate-forming location allows the methanol to distribute and vaporize completely. Because
of methanol’s high volatility, nozzle placement and design are not as critical as they are for
glycol injection. Methanol injection nozzles should be located as follows:

• Upstream of front-end exchangers

• At the inlets of turboexpanders
• At any refrigerated condensers in downstream fractionation

To prevent the water-methanol solution from freezing in turboexpander outlets operating

below -102°F, methanol injection control must be very accurate.

Hammerschmidt Equation Modified for High Concentrations of Methanol

The modified Hammerschmidt equation (Eqn. 5) accurately calculates hydrate-formation

temperature depressions for inhibitor concentrations higher than 0.20 mole fraction and for
methanol injection systems that are operating with temperatures as low as -160°F.

2
RT0
∆T = - ln xwater
∆Hf (Eqn. 5)

where: DT = Depression of hydrate-formation temperature, °F

R = Gas constant
T0 = Normal freezing point (absolute temperature scale)
DHf = Enthalpy of fusion per mole of solvent
xwater = Mole fraction of water in the aqueous-methanol solution

The substitution of methanol-specific values results in the following:

∆T = -129.6 In (1- xMeOH) (Eqn. 6)

where: xMeOH = Mole fraction of MeOH in the aqueous-methanol

solution

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Figure 37 (in Work Aid 1B) tabulates hydrate-formation temperature depressions (DT)
calculated by using the modified Hammerschmidt equation (Eqn. 6).

Methanol depresses hydrate-formation temperatures a maximum of 234°F at a concentration

of 90 wt % or 0.835 mole fraction. At concentrations higher than 90 wt %, methanol forms a
solid at low temperatures. Generally, methanol is not used at concentrations above 30 wt %.
However, applications that require maximum depression of hydrate-formation temperatures,
such as in a turboexpander plant, generally use methanol concentrations of 90 wt %.

Determining Methanol Injection Rates (General Applications)

This module covers two methods for calculating methanol injection rates. The first method
(general applications) does not use high methanol concentrations (above 30 wt %) or
compensate for methanol solubility in hydrocarbon liquids. The second method (cryogenic
applications) considers both high methanol concentrations and the solubility of methanol in
hydrocarbon liquids. It is covered in a later section.

To determine methanol injection rates, the following conditions need to be accounted for:

• The amount of free water condensed from the natural gas after chilling or
expanding

• The concentration of methanol required to depress the hydrate-formation

temperature

• The flow rate of the gas stream

• The solubility of methanol in the hydrocarbon vapor

Calculating Water Content of Gas Stream (W)

To determine the water content of the gas stream, use the following methods, which were
covered in ChE 206.01:

• Gravity graphic
• HYSIM
• K-value
• SimSci

To calculate the amount of water condensed out of the gas stream, you need to determine the
saturation temperature of the gas stream. Although the condensation of hydrocarbons can be
significant in some cases, the methods used in this module to calculate the amount of water
condensed do not account for them. The effect of hydrocarbon condensation can be
accounted for by developing overall mass balances and by applying the principles of this
module.

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Determining Hydrate-Formation Temperature (TH)

For general applications, you can use the gravity graphic method to determine hydrate-
formation temperature. For cryogenic applications (such as in a turboexpander plant), you
should use a more sophisticated method, preferably a computer program (such as PRO/II or
HYSIM).

Calculating Methanol Concentration Required to Depress Hydrate-Formation

Temperature

For methanol concentrations up to 30 wt %, use the Hammerschmidt equation (Eqn. 3).

Figure 32 (in Work Aid 1A) plots experimental data that correspond to the Hammerschmidt
equation.

Safety Margin (S) - For general applications that use methanol concentrations below 30 wt
%, a safety margin of 5°F to 10°F must be applied to compensate for uncertainties in the
Hammerschmidt equation and in operating conditions. Because the Hammerschmidt equation
is conservative, 5°F is generally sufficient.

Calculating Methanol Injection Rates (q MeOH)

The total methanol injection rate is calculated in two steps. First, calculate the methanol
injection rate required to achieve the concentration of methanol in the aqueous solution which
inhibits hydrate formation (q MeOHaq). Then calculate the methanol injection rate required
to compensate for methanol vapor losses (q MeOHvapor). The sum of the two injection rates
is the total methanol injection rate required to inhibit hydrate formation. The equations
developed in Work Aid 1 for the calculation of methanol injection rates assume that pure
methanol is injected.

Calculating Vapor Losses - Calculating the methanol injection rate to compensate for vapor
losses requires determining the methanol vapor-to-liquid composition ratio. Figure 32 (in
Work Aid 1A) plots vapor-to-liquid composition ratios at various temperatures and pressures.

The following sample problem demonstrates how to calculate a methanol injection rate by
using Work Aid 1A. The nine steps of this sample problem parallel the numbered steps of the
procedure summarized in Figure 30 and Figure 31 in Work Aid 1A.

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Sample Problem: Calculating Methanol Injection Rates (General Applications)

Calculate the methanol injection rate required to inhibit the formation of hydrates in a
saturated gas stream being cooled in a chiller. Refer to Work Aid 1A.

Given:
Gas specific gravity =0.67
Inlet temperature =70°F
Chiller temperature =40°F
Operating pressure =700 psia

Solution:

1. The gas stream is saturated at the inlet temperature, 70°F.

2. The method covered in ChE 206.01 to determine the water content of the gas at 70°F
and 40°F is used to calculate that the amount of free water condensed out of the gas
stream in the chiller is 12 lb H2O/MMSCF.

Winlet = 23 lb H2O/MMSCF (at 70°F and 700 psia)

Wchiller = 11 lb H2O/MMSCF (at 40°F and 700 psia)
DW = Winlet - Wchiller (Eqn. 7)
= 23 lb H2O/MMSCF - 11 lb H2O/MMSCF
= 12 lb H2O/MMSCF

3. The gravity graphic method covered in ChE 206.01 is used to determine the hydrate-
formation temperature of the gas stream is 58°F.

4. The hydrate-formation temperature of the gas stream must be depressed by 23°F.

ÆT = TH - Tminimum + S (Eqn. 1)
= 58°F - 40°F + 5°F
= 23°F

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5. A DT of 23°F and the Hammerschmidt equation (Eqn. 4) are used to determine the gas
stream requires a 24 wt % concentration of methanol in the aqueous solution (w I).

(∆T)(M)
(100)
w I = KH + (∆T)(M) (Eqn. 4)
 lb 
(23° F) ×  32.0
mole 
× (100 )
 lb 
2,335 + (23°F ) × 32.0
 mole 
=
= 24 wt % MeOH

6. The injection rate required to compensate for methanol vapor losses is 28.1 lb
MeOH/MMSCF.

By refering to Figure 33, the vapor-to-liquid composition ratio is determined to be 1.17

lb MeOH/MMSCF/wt % MeOH at 40°F and 700 psia.

q MeOHvapor = (vapor-to-liquid composition ratio)(w MeOH) (Eqn. 9)

1.17 lb MeOH
MMSCF × 24 wt % MeOH
q MeOHvapor = wt % MeOH
= 28.1 lb MeOH/MMSCF

7. The methanol injection rate required to obtain 24 wt % MeOH in the aqueous solution (q
MeOHaq) is 3.8 lb/MMSCF.

(∆W )(w MeOH)

q MeOHaq = w water (Eqn. 10)
12 lb H2O/MMSCF × 24 wt % MeOH
= 76 wt % H2O
= 3.8 lb MeOH/MMSCF

8. The total methanol injection rate (qMeOH) required is 31.9 lb MeOH/MMSCF.

q MeOHtotal = q MeOHvapor + q MeOHaq (Eqn. 11)

= 28.1 lb MeOH/MMSCF + 3.8 lb MeOH/MMSCF
= 31.9 lb MeOH/MMSCF

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9. The density of methanol found in Figure 46 is used to convert the total injection rate to
gal MeOH/MMSCF as follows:

31.9 lb MeOH × gal MeOH

= MMSCF 6.55 lb MeOH
gal MeOH
4.9
= MMSCF

Answer: The methanol injection rate required for this system is 4.9 gal MeOH/MMSCF.

Calculating Methanol Injection Rates (Cryogenic Applications)

The calculation of methanol injection rates for cryogenic applications follows the same
general procedure just described for general applications. Calculations for cryogenic
applications require the following:

• A much larger safety factor (typically, at least 35°F)

• The calculation of an additional methanol injection rate to compensate for

methanol absorbed by a liquid hydrocarbon component

• Graphs with more complete data

• More precise methods of predicting hydrate-formation temperatures

• The use of very high methanol concentrations (90 wt %)

Work Aid 1B groups the steps of this procedure into the following sequential tasks:

1. Calculating the water content and hydrate-formation temperature of the gas stream
(Figure 34)

2. Calculating the required depression of the hydrate-formation temperature, the

safety margin, and determining the solubility of methanol in hydrocarbons (Figure
35)

3. Calculating the methanol injection rate (Figure 36)

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Determining Water Content

As in the method for general applications, the amount of water that is condensed out of the
gas stream when the gas stream is cooled or expanded in the chiller, separator, or other piece
of equipment must be calculated. Again, the saturation temperature of the gas stream needs to
be determined. Because graphs plotting data for cryogenic conditions are in different units of
measurement, the flow rate of water needs to be converted to lb H2O/hr.

Determining Hydrate-Formation Temperature

To calculate the hydrate-formation temperature (TH) for the gas stream, a method more
sophisticated than the gravity graphic method, such as the K-value method, or a computer
program, such as PRO/II, must be used.

Calculating Required Depression of Hydrate-Formation Temperature

For most situations, you should use a concentration of 90 wt % methanol in the aqueous
solution and calculate the depressed hydrate-formation temperature. A methanol
concentration of 90 wt % depresses hydrate-formation temperatures by 234°F. Figure 37
tabulates the results of the modified Hammerschmidt equation (Eqn. 6).

Safety Margin - To adjust the flow rate of the injected inhibitor, a concentration of methanol
lower than 90 wt % may need to be used. However, a proper safety margin (generally 35°F)
should be maintained. The safety margin is the difference between the hydrate-formation
temperature and the depressed hydrate-formation temperature (THdepressed). Safety margins
should also be calculated for downstream equipment.

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The performance of a mass balance around the chiller, separator, or other piece of equipment
helps clarify the calculations. Figure 7 shows a mass balance around a separator.

Source: Reproduced with permission from Hydrocarbon Processing, April 1983.

FIGURE 7: MASS BALANCE AROUND SEPARATOR

Determining Solubility of Methanol in Hydrocarbons

Figures 38, 39, and 40 in Work Aid 1B plot the solubility of methanol in hydrocarbon vapor
(the vapor-to-liquid composition ratio) for different temperature ranges. Figure 41 in Work
Aid 1B plots the solubility of methanol in hydrocarbon liquid.

Because the data extrapolated from plant data (dashed line) is more conservative, you should
(when possible) use it. Even though this data is relatively conservative, you should still add a
safety margin of 20%.

In addition to these figures, computer programs such as PRO/II and HYSIM also calculate
methanol losses. Results generated by computer programs, however, should be compared
with results from other sources.

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Calculating Methanol Injection Rates

As in the general method, the total methanol injection rate is the sum of partial injection rates
required to do the following:

• Achieve the required concentration of methanol in the aqueous solution

• Compensate for methanol vapor losses

• Compensate for methanol lost when it dissolves into the hydrocarbon liquid
component

Injection Rate to Account for Vapor Losses - Because of the units of measurement used in
Figures 38, 39, and 40, the calculation of the injection rate to account for vapor losses
requires multiplication of the vapor-to-liquid composition ratio by the flow rate of the
hydrocarbon vapor, instead of the gas stream feed rate. The conversion of the injection rate to
lb MeOH/hr requires the use of the conversion factor of 379.5 SCF/lb-mole.

Injection Rate to Account for Solubility Hydrocarbon Liquid - Because of the units of
measurement used in Figure 41, the calculation of the injection rate to account for solubility
hydrocarbon liquid requires multiplication of the solubility of methanol by the flow rate of the
hydrocarbon liquid and the molecular weight of methanol (32 lb/mole).

The following sample problem demonstrates how to calculate a methanol injection rate for a
cryogenic application by using Work Aid 1B. The fourteen steps of this sample problem
parallel the numbered steps of the procedure summarized in Figure 34, Figure 35, and Figure
36 in Work Aid 1B.

Sample Problem: Calculating Methanol Injection Rates (Cryogenic Applications)

Referring to Work Aid 1B, calculate the methanol injection rate required to inhibit hydrate
formation in a separator. Figure 8 shows the flow of the gas stream. A gas-gas exchanger
and a chiller cool the gas stream before it is separated.

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Given:

Source: Nielsen, R. B. and R. W. Bucklin. "Use of Methanol for Hydrate Control in

Expander Plants." Fluor Engineers and Constructors, Inc. Presented at 1981 Gas
Conditioning Conference. With permission from Fluor Engineers and Constructors,
Inc.
FIGURE 8: FLOW OF GAS STREAM IN METHANOL INJECTION SAMPLE
PROBLEM (CRYOGENIC)

Solution:

[Link] water content of the inlet gas is given.

[Link] methods described in the ChE 206.01 are used to determine that the amount of free
water condensed out of the gas stream (DW) is 2.24 lb H2O/MMSCF.

From ChE 206.01:

Woutlet = 0.012 lb H2O/MMSCF

DW = Winlet - Woutlet (Eqn. 7)

= 2.25 lb H2O/MMSCF - 0.012 lb H2O/MMSCF
= 2.24 lb H2O/MMSCF

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3. The flow rate of the condensed water is 168 lb H2O/hr.

 1 day 
qwater = (DW)(q gas stream)  24 hr  (Eqn. 12)
2.24 lb H2O 1,800 MMSCF 1 day
× ×
= MMSCF day 24 hr
lb H2O
168
= hr

4. The methods from ChE 206.01 are used to determine that the hydrate-formation
temperature (TH) of the gas stream is 45°F.

5. By using 90 wt % MeOH in the aqueous solution and referring to Figure 37, the
depressed hydrate-formation temperature is determined to be -189°F.

From Figure 38:

ÆT = 234°F

THdepressed = TH - DT (Eqn. 13)

= 45°F - 234°F
= -189°F

6. A methanol concentration of 90 wt % provides a safety margin of 89°F.

S = Tminimum - (TH - DT) (Eqn.14)

= -100°F - (45°F - 234°F)
= 89°F

7. By referring to Figure 39, and using the values for the temperature (-100°F) and the
pressure (600 psia) in the separator, the solubility of methanol in hydrocarbon vapor is
determined to be 0.83 lb MeOH/MMSCF/mole fraction MeOH in the aqueous solution.

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8. The plant data in Figure 41 is used to calculate the solubility of methanol in hydrocarbon
liquid at -100°F. The addition of a 20% safety margin results in the following:

0.2 mole MeOH

100 mole HCliquid
From Figure 41: Solubility of MeOH in HCliquid =
0.24 mole MeOH
100 mole HCliquid
Adding a 20% safety margin: =

Figure 9 shows the mass balance around the separator.

Source: Reproduced with permission from Hydrocarbon Processing, April 1983.

FIGURE 9: MASS BALANCE AROUND SEPARATOR IN METHANOL INJECTION
SAMPLE PROBLEM (CRYOGENIC)

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9. The methanol injection rate required to account for methanol vapor losses
(q MeOHvapor) is 45 lb MeOH/hr. From Figure 37, 90 wt % methanol equals 0.835
mole fraction.

q MeOHvapor = (vapor-to-liquid composition ratio)(xMeOH)

 SCF 
379. 5
 lb -mole 
 10 6 
(qHCvapor)   (Eqn. 15)
0.83 lb MeOH
MMSCF × 0.835 mole fraction MeOH
q MeOHvapor = mole fraction MeOH
173,000 mole HCvapor 379.5 SCF
× × lb-mole
hr 6
10
45 lb MeOH
= hr

10. The methanol injection rate required to account for methanol dissolved in hydrocarbon
liquid is 1,940 lb MeOH/hr. From Figure 46, the molecular weight of methanol
(MMeOH) is 32 lb/mole.

q MeOHliquid = (Solubility of MeOH in HCliquid )(qHCliquid )(MMeOH)

(Eqn. 16)
25,200 mole HCliquid
0.24 mole MeOH × × 32 lb MeOH
100 mole HCliquid hr mole MeOH
=
= 1,940 lb MeOH/hr

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11. The methanol injection rate required to obtain a concentration of 90 wt % MeOH in the
aqueous solution is 1,510 lb MeOH/hr.

w MeOHaq × q water
w wateraq
q MeOHaq = (Eqn. 17)
90 lb MeOH 168 lb H2O 100 lb aqueous solution
× ×
= 100 lb aqueous solution hr 10 lb H2O
= 1,510 lb MeOH/hr

12. The total methanol injection rate required for this system is 3,500 lb MeOH/hr.

q MeOHtotal = q MeOHvapor + q MeOHliquid+ q MeOHaq (Eqn. 18)

= 45 lb MeOH/hr + 1,940 lb MeOH/hr + 1,510 lb MeOH/hr
= 3,495 lb MeOH/hr
ª 3,500 lb MeOH/hr

13. From Figure 42, the density of methanol at 100°F is 6.47 lb/gal. The conversion of the
units of the methanol injection rate results in the following:
 1   1hr 

   60 min
q MeOH = (q MeOHtotal) densityMeOH (Eqn. 19)
lbMeOH gal MeOH hr
3, 500 ×
= hr ¥ 6.47 lb MeOH 60 min
= 9.0 gpm

Answer: The methanol injection rate required for this system is 9.0 gpm.

Source: Nielsen, R. B. and R. W. Bucklin. “Use of Methanol for Hydrate Control in

Expander Plants.” Fluor Engineers and Constructors, Inc. Presented at 1981 Gas
Conditioning Conference. With permission from Fluor Engineers and Constructors,
Inc.

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CALCULATING GLYCOL INJECTION RATE REQUIRED TO INHIBIT HYDRATE

FORMATION IN A NATURAL GAS STREAM

Like methanol, glycol inhibits hydrate formation when injected into gas streams. Figure 10
compares the advantages and disadvantages of glycol and methanol injection.

INHIBITOR ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES/

LIMITATIONS
Glycol Usually lower operating cost than High initial cost
methanol when both systems Possibility of glycol contamination
recover injected chemical
Limited use (only noncryogenic
Low vapor losses (low volatility) applications)
Cannot dissolve hydrates already
formed
Methanol Relatively low initial cost High operating cost
Simple system Generally, use glycol injection if
Does not generally need to be methanol injection rate is over 30
recovered gph
Low viscosity Large vapor losses (high volatility)
When injected, distributes well
into gas streams
Can dissolve hydrates already
formed
FIGURE 10: COMPARISON OF CHEMICAL INJECTION INHIBITORS
Glycol does not evaporate as easily as methanol. In some applications, glycol does not
dissolve into liquid hydrocarbons as easily as methanol. Glycol solubility in hydrocarbon
liquid increases with:
• Glycol molecular weight
• Temperature increase
• Increase in glycol concentration in water-glycol mixture
Glycol solubility also depends on hydrocarbon type. Glycols are more soluble in aromatics
and naphthenes than in paraffin hydrocarbons. Glycol solubility in hydrocarbons at 60°F and
for 50-70 wt % of glycol concentrations, range from 10 to 50 ppm for EG and 20 to 100 ppm
for DEG. These losses are ~0.3 to 3 gal glycol per 1000 barrels of condensate. Recovering
glycol, therefore, is generally more economical than recovering methanol. Economical
recovery of glycol often lowers its operating cost below methanol’s operating cost because
recovery compensates for higher material cost. As a general rule, if the calculated methanol
injection rate for a natural gas stream exceeds 30 gph, glycol injection should be chosen.

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Glycol Concentration and Dilution

In addition to inhibiting hydrate formation, you also need to choose glycol concentrations that
do not freeze. Figure 11 shows the freezing points of various aqueous glycol solutions.

KEY: MEG = Monoethylene glycol

DEG = Diethylene glycol
TEG = Triethylene glycol
TREG = Tetraethylene glycol (not generally used for hydrate inhibition)

Source: Engineering Data Book, Vol. 2, 10th ed. GPSA, Tulsa. © 1987. With permission
from the Gas Processors Suppliers Association.
FIGURE 11: FREEZING POINTS OF AQUEOUS GLYCOL SOLUTIONS

Note that solutions with glycol concentrations between about 60 wt % and 80 wt % do not
freeze. Because of this, glycol solutions are generally kept between these concentrations,
even if lower concentrations are required to depress the hydrate-formation temperature.

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Glycol Concentration and Dilution (Cont'd)

When glycol injection is performed below 20°F, the glycol freezing point must be considered.
Glycols crystallize, but do not freeze solid, which inhibits flow and proper separation. For
this reason, it is common practice to keep glycol concentrations between 60-80 wt %.

If unknowns exist, the inhibitor should not be diluted over 5-10% by the pipeline stream
being inhibited. For pipeline protection above 20°F, a greater dilution may be tolerated but
should not exceed ~20%. For spot injection, such as a heat exchanger, where distribution is a
problem, dilution may be limited to 5%.

To avoid the formation of emulsions, the water content of the injected inhibitor (lean glycol)
solution should be greater than 20 wt %. Therefore, the injection rate of pure glycol required
by the system to inhibit hydrate formation is first calculated and then the injection rate of the
lean glycol solution is calculated.

To keep the concentration of the glycol between 60 wt % and 80 wt %, the extent to which
the free water dilutes the injected glycol must be determined. Figure 12 lists and summarizes
dilution restrictions.

ALLOWABLE OR
RECOMMENDED DILUTION OF
SITUATION GLYCOL

Unknowns about the system

exist Not over 5% to 10%
Spot injection (in a heat If distribution of glycol is a
exchanger, for example) problem, limit to about 5%
Pipelines operating above 20°F Up to about 20%

Source: Francis S. Manning and Richard E. Thompson's Oilfield Processing of Petroleum,

Volume One: Natural Gas. Copyright PennWell Books, 1991.
FIGURE 12: ALLOWABLE GLYCOL DILUTIONS

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Selecting Glycol Type

The glycols normally used for hydrate inhibition are the following:

• MEG
• DEG
• TEG

Selection of the appropriate type of glycol depends on the composition of the gas stream and
on information provided by the glycol vendor.

For instance, Dow Chemical recommends that its glycols be used at concentrations of 70 wt
% to 75 wt % to avoid freezing problems. Dow Chemical also makes the recommendations
for selecting glycols listed in Figure 13.

SITUATION/CONDITION RECOMMENDATION
Natural gas transmission in Use MEG because it depresses hydrate-
which recovery is not important formation temperatures the most.
Injected glycol contacts Use MEG because it has the lowest
hydrocarbon liquids solubility of the glycols in high molecular-
weight hydrocarbons.
Severe vapor losses Use DEG or TEG because both glycols
have lower vapor pressures than the other
glycols.
Severe vapor losses and When both of these conditions are present,
injected glycol contacts DEG may be the best choice
hydrocarbon liquids

Source: Dow Chemical reported by Exxon, p. 16.

FIGURE 13: DOW CHEMICAL GLYCOL RECOMMENDATIONS

Glycol Injection and Recovery System

To help you understand the method for calculating glycol injection rates, this section briefly
describes two glycol injection and recovery systems. The two systems differ in the method
used to remove the glycol from the hydrocarbons. The first system uses two separators: one
separator removes glycol from hydrocarbon gas and the other separator removes glycol from
hydrocarbon liquid. The second system uses a three-phase single separator that combines
these two steps. This system also includes the control system for varying the glycol injection
rate.

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Glycol Injection and Recovery System Using Two Separators

Figure 14 shows a typical glycol injection and recovery system that uses a low temperature
separator and a glycol-oil separator. In this system, glycol injection inhibits the formation of
hydrates while a heat exchanger and a choke cool the gas stream.

Source: Francis S. Manning and Richard E. Thompson's Oilfield Processing of Petroleum,

Volume One: Natural Gas. Copyright PennWell Books, 1991.
FIGURE 14: GLYCOL INJECTION AND RECOVERY SYSTEM

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The glycol injection and recovery system shown in Figure 14 uses the following:

• A free-water knockout to remove free water from the gas stream.

• Glycol injection just before the heat exchanger and just before the choke.

• A low-temperature separator to remove gas from the gas, glycol-water, and

hydrocarbon mixture.

• The separated cold, dry gas to pre-cool the gas stream in the gas-gas heat
exchanger.

• A glycol-oil separator to remove rich glycol from the hydrocarbon condensate.

• The rich glycol to cool the regenerated glycol in the glycol-glycol heat exchanger.

• A glycol regenerator fired by fuel gas to regenerate the glycol to the specified
concentration for injection.

Glycol Injection and Recovery System Using a Three-Phase Separator

Figure 15 shows a typical glycol injection and recovery system that uses a three-phase
separator. The power-gas-driven pump, the temperature controller, and the injection point
shown in Figure 15 are similar to the methanol injection system shown in Figure 5. A gas-
driven pump injects the glycol into the gas stream upstream from the choke or pressure-
reducing valve. The temperature controller measures the temperature in the gas stream and
adjusts the power-gas control valve. The power-gas control valve controls the flow of power
gas, which controls the injection rate.

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Source: Dehydration and Hydrate Inhibition. Exxon Production Research Company,

Production Operations Division. July 1986. With permission from Exxon
Production Research Company.
FIGURE 15: GLYCOL INJECTION AND RECOVERY SYSTEM (THREE-PHASE)

The recovery side of the system shown in Figure 15 includes a reboiler and a three-phase
separator. The glycol injection and recovery cycle is as follows:

• The injection nozzle injects the lean glycol into the gas stream.

• The lean glycol absorbs the water and inhibits hydrate formation in the choke or
pressure-reducing valve.

• The three-phase separator separates the water and rich glycol from the hydrocarbon
gas and liquid.

• The separated components are piped to their respective destinations.

• The reboiler boils off excess water from the rich glycol, and thereby prepares it to
be injected again.

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Glycol Injection and Recovery System Components

Separators

The low-temperature separator shown in Figure 14 separates the hydrocarbon gas from the
hydrocarbon condensate-rich glycol mixture. The glycol-oil separator in Figure 14 flashes the
remaining hydrocarbon condensate-rich glycol mixture to a low pressure and then separates
out the rich glycol. As shown in Figure 15, three-phase separators combine the functions of
the low-temperature separator and the glycol-oil separator by separating the inhibited gas
stream into cold gas, hydrocarbon condensate, and rich glycol in one vessel.

Separating the rich glycol from the hydrocarbon liquid is more difficult than separating
hydrocarbon liquid from vapor. Performing both separations in one vessel sacrifices some
effectiveness and efficiency. Generally, three-phase separators require longer residence times
(20 to 40 minutes) and suffer higher glycol losses.

Reboiler

The temperature in the reboiler depends on the type and concentration of the glycol used.
Reboilers in hydrate inhibition systems do not regenerate glycols to the same high levels of
purity used in dehydration systems.

Figure 16 plots boiling temperatures of MEG. For example, Figure 16 shows that the
temperature of the reboiler should be set at about 250°F to achieve a lean MEG concentration
of 75 wt % at 1 atm (absolute). It is important not to exceed the boiling point of pure glycol
because doing so causes thermal degradation.

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KEY: B = Boiling curve

C = Condensing curve

Source: Dehydration and Hydrate Inhibition. Exxon Production Research Company,

Production Operations Division. July 1986. With permission from Exxon
Production Research Company.

FIGURE 16: BOILING POINT OF MEG

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Inhibitor Pump

A drum on top of a typical power-gas-driven pump contains the inhibitor: methanol or glycol.
The drum connects directly to the pump (generally, a positive displacement pump). Methods
for monitoring the inhibitor injection rate include inserting a calibrated dipstick through the
top of the drum or pumping the inhibitor into a measured vessel. Drums are replaced when
empty.

Glycol Losses

Glycol injection systems that involve both hydrocarbon liquids and gases generally lose
glycol to the following:

• Solubility (normally about 0.3 to 3 gallons of glycol per 1000 barrels of

hydrocarbon liquid produced)

• Leakage

• Carryover with hydrocarbon liquid and in the reboiler

• Vaporization in the reboiler and during injection

Nozzle Selection and Placement

Nozzle selection and placement indirectly affect glycol injection calculations. Although
calculated to inhibit hydrate formation, injection rates may need to be adjusted to maintain a
flow rate or pressure recommended for a particular nozzle design or placement.

Because of glycol’s low vapor pressure, nozzle design is more critical for glycol than it is for
methanol. To mix adequately with the natural gas, glycol requires a fine, well-distributed
mist. Also, to inhibit hydrates fully, the nozzle must be placed to ensure full coverage.
Installing backup nozzles in parallel with the primary nozzle allows nozzle removal,
replacement, or inspection without interrupting inhibitor service.

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Nozzle Selection - Nozzle design is especially important in the design of glycol injection
systems for cold separation facilities. The criteria for selecting a nozzle include the following:

• Capacity

• Spray angle

• Sufficient pressure drop between the nozzle and the gas stream over the expected
range of operating conditions

Normally, a pressure differential of 100 psi to 150 psi sufficiently atomizes glycol. Also, gas
stream velocities above 12 ft/s help ensure atomization.

Nozzle Placement - Normally, nozzles are located just upstream of the heat exchanger or
chiller where hydrates form. The spray from a properly located nozzle covers the entire tube
sheet of a heat exchanger.

Inadequate atomization causes the formation of glycol droplets that settle and flood the
bottom of the heat exchanger. As a result, the glycol inhibits hydrate formation in the bottom,
but not the top, of the heat exchanger. Flooding of the bottom of the heat exchanger also
significantly decreases its effectiveness. Figure 17 shows injected glycol fully covering the
tube sheet of a heat exchanger.

Source: Rosen, Ward; Manual P-8: Hydrate Inhibition, 2nd ed. Petroleum Learning
Programs, Ltd. Houston. © 1991. With permission of Petroleum Learning
Programs, Ltd.
FIGURE 17: GLYCOL SPRAYED ONTO THE TUBE SHEET OF A HEAT EXCHANGER

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Inadequate coverage can leave some tubes with a concentration of glycol that is too low,
which will result in the formation of hydrates. As shown in Figure 18, hydrates plug the
tubes, and thereby increase the differential pressure across the heat exchanger.

Source: Rosen, Ward; Manual P-8: Hydrate Inhibition, 2nd ed. Petroleum Learning
Programs, Ltd. Houston. © 1991. With permission of Petroleum Learning
Programs, Ltd.
FIGURE 18: INCREASE IN PRESSURE DROP BECAUSE OF HYDRATE
FORMATION

Figure 19 shows three nozzle placements. Locating the nozzle too close to the tube sheet
reduces coverage. Locating the nozzle too far from the tube sheet produces too wide a spray,
which provides too little glycol to the tube sheet.

Spray pattern with Spray pattern with Spray pattern with

proper nozzle nozzle too close nozzle too far
location to tube sheet from tube sheet

Source: Rosen, Ward; Manual P-8: Hydrate Inhibition, 2nd ed. Petroleum Learning
Programs, Ltd. Houston. © 1991. With permission of Petroleum Learning
Programs, Ltd.
FIGURE 19: NOZZLE PLACED AT THREE LOCATIONS: ONE FLOW RATE

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Figure 20 shows one nozzle location but three flow rates. Too low a nozzle flow rate
produces the same result as a nozzle located too close to the tube sheet. Too high a nozzle
flow rate produces the same result as a nozzle located too far from the tube sheet.

Glycol Glycol Glycol

Spray pattern at Spray pattern at Spray pattern at

proper glycol high glycol low glycol
flow rate flow rate flow rate

Source: Rosen, Ward; Manual P-8: Hydrate Inhibition, 2nd ed. Petroleum Learning
Programs, Ltd. Houston. © 1991. With permission of Petroleum Learning
Programs, Ltd.
FIGURE 20: NOZZLE PLACED AT ONE LOCATION: THREE FLOW RATES

Calculating Glycol Injection Rates

Calculating glycol injection rates is similar to calculating methanol injection rates, but it is
more critical to maintain the glycol solution between 60 wt % and 80 wt %. Also, glycol
vapor losses are insignificant: therefore, you do not need to account for them.

The method used to calculate methanol injection rates can be used for glycol. However,
because dilution is much more critical for glycol, the method must be altered to account for
glycol dilution restrictions.

If you account for vapor and solubility losses, you can also use this method for calculating
methanol injection rates. With methanol, however, the methanol concentration required to
inhibit hydrates is generally the minimum concentration allowed.

The following sections briefly describe the method for calculating glycol injection rates and
how it differs from the method for calculating methanol injection rates.

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Water Content, Hydrate-Formation Temperature, and Safety Margin

As in the methanol calculations, the saturation temperature of the gas stream needs to be
determined. Whether the saturation temperature of the gas stream is equal to or greater than
the temperature of the gas stream needs to be determined.

For most applications, the gravity graphic method is sufficient. However, computer programs
are best for design and critical applications.

Equation 1 in Work Aid 1 uses a 5°F safety margin (S) because it is usually adequate to
calculate the required depression of the hydrate-formation temperature.

Concentration of Glycol

As with methanol, the Hammerschmidt equation (Eqn. 4) is used to calculate the minimum
glycol concentration that depresses the hydrate-formation temperature of the gas stream.

(∆T) (M)
wI = (100)
KH + (∆T) (M) (Eqn. 4)

where: w I = Weight percent of the chemical inhibitor

DT = Depression of hydrate-formation temperature, °F
M = Molecular weight of the chemical inhibitor (methanol or glycol)
KH = 2,335 for methanol and 4,000 for glycol

Figure 50 in Work Aid 2 plots the results of the Hammerschmidt equation solved for weight
percent (Eqn. 4). These graphs greatly simplify the calculation of inhibitor injection rates.

Effects of Dilution Restrictions on Calculating Glycol Concentrations

Lean Glycol Solution - Because of glycol’s dilution restrictions, you need to determine the
concentration of lean glycol (w lean). Vendor specifications and/or reboiler temperatures
usually dictate the concentration of lean glycol (usually less than 80 wt % glycol). Because
pure glycol is not generally used, glycol injection rates need to be increased to account for
dilution.

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Rich Glycol Solution - Because dilution restrictions also apply to the glycol concentration
required to depress the hydrate-formation temperature (w rich), the glycol concentration
calculated by the Hammerschmidt equation needs to be compared to the vendor dilution
recommendations.

If the glycol concentration required to depress the hydrate-formation temperature is lower

than the minimum glycol concentration recommended by the vendor (usually greater than 60
wt % glycol), the glycol concentration recommended by the vendor should generally be used.

Dilution of Rich Glycol Solution - In addition to the restrictions on the concentrations of the
lean and rich glycol solutions, the dilution of the lean glycol may need to be limited. The
concentration of the rich glycol solution should be calculated by subtracting the allowed
amount of dilution recommended in Figure 12 or recommended by a vendor from the
concentration of the lean glycol.

Equation for Calculating Inhibitor Injection Rate - Once the concentrations of the lean
and rich glycol solutions have been determined, an inhibitor injection rate that maintains both
concentrations should be calculated. Equation 22 calculates inhibitor injection rates.

1
∆W × × qgas stream
 100 100 
 - 
q injection =  wrich w lean  (Eqn. 22)

where: q injection = Inhibitor injection rate

DW = Water condensed from gas stream
w rich = Weight percent of glycol in the rich glycol
w lean = Weight percent of glycol in lean glycol
q gas stream = Flow rate of gas stream

The following sample problem demonstrates how to calculate glycol injection rates by using
Work Aid 2. The eleven steps of this sample problem parallel the numbered steps of the
procedure summarized in Figure 44 and Figure 45 in Work Aid 2.

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Sample Problem: Calculating Glycol Injection Rates

Referring to Work Aid 2, calculate the glycol (MEG) injection rate required to inhibit
hydrates in the following gas stream cooled in a buried pipeline.

Given:
Operating pressure = 900 psia
Minimum operating temperature = 45°F
Saturation temperature of gas stream = 90°F
Gas stream flow rate = 10 MMSCFD
Specific gravity = 0.7

Solution:

1. The water content at the saturation temperature is substracted from the water content at
the operating temperature which results in a free water (q water) flow rate of 38.4 lb
H2O/MMSCF.

From ChE 206.01: WTsaturation = 48 lb H2O/MMSCF

WTminimum = 9.6 lb H2O/MMSCF

DW = WTsaturation - WTminimum (Eqn. 8)

= 48 lb H2O/MMSCF - 9.6 lb H2O/MMSCF
= 38.4 lb H2O/MMSCF

2. The water content is multiplied by the gas stream flow rate, which results in the
following:

q water = DW (q gas stream) (Eqn. 20)

lb H2O
38.4 × 10 MMSCF
= MMSCF day
lb H2O
384
= day

3. By the gravity graphic method (covered in ChE 206.01), the hydrate-formation

temperature is 64°F.

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4. The minimum operating temperature is subtracted from the hydrate-formation

temperature, and a safety factor is added, which results in the required depression of the
hydrate-formation temperature of 24°F.

DT = TH - Tminimum + S (Eqn. 1)
= 64°F - 45°F + 5°F
= 24°F

5. The Hammerschmidt equation solved for the weight percent of inhibitor

(Eqn. 4) is used to determine that the system requires a 27 wt % concentration of glycol.

(∆T)(M)
(100)
K
wI = H + (∆T)(M) (Eqn. 4)
(24)(62.10)
(100)
(4,000) + (24)(62.10)
=
= 27 wt % MEG

6. Let us suppose that the vendor recommends a lean glycol concentration of 75 wt %

MEG.

7. If there is an allowable dilution of 10%, the concentration of the rich glycol is 65 wt %

MEG.

w rich = w lean - (allowable dilution) (Eqn. 21)

= 75 wt % MEG - 10%
= 65 wt % MEG

8. The rich glycol solution calculated in Step 7 is used because it satisfies both hydrate
inhibition and dilution restriction conditions.

9. From Figure 48, 65 wt % MEG and 75 wt % MEG do not freeze.

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10. Equation 22 is used to determine that the system requires 1,870 lb pure MEG/day.

1
∆W × × qgas stream
 100 100 
 - 
 wrich w lean 
q injection = (Eqn. 22)
38.4 lb H2O 1
× × 10 MMSCF
MMSCF 100 lb solution - 100 lb solution day
= 65 lb MEG 75 lb MEG
1,870 lb MEG
= day

11. The value calculated in Step 9 and the density of MEG (from Figure 49 assuming an
injector solution temperature of 90°F) are used to determine that the system requires a
lean glycol injection rate of 276 gpd.

lb MEG 100lb leanglycolsolution galleanMEG

1870 x x
q injection = day 75lb MEG 9.07 lbleanMEG
275 galleanMEGsolution
= day

Answer:

This system requires a minimum injection rate of 276 gallons of 75 wt % MEG (at 90°F) per
day.

Calculating Glycol Injection Rates: Graphical Method

You can also use graphs to calculate glycol injection rates. When available, graphs combine
several of the steps required to calculate glycol injection rates. Figure 51 (in Work Aid 2)
plots lean and rich MEG solutions and inhibitor injection rates. After determining the
concentrations of the lean and rich MEG solutions, you can quickly determine the MEG
injection rate on the y-axis of Figure 51.

The following sample problem demonstrates how to calculate glycol injection rates by using
the graphical method described in Work Aid 2. The eleven steps of this sample problem
parallel the numbered steps of the procedure summarized in Figure 44 and Figure 45.

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Sample Problem: Calculating Glycol Injection Rates (Graphical Method)

Referring to Work Aid 2, calculate the glycol (MEG) injection rate required to inhibit
hydrates in the following gas stream.

Given:
Operating temperature = 85°F
Chiller (minimum) temperature = -10°F
Gas stream rate = 10 MMSCFD
Gas pressure = 800 psig
Specific gravity = 0.75

Solution:

1. The water content at the chiller temperature is subtracted from the water content at the
operating temperature (because the saturation temperature is equal to the operating
temperature), and the resulting amount of water condensed (ÆW) is 44.5 lb
H2O/MMSCF.

From ChE 206.01: WToperating= 46 lb H2O/MMSCF

WTchiller = 1.5 lb H2O/MMSCF

These values are used to calculate the amount of water condensed as follows:

DW = WToperating - WTchiller (Eqn. 7)

= 46 lb H2O/MMSCF - 1.5 lb H2O/MMSCF
= 44.5 lb H2O/MMSCF

2. The flow rate of free water (q water) is 445 lb H2O/day.

q water = DW (q gas stream) (Eqn. 20)

= 44.5 lb H2O/MMSCF (10 MMSCFD)
= 445 lb H2O/day

3. The gravity graphic method (ChE 206.01) is used to determine that the hydrate-
formation temperature is 64°F.

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4. The chiller temperature is subtracted from the hydrate-formation temperature and a

safety margin is added, with the result that the required depression of the hydrate-
formation temperature is 79°F.

DT = TH - Tchiller + S(Eqn. 1)
= 64°F - (-10°F) + 5°F
= 79°F

5. From Figure 50, the system requires a rich glycol concentration of 67 wt % MEG to
inhibit hydrate formation.

6. The vendor recommends 80 wt % MEG lean glycol solution.

7. Let us suppose that the rich MEG concentration should remain above the general
recommendation of 60 wt % MEG.

8. The rich glycol concentration calculated in Step 5 (67 wt %) meets both dilution and
hydrate inhibition restrictions.

9. From Figure 48, 67 wt % MEG does not freeze and 80 wt % MEG freezes at -50°F.

10. Using the injection rate from Figure 51 and multiplying by the flow rate of the gas
stream, the system requires 2,225 lb of MEG per day.

lbMEG
5
From Figure 51: q MEG = lbH2O

Converting units of measure:

5 lbMEG 445lb H2O

x
q MEGtotal = lbH 2 O day
lb MEG
2,225
= day

11. Converting the units of measurement of glycol injection rate is not necessary.

Answer: This system requires a minimum MEG injection rate of 2,225 lb MEG per day.

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Temperature Control Methods

The temperature of natural gas streams changes when the steams are expanded or heated.
Frequently, the temperature drop caused by the expansion of a gas lowers the operating
conditions of a gas stream into its hydrate-formation zone. Expanding a gas stream within
the wellbore often keeps the gas stream above its hydrate-formation temperature.

The two main pieces of equipment used to control gas stream temperatures are downhole
regulators and indirect heaters. Downhole regulators inhibit hydrate formation by expanding
gas streams while they are in the wellbore. Indirect heaters inhibit hydrate formation both at
wellheads and along flowlines. Wellhead heaters are often used to inhibit hydrate formation
caused by choking or expansion. Flowline heaters replace the heat lost by a flowline to the
surrounding air and ground.

Chemical Injection

Methanol (MeOH) and monoethylene glycol (MEG) are the two chemicals most commonly
injected into gas streams to inhibit hydrate formation. Chemical injection is used to inhibit
hydrate formation in the following:

• Situations where hydrate problems are of short duration

• Gas streams operating a few degrees above their hydrate-formation temperature

• Gas-gathering systems in pressure-declining fields

• Gas pipelines in which hydrates form at localized points

Figure 21 compares the four methods of hydrate inhibition discussed in this module.

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Chemical Injection (Cont'd)

DESIGN GLYCOL METHANOL DOWNHOLE WELLHEAD

FACTORS INJECTION INJECTION REGULATOR HEATERS
S
Investment High* Very low Very low Very high
Fuel Medium* None None Very high
Operating
Low Low Low Low
Maintenance
Chemicals High Very high None Very low
Plot Area Very high* Very low None Very high
Hazards High* Medium High High
Downtime Low Low Low Low

* If glycol is recovered.
Source: Dehydration and Hydrate Inhibition. Exxon Production Research Company,
Production Operations Division. July 1986. With permission from Exxon
Production Research Company.

FIGURE 21: COMPARISON OF HYDRATE INHIBITION METHODS

Methanol

Methanol works well as a hydrate inhibitor because its characteristics are as follows:

• It is not corrosive.
• It does not react chemically with any natural gas constituents.
• It is soluble in water at all concentrations.
• It is reasonable in cost.
• Can dissolve existing hydrates to some degree.

Glycol

Glycol does not evaporate as easily as methanol. In some applications, glycol does not
dissolve into liquid hydrocarbons as easily as methanol. Recovering glycol, therefore, is
generally more economical than recovering methanol. Economical recovery of glycol often
compensates for its higher material cost, lowering its operating cost below that of methanol.

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Figure 22 compares using methanol and glycol to inhibit hydrates.

DISADVANTAGES/
INHIBITOR ADVANTAGES LIMITATIONS
Usually lower operating cost High initial cost (if glycol is
Glycol than methanol when both recovered)
systems recover injected
chemical Possibility of glycol
contamination
Low vapor losses (low
volatility) Limited use (only
noncryogenic applications)

Cannot dissolve
hydrates already formed

Relatively low initial cost High operating cost

Methanol
Simple system Generally, use glycol
injection if methanol
Does not generally need to be injection rate is over
recovered 30 gal/hr

Low viscosity Large vapor losses (high

volatility)
When injected, distributes well
into gas streams

Can dissolve hydrates

already formed

Source: Dehydration and Hydrate Inhibition. Exxon Production Research Company,

Production Operations Division. July 1986. With permission from Exxon
Production Research Company.

FIGURE 22: COMPARISON OF CHEMICAL INHIBITORS

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Calculating Inhibitor Injection Rates Summary

The approach to calculating injection rates for methanol or glycol is similar. The procedure
can be briefly summarized as follows:

• The amount of free water at the injection point is calculated.

• The depression of the hydrate-formation temperature required by the system is

calculated.

• The concentration of inhibitor required in the aqueous solution to achieve the

required depression of the hydrate-formation temperature is determined.

• When glycol is used, glycol concentrations are adjusted to meet dilution

restrictions.

• When methanol is used, the amount of methanol lost to vapor losses and solubility
in hydrocarbon liquids is calculated.

• The total injection rate required by the system is calculated. This rate is the sum of
the following partial injection rates required to do the following:

- Achieve the required inhibitor concentration in the aqueous solution

- Compensate for inhibitor dissolved into hydrocarbon liquid components
- If methanol, compensate for vapor losses

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WORK AID 1: PROCEDURES AND RESOURCES FOR CALCULATING

METHANOL INJECTION RATE REQUIRED TO INHIBIT
HYDRATE FORMATION IN A NATURAL GAS STREAM

Work Aid 1A: Procedures and Resources for Calculating Methanol Injection Rates
(General Applications)

Note: The equations developed for this Work Aid make the implicit assumption that pure
methanol is injected. Otherwise, significant errors can result when these equations
are used for cryogenic applications. When in doubt, perform overall mass balances.

Required Depression of Hydrate-Formation Temperatures

DT =TH - Tminimum + S (Eqn. 1)

where: DT = Depression of hydrate-formation temperature, °F

TH = Hydrate-formation temperature of gas stream, °F
Tminimum = Miminum temperature of system, °F
S = Safety factor to account for uncertainty in TH, °F

Hammerschmidt Equation

KHwI
∆T =
100M -MwI (Eqn. 3)

where: DT = Depression of hydrate-formation temperature, °F

KH = 2,335 for methanol and 4,000 for glycol
wI = Weight percent of the chemical inhibitor in the solution
M = Molecular weight of the chemical inhibitor (methanol or glycol)

Hammerschmidt Equation (Eqn. 3) Solved for the Weight Percent of Inhibitor

(∆T)(M)
wI = (100)
KH + (∆T)(M) (Eqn. 4)

where: w I = Weight percent of the chemical inhibitor in the solution

DT = Depression of hydrate-formation temperature, °F
M = Molecular weight of the chemical inhibitor (methanol or glycol)
KH = 2,335 for methanol and 4,000 for glycol

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Work Aid 1A (Cont'd)

Free Water Condensed Out of Gas Stream

If the saturation temperature equals the operating temperature:

DW = WToperating - WTminimum (Eqn. 7)

where: DW = Amount of free water condensed out of the gas stream, lb/MMSCF
WToperating= Saturated water content of the gas stream at its operating temperature,
lb/MMSCF
WTminimum =Saturated water content of the gas stream at the minimum
temperature of the gas stream, lb/MMSCF

If the saturation temperature is higher than the operating temperature:

DW = WTsaturation - WTminimum (Eqn. 8)

where: DW = Amount of free water condensed out of the gas stream, lb/MMSCF
WTsaturation =Water content of a gas stream at its saturation temperature,
lb/MMSCF
WTminimum =Saturated water content of the gas stream at the minimum
temperature of the gas stream, lb/MMSCF

Methanol Injection Rate Required to Compensate for Vapor Losses

q MeOHvapor = (vapor-to-liquid composition ratio)(w MeOH) (Eqn. 9)

where: q MeOHvapor= Methanol injection rate required to compensate for vapor losses,
lbMeOH/MMSCF/wt % MeOH
w MeOH = Weight percent of methanol in the aqueous solution

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Work Aid 1A (Cont'd)

Methanol Injection Rate Required to Achieve Aqueous Methanol Concentration

(∆W )(w MeOH)

q MeOHaq = (w water ) (Eqn. 10)

where: q MeOHaq = Methanol injection rate required to achieve the concentration of

methanol in the aqueous solution that inhibits hydrate formation,
lb/MMSCF
DW = Amount of free water condensed out of the gas stream, lb/MMSCF
w MeOH = Weight percent of methanol in the aqueous solution
w water = Weight percent of water in the aqueous solution

Total Methanol Injection Rate

q MeOHtotal = q MeOHvapor + q MeOHaq (Eqn. 11)

where: q MeOHtotal = Total methanol injection rate required to inhibit hydrate formation,
lb/MMSCF
q MeOHvapor =Methanol injection rate required to compensate for vapor losses,
lb/MMSCF
q MeOHaq = Methanol injection rate required to achieve the concentration of
methanol in the aqueous solution that inhibits hydrate formation,
lb/MMSCF

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Work Aid 1A (Cont'd)

Figures 30 and 31 summarize the procedure for calculating MeOH injection rates for general
hydrate-inhibition applications.

STEP QUANTITY EQUATION, METHOD, OR RESOURCE

1 Saturation temperature of
gas stream, Tsaturation

Minimum temperature of
the system, Tminimum

2 Amount of water If the saturation temperature equals the

condensed in gas operating temperature:
stream, ∆W
∆W = WToperating - WTminimum (Eqn. 7)

If the saturation temperature is higher than

the operating temperature:

∆W = WTsaturation - WTminimum (Eqn. 8)

Use the methods described in ChE 206.01

to determine WT.

3 Hydrate-formation Use the gravity graphic method or a

temperature, TH computer program (ChE 206.01) to
determine the hydrate-formation
temperature (TH).

4 Required depression of ∆T = TH - Tminimum + S (Eqn. 1)

hydrate-formation
temperature, ∆T

Source: Underground Storage of Fluids, 1968. With permission from Ulrich's Book Store.
FIGURE 30: SUMMARY OF METHOD FOR CALCULATING METHANOL
INJECTION RATES (STEPS 1 TO 4)

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Work Aid 1A (Cont'd)

STEP QUANTITY EQUATION, METHOD, OR RESOURCE

5 Concentration of MeOH in Use the Hammerschmidt equation (Eqn. 4):
aqueous solution (wt %
(∆T)(M)
MeOH) wI = (100)
KH + (∆T)(M) (Eqn. 4)
Or use Figure 32.
To determine M, use Figure 46.
6 MeOH injection rate to To determine the vapor-to-liquid composition
account for MeOH vapor ratio, use Figure 33.
losses, q MeOHvapor
q MeOHvapor = (vapor-to-liquid composition
ratio) x (w MeOH) (Eqn. 9)
7 MeOH injection rate to (∆W) (wMeOH)
obtain MeOH wt % (wwater)
calculated in Step 3, q MeOHaq = (Eqn. 10)
q MeOHaq
8 Total MeOH injection rate To add the injection rates calculated in Steps 6
(lb MeOH/MMSCF), and 7, use Eqn. 11.
q MeOHtotal
q MeOHtotal = q MeOHvapor + q MeOHaq
9 If necessary, convert Divide q MeOHtotal (Step 7) by density of
q MeOHtotal to MeOH.
appropriate units
To determine the density of MeOH, assume it
is 6.56 lb/gal or use Figure 42.

Source: Katz, Donald L. and Robert L. Lee, Natural Gas Engineering: Production and
Storage, McGraw-Hill, “ 1990, p. 220, Table 5.5.
FIGURE 31: SUMMARY OF METHOD FOR CALCULATING METHANOL
INJECTION RATES (STEPS 5 TO 9)

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Work Aid 1A (Cont'd)

Source: Katz, Donald L. and Robert L. Lee. Natural Gas Engineering: Production and
Storage. McGraw-Hill. ©1990. With permission from McGraw-Hill.

FIGURE 32: DEPRESSION OF HYDRATE-FORMATION TEMPERATURES,

DT (METHANOL)

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Work Aid 1A (Cont'd)

Source: Katz, Donald L. and Robert L. Lee. Natural Gas Engineering: Production and
Storage. McGraw-Hill. ©1990. With permission from McGraw-Hill.

FIGURE 33: METHANOL VAPOR-TO-LIQUID COMPOSITION RATIOS

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Work Aid 1B: Procedures and Resources for Calculating Methanol Injection Rates
(Cryogenic Applications)

Note: The procedure outlined below is based on the assumption that pure methanol is
injected.

Depression Of Hydrate-Formation Temperatures

∆T = TH - Tminimum+ S (Eqn. 1)

where: DT = Depression of hydrate-formation temperature, °F

TH = Hydrate-formation temperature of gas stream, °F
Tminimum = Minimum temperature of system, °F
S = Safety factor to account for uncertainty in TH, °F

Hammerschmidt Equation Modified for High Concentrations of Methanol

∆T = -129.6 ln 1-xMeOH (Eqn. 6)

where: DT = Depression of hydrate-formation temperature, °F

xMeOH= Mole fraction of MeOH in the aqueous-methanol solution

Free Water Condensed Out of Gas Stream

If the saturation temperature equals the operating temperature:

DW = WToperating - WTminimum (Eqn. 7)

where: DW = Amount of free water condensed out of the gas stream, lb/MMSCF
WToperating = Saturated water content of the gas stream at its operating
temperature, lb/MMSCF
WTminimum = Saturated water content of the gas stream at the minimum
temperature of the gas stream, lb/MMSCF

If the saturation temperature is higher than the operating temperature:

DW = WTsaturation - WTminimum (Eqn. 8)

where: DW = Amount of free water condensed out of the gas stream, lb/MMSCF
WTsaturation = Water content of a gas stream at its saturation temperature,
lb/MMSCF
WTminimum = Saturated water content of the gas stream at the minimum
temperature of the gas stream, lb/MMSCF

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Work Aid 1B (Cont'd)

Flow Rate of Free Water

1 day
q water = (DW) (q gas stream) 24 hr (Eqn. 12)

where: q water = Flow rate of free water in a gas stream, lb/hr

DW = Amount of free water in a gas stream per unit of gas, lb/MMSCF
q gas stream = Flow rate of gas stream, MMSCF/D

Depressed Hydrate-Formation Temperature (THdepressed)

THdepressed = TH - DT (Eqn. 13)

where: THdepressed = Hydrate-formation temperature resulting from injection of chemical

inhibitor, °F
TH = Hydrate-formation temperature of gas stream, °F
DT = Depression of hydrate-formation temperature, °F

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Work Aid 1B (Cont'd)

Safety Margin

S =Tminimum - (TH - DT) (Eqn. 14)

where: S = Safety margin, °F

Tminimum = Minimum temperature of gas stream, °F
TH = Hydrate-formation temperature of gas stream, °F
DT = Depression of hydrate-formation temperature, °F

Methanol Injection Rate: Vapor Losses

q MeOHvapor = (vapor-to-liquid composition ratio)(x MeOH)

 SCF 
379. 5
 lb -mole 
 10 6 
 
(q HCvapor ) (Eqn. 15)

where: q MeOHvapor =Methanol injection rate required to compensate for vapor losses,
lb/hr
x MeOH = Mole fraction of methanol in the aqueous solution
q HCvapor = Molar flow rate of hydrocarbon vapor, lb-mole/hr

Methanol Injection Rate: Solubility in Hydrocarbon Liquid

q MeOHliquid = (solubility of MeOH in HCliquid)(qHCliquid)(MMeOH) (Eqn. 16)

where: q MeOHliquid =Methanol injection rate to compensate for methanol absorbed by

hydrocarbon liquid, lb/hr
q HCliquid = Molar flow rate of hydrocarbon liquid, lb-mole/hr
MMeOH = Molecular weight of methanol

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Work Aid 1B (Cont'd)

Methanol Injection Rate Required to Achieve Aqueous Methanol Concentration

wMeOHaq × qwater
qMeOHaq =
w wateraq
(Eqn. 17)

where: q MeOHaq = Methanol injection rate required to achieve the concentration of

methanol in the aqueous solution that inhibits hydrate formation, lb/hr
wMeOHaq = Weight percent of methanol in the aqueous solution
qwater = Mass flow rate of free water, lb/hr
wwateraq = Weight percent of water in the aqueous solution

Total Methanol Injection Rate (Cryogenic)

q MeOHtotal = q MeOHvapor + q MeOHliquid + q MeOHaq (Eqn. 18)

where: q MeOHtotal = Total methanol injection rate required to inhibit hydrate

formation, lb/hr
q MeOHvapor = Methanol injection rate required to compensate for vapor losses,
lb/hr
q MeOHliquid = Methanol injection rate to compensate for methanol absorbed by
hydrocarbon liquid, lb/hr
q MeOHaq = Methanol injection rate required to achieve the concentration of
methanol in the aqueous solution that inhibits hydrate formation,
lb/hr

Methanol Injection Rate Converted to gpm

 1 
 1 hr
 
q MeOH = q MeOHtotal densityMeOH 60 min (Eqn. 19)

where: q MeOH = Methanol injection rate converted to gpm

q MeOHtotal = Total MeOH injection rate required to inhibit hydrate formation,
lb/hr
densityMeOH = Density of methanol, lb/gal

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Work Aid 1B (Cont'd)

Figures 34, 35, and 36 summarize the method for calculating methanol injection rates to
inhibit hydrate formation in cryogenic applications. The steps of this procedure are grouped
into the following sequential tasks:

1. Calculating the water content and hydrate-formation temperature of the gas stream
(Figure 34)

2. Calculating the required depression of the hydrate-formation temperature, the

safety margin, and determining the solubility of methanol in hydrocarbons (Figure
35)

3. Calculating the methanol injection rate (Figure 36)

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Work Aid 1B (Cont'd)

STEP QUANTITY EQUATION, METHOD, OR RESOURCE

1 Saturation temperature of
gas stream, Tsaturation

Minimum temperature of
the system, Tminimum

2 Amount of water If the saturation temperature equals the

condensed in gas stream, operating temperature:
DW
DW = WToperating - WTminimum (Eqn. 7)

If the saturation temperature is higher than the

operating temperature:

DW = WTsaturation - WTminimum (Eqn. 8)

To determine WT, use the methods described

in ChE 206.01.

3 Flow rate of condensed Use Eqn 12:

water, q water
1 day
q water = (DW) x (q gas stream) x 24 hr
4 Hydrate-formation To determine the hydrate-formation
temperature, TH temperature (TH), use the gravity graphic
method or a computer program
(ChE 206.01).

FIGURE 34: SUMMARY OF CALCULATING METHANOL INJECTION RATE

FOR CRYOGENIC APPLICATIONS (STEPS 1 TO 4)

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Work Aid 1B (Cont'd)

STEP QUANTITY METHOD OR RESOURCE TO USE

5 Depressed hydrate- Use 90 wt % MeOH in the aqueous solution.
formation temperature,
THdepressed To calculate DT, use Figure 37 or Eqn. 6:

∆T = -129.6 ln 1-xMeOH (Eqn. 6)

For 90 wt % MeOH, DT = 234°F.

TH depressed = TH - DT (Eqn. 13)

6 Safety margin, S Use Eqn. 14 (Eqn. 1 solved for S):

S = DT - (TH - Tminimum) (Eqn.14)

The safety margin (S) should be at least 35°F.

7 Solubility of MeOH in Perform a mass balance around the chiller,

hydrocarbon vapor (vapor- separator, or other piece of equipment.
to-liquid composition
ratio) Use Figure 38, 39, or 40.

8 Solubility of MeOH in Use solubility data extrapolated from plant

hydrocarbon liquid data in Figure 41.

Add a safety margin of 20%.

FIGURE 35: SUMMARY OF CALCULATING METHANOL INJECTION RATE

FOR CRYOGENIC APPLICATIONS (STEPS 5 TO 8)

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Work Aid 1B (Cont'd)

STEP QUANTITY EQUATION, METHOD, OR RESOURCE

9 MeOH injection rate to Use Eqn. 15:
compensate for MeOH
vapor losses, q MeOHvapor =
q MeOHvapor (vapor-to-liquid composition ratio)(x MeOH)
 SCF 
379. 5
 lb -mole 
 10 6 
(qHCvapor)   (Eqn. 15)

10 MeOH injection rate to Use Eqn. 16:

compensate for MeOH
absorbed by HCliquid, q MeOHliquid = (solubility of MeOH in HCliquid)
q MeOHliquid (qHCliquid)(MMeOH) (Eqn. 16)

11 MeOH injection rate to Use Eqn. 17:

obtain 90 wt % MeOH in
the aqueous solution, w MeOHaq × qwater
q MeOHaq w wateraq
q MeOHaq = (Eqn. 17)

12 Total MeOH injection Use Eqn. 18:

rate, q MeOHtotal
q MeOHtotal = q MeOHvapor + q MeOHliquid
+ q MeOHaq (Eqn. 18)

13 If necessary, convert Use Eqn. 19:

injection rate units
 1 
 1 hr
q MeOH = q MeOHtotal  densityMeOH  60 min
(Eqn. 19)

To determine the density of methanol, either use

Figure 42 or assume the density of methanol equals
6.56 lb/gal.

FIGURE 36: SUMMARY OF CALCULATING METHANOL INJECTION RATE

FOR CRYOGENIC APPLICATIONS (STEPS 9 TO 14)

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Work Aid 1B (Cont'd)

MEOH, MOLE
FRACTION MeOH, WT % DT, °F
0.0 0.0 0.0
0.1 16.5 13.7
0.2 30.8 28.9
0.3 43.2 46.2
0.4 54.2 66.2
0.5 64.0 89.8
0.7 80.6 156
0.8 87.7 209
0.835 90.0 234

Source: Nielsen, R. B. and R. W. Bucklin. "Use of Methanol for Hydrate Control in

Expander Plants. Fluor Engineers and Constructors, Inc" Presented at 1981 Gas
Conditioning Conference. With permission from Fluor Engineers and Constructors,
Inc.
FIGURE 37: DEPRESSION OF HYDRATE-FORMATION TEMPERATURE BY
METHANOL (MODIFIED HAMMERSCHMIDT EQUATION)

Source: Reproduced with permission from Hydrocarbon Processing, April 1983.

FIGURE 38: SOLUBILITY OF METHANOL IN HYDROCARBON VAPOR
(65°F TO -20°F)

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Work Aid 1B (Cont'd)

Source: Reproduced with permission from Hydrocarbon Processing, April 1983.

FIGURE 39: SOLUBILITY OF METHANOL IN HYDROCARBON VAPOR
(-20°F TO -120°F)

Source: Reproduced with permission from Hydrocarbon Processing, April 1983.

FIGURE 40: SOLUBILITY OF METHANOL IN HYDROCARBON VAPOR
(-125°F TO -175°F)

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Work Aid 1B (Cont'd)

Source: Reproduced with permission from Hydrocarbon Processing, April 1983.

FIGURE 41: SOLUBILITY OF METHANOL IN HYDROCARBON LIQUID

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Work Aid 1B (Cont'd)

8.5

5%
10%
20%
8.0 30%
40%
50%
Density, lb/gal

7.5 60%

70%

80%
7.0
90%

100%
wt % MeOH
6.5

6.0
-80 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Temperature, °F

Lange's Handbook of Chemistry, 11th edition 1973

Calculated pt. based on excess volume data,

thermodynamics research lab. Washington University, 1973

Calculated freezing pt. at various temp. and wt% based on

Lange's graph and pure methanol and water density

Extended curve

Pure methanol

Given freezing pt. by Lange's graph

Source: Nielsen, R. B. and R. W. Bucklin. "Use of Methanol for Hydrate Control in

Expander Plants. Fluor Engineers and Constructors, Inc." Presented at 1981 Gas
Conditioning Conference. With permission from Fluor Engineers and Constructors,
Inc.
FIGURE 42: DENSITY OF AQUEOUS METHANOL SOLUTIONS

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Work Aid 1B (Cont'd)

Source: Nielsen, R. B. and R. W. Bucklin. "Use of Methanol for Hydrate Control in

Expander Plants. Fluor Engineers and Constructors, Inc" Presented at 1981 Gas
Conditioning Conference. With permission from Fluor Engineers and Constructors,
Inc.
FIGURE 43: WATER CONTENT (W) OF NATURAL GAS AT LOW
TEMPERATURES

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WORK AID 2: PROCEDURES AND RESOURCES FOR CALCULATING

GLYCOL INJECTION RATE REQUIRED TO INHIBIT
HYDRATE FORMATION IN A NATURAL GAS STREAM

The procedure outlined below is based on the assumptions that the condensation of
hydrocarbons and the loss of glycol in the hydrocarbon phase is insignificant (both
assumptions directionally underestimate the amount of glycol required).

∆T = TH - Tminimum+ S (Eqn. 1)

where: DT = Depression of hydrate-formation temperature, °F

TH = Hydrate-formation temperature of gas stream, °F
Tminimum = Minimum temperature of system, °F
S = Safety factor to account for uncertainty in TH, °F

Depression Of Hydrate-Formation Temperatures (Thermodynamic)

RT02  n 
∆T = In 1+ inhibitor 
∆Hf  n solvent 
(Eqn. 2)

where: DT = Depression of hydrate-formation temperature, °F

R = Gas constant
T0 = Normal freezing point (absolute temperature scale)
DHf = Enthalpy of fusion per mole of solvent
ninhibitor = Moles of solute (inhibitor)
n solvent = Moles of solvent (water)

Hammerschmidt Equation

KHwI
∆T=
100M - MwI (Eqn. 3)

where: DT = Depression of hydrate-formation temperature, °F

KH = 2,335 for methanol and 4,000 for glycol
wI = Weight percent of the chemical inhibitor in the solution
M = Molecular weight of the chemical inhibitor (methanol or glycol)

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WORK AID 2 (Cont’d)

Hammerschmidt Equation (Eqn. 3) Solved for the Weight Percent of Inhibitor

(∆T)(M )
wI = (100 )
KH + (∆T )(M) (Eqn. 4)

where: w I = Weight percent of the chemical inhibitor in the solution

DT = Depression of hydrate-formation temperature, °F
M = Molecular weight of the chemical inhibitor (methanol or glycol)
KH = 2,335 for methanol and 4,000 for glycol

Free Water Condensed Out of Gas Stream

If the saturation temperature equals the operating temperature:
DW = WToperating - WTminimum (Eqn. 7)

where: DW = Amount of free water condensed out of the gas stream, lb/MMSCF
WToperating = Saturated water content of the gas stream at its operating
temperature, lb/MMSCF
WTminimum = Saturated water content of the gas stream at the minimum
temperature of the gas stream, lb/MMSCF

If the saturation temperature is higher than the operating temperature:

DW = WTsaturation - WTminimum (Eqn. 8)

where: DW = Amount of free water condensed out of the gas stream, lb/MMSCF
WTsaturation = Water content of a gas stream at its saturation temperature,
lb/MMSCF
WTminimum = Saturated water content of the gas stream at the minimum
temperature of the gas stream, lb/MMSCF

Flow Rate of Free Water, q water (Glycol Injection Rate Calculations)

q water = (DW)(q gas stream) (Eqn. 20)

where: q water = Flow rate of free water in a gas stream, lb/D

DW = Amount of free water in a gas stream per unit of gas, lb/MMSCF
q gas stream = Flow rate of gas stream, MMSCF/D

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WORK AID 2 (Cont'd)

Rich Glycol Concentration Required to Meet Dilution Restrictions (w richdilution)

w rich = w lean - (allowable dilution) (Eqn. 21)

where: w rich = Weight percent of glycol in the rich glycol

w lean = Weight percent of glycol in lean glycol

Inhibitor Injection Rate (Dilution Restricted)

∆W × 1 × qgas stream
100 - 100
q injection = wrich wlean (Eqn. 22)

where: q injection = Inhibitor injection rate, lb/D

DW = Content of water in gas stream, lb/MMSCF
w rich = Weight percent of glycol in the rich glycol
w lean = Weight percent of glycol in lean glycol
q gas stream = Flow rate of gas stream, MMSCF/D

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WORK AID 2 (Cont'd)

Figures 44 and 45 summarize the procedure for calculating glycol injection rates.
STEP QUANTITY EQUATION, METHOD, OR RESOURCE
1 Amount of water If the saturation temperature equals the
condensed in gas stream, operating temperature:
DW
DW = WToperating - WTminimum (Eqn. 7)
If the saturation temperature is higher than the
operating temperature:
DW = WTsaturation - WTminimum (Eqn. 8)
To determine WT, use the methods described
in ChE 206.01.
2 Flow rate of free water, Use Eqn. 20:
q water q water = (DW) x (q gas stream) (Eqn. 20)
3 Hydrate-formation To determine the hydrate-formation
temperature, TH temperature (TH), use the gravity graphic
method or a computer program
(ChE 206.01).
4 Required depression of DT = TH - Tminimum + S (Eqn. 1)
hydrate-formation
temperature, DT
5 Concentration of glycol in Use Hammerschmidt equation (Eqn. 4) or
aqueous solution required Figure 50.
to inhibit hydrate-
formation temperature, w (∆T)(M)
wI = (100)
richinhibit KH + (∆T)(M) (Eqn. 4)

To determine the molecular weight of the

inhibitor, use Figure 46.
6 Lean glycol concentration Use between 60 wt % and 80 wt % glycol or
required to meet dilution specific vendor recommendations.
restrictions

FIGURE 44: CALCULATING GLYCOL INJECTION RATES (STEPS 1 TO 6)

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WORK AID 2 (Cont'd)

STEP QUANTITY METHOD OR RESOURCE TO USE

7 Rich glycol concentration Use Eqn. 21:
required to meet dilution
restrictions, w richdilution w rich = w lean - (allowable dilution)

To determine allowable dilution (usually

between 5 wt % and 20 wt%), use
Figure 47 or recommendations of the glycol
vendor.

Or, use minimum glycol concentration

specifically recommended by vendor or within
general range of 60 wt % to 80 wt %.
8 Rich glycol concentration Ensure that both the hydrate inhibition
used to calculate inhibitor (Step 5) and dilution restriction conditions are
injection rate, met (Step 7).
w rich
Use the greater of the values calculated in
Step 5 (w richinhibit) and Step 7 (w
richdilution).
9 Freezing point of glycol To determine the freezing point of a glycol
solutions solution when glycol concentrations outside of
the 60 wt % to 80 wt % are used, use Figure
48.
10 Inhibitor injection rate, Use Eqn. 22:
q injection
q injection =
∆W × 1 × qgas stream
( 100 - 100 )
wrich wlean

Or, use Figure 51 to calculate the inhibitor

injection rate in lb MEG/lb H2O and multiply
by the condensed water rate.
11 If necessary, convert To determine the density of glycol, use Figure
glycol injection rate to 46 or Figure 49.
appropriate units

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FIGURE 45: CALCULATING GLYCOL INJECTION RATES (STEPS 7 TO 11)

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WORK AID 2 (Cont'd)

PROPERTY MeOH MEG DEG TEG TREG

Molecular Weight 32.04 62.10 106.10 150.20 194.23
Boiling Point at 148.10 387.10 427.60 532.90 597.2
760mm Hg, °F
Vapor Pressure at 94 0.12 <0.01 < 0.01 < 0.01
77°F, mm Hg
Specific Gravity at 0.7868 1.110 1.113 1.119 1.120
77°F
Specific Gravity at -- 1.085 1.088 1.092 1.092
140°F
Density at 77°F, lb/gal 6.55 9.26 9.29 9.34 9.34
Freezing Point, °F -144 8 17 19 22
Pour Point, °F -- < -75 -65 -73 -42
Absolute Viscosity at 0.55 16.5 28.2 37.3 39.9
77°F, Centipoise (cP)
Absolute Viscosity at 0.36 5.1 7.6 9.6 10.2
140°F, Centipoise (cP)
Surface Tension at 22 47 44 45 45
77°F, Dynes/cm
Specific Heat at 77°F, 0.27 0.58 0.55 0.53 0.52
Btu/lb/°F
Flash Point, °F -- 240 280 320 365
Fire Point, °F -- 245 290 330 375
Decomposition -- 329 328 404 460
Temperature, °F
Heat of Vaporization at 473 364 232 179 --
14.7 psi, Btu/lb

Source: Dehydration and Hydrate Inhibition. Exxon Production Research Company,

Production Operations Division. July 1986. With permission from Exxon
Production Research Company.
FIGURE 46: PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF HYDRATE INHIBITORS

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WORK AID 2 (Cont'd)

ALLOWABLE OR RECOMMENDED
SITUATION DILUTION OF GLYCOL
Unknowns about the system exist Not over 5% to 10%
Spot injection (in a heat exchanger, If distribution of glycol is a problem, 5%
for example)
Pipelines operating above 20°F Up to about 20 %

Source: Francis S. Manning and Richard E. Thompson's Oilfield Processing of Petroleum,

Volume One: Natural Gas. Copyright PennWell Books, 1991.
FIGURE 47: ALLOWABLE GLYCOL DILUTIONS

Source: Engineering Data Book, Vol. 2, 10th ed. GPSA, Tulsa. © 1987. With permission
from the Gas Processors Suppliers Association.
FIGURE 48: FREEZING POINTS OF AQUEOUS GLYCOL SOLUTIONS

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WORK AID 2 (Cont'd)

Source: Francis S. Manning and Richard E. Thompson, Oilfield Processing of Petroleum,

Volume One: Natural Gas. Copyright PennWell Books, 1991.
FIGURE 49: DENSITY OF MEG SOLUTIONS

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WORK AID 2 (Cont'd)

Concentration of rich MEG solution, wt %

Source: Sheilan, p. 111, Figure 3.

FIGURE 50: DEPRESSION OF HYDRATE-FORMATION TEMPERATURE (MEG)

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WORK AID 2 (Cont'd)

Concentration of rich MEG =

Concentration of rich MEG =

Concentration of rich MEG =

Concentration of rich MEG =

Concentration of rich MEG =

14

12

10
MEG
lb H2O
Glycol injection rate,

0
100 80 60 40 20
Concentration of injected lean MEG, wt %

Source: Sheilan, p. 112, Figure 4.

FIGURE 51: MEG INJECTION RATE

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GLOSSARY

aqueous solution A solution in which the solvent is water.

borehole See wellbore.

dilution When injected, the amount by which a chemical inhibitor is

diluted by the free water in a gas stream.

The difference between the concentration of a chemical

inhibitor in the injection solution and the concentration of the
chemical inhibitor in the aqueous solution.

choke A device that restricts and controls the flow rate of well fluids.

DEG Diethylene glycol.

downhole A term describing tools, equipment, and instruments used in

the wellbore. Also describes conditions or techniques applying
to the wellbore.

emulsion A stable dispersion of one liquid in a second immiscible liquid,

such as oil dispersed in water.

enthalpy A thermodynamic property (H) of a system equal to the sum of

the system's internal energy (U) and the product of pressure (p)
and volume (V). The formula is H = U + pV.

expansion loop A loop of tubing in the flowline that adjusts when temperature
changes cause change in flowline length.

fire tube In a heater, the tubing in contact with the heater bath.

free-water knockout A tank or separator vessel that separates free water from a gas
stream.

heater bypass valve A valve that bypasses gas around the heater after wellhead
pressure has been drawn down to near-salesline pressure.

heater coil A multiple-pass steel coil.

heater flame arrestor A device that prevents the heater fire from flashing back
through the air intake.

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high-pressure flowline Tubing, normally at least 150 ft long, designed to withstand

full wellhead shut-in pressure.

immiscible Pertaining to fluids that do not mix with each other.

lean glycol A glycol solution with a relatively low water content.

log mean temperature The temperature difference of one side of a heat exchanger
difference (LMTD) minus the temperature difference of the other side of the heat
exchanger divided by the natural logarithm of the ratio of these
two temperature differences.

long-nose heater choke A pressure-reducing valve.

MEG Monoethylene glycol.

reboiler A heater that reheats or reboils part of a process stream drawn

off a distilling column and then reintroduced to the column as
vapor.

reboiling The process of reheating the bottoms product from a distilling

column to ensure more complete fractionation.

relief valve A valve that protects the low-pressure flowline from over
pressures.

residue gas Gas that remains after processing in a separator. Any gas from
a processing unit treated as residue.

rich glycol A glycol solution with a relatively high water content.

safety-drilled The drilling of small holes halfway into the return bends of
heater tubing. When these holes leak, the tubing has worn
halfway through and should be replaced.

safety shut-in wing valve A pneumatically actuated valve that closes when it senses low
flowline pressure downstream (indicating a rupture) or
abnormally high or low pressure upstream.

shut in The closing of valves on a well to stop production.

still A column in which the absorbed product is distilled from the

lean solution.

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TEG Triethylene glycol.

three-phase separator A pressure vessel that separates fluids into a vapor phase and
two liquid phases.

TREG Tetrathylene glycol.

tubing string The entire length of tubing run into a wellhole.

wellbore The hole in the earth made by the drill. The uncased drill hole
from the surface to the bottom of the well. Also known as
borehole.

wellhead The top of the casing and the attached control and flow valves.
The wellhead is where control valves, testing equipment, and
take-off piping are located.

wireline A small-diameter metal line used in wireline operations.

wireline operations The lowering of mechanical tools (such as valves or recovery

tools) into a well.

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ADDENDUM A: SYMBOLS FOR PHYSICAL QUANTITIES USED IN CHE 206.02

SYMBOL DEFINITION
DHf Enthalpy of fusion per mole of solvent

DT Depression of hydrate-formation temperature, °F

KH Constant used in Hammerschmidt equation; 2,335

for methanol and 4,000 for glycol

M Molecular weight, lb/mole

n Number of moles of a substance

q Flow rate

R Gas constant

S Safety factor to account for uncertainty in TH

T0 Normal freezing point

(absolute temperature scale)

T Operating temperature, °F

TH Hydrate-formation temperature of gas stream, °F

x Mole fraction of a substance in a solution

W Water content

w Weight percent of a substance in a solution

FIGURE 52: SYMBOLS USED IN ChE 206.02

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ADDENDUM B: ABBREVIATED LIST OF EQUATIONS USED IN ChE 206.02

NOTE: For those equations below that are based on the implicit assumption that the
concentration of injected methanol is 100%, it should be recognized that the
equations give the correct answer only when the concentration is 100%.
Significant errors can result when the injected methanol is less than 100% as, for
example, in the case of cryogenic applications.

Depression of Hydrate-Formation Temperatures

∆T = TH − Tminimum + S (Eqn. 1)

Depression of Hydrate-Formation Temperatures (Thermodynamic)

RT02  n 
∆T = In 1+ inhibitor 
∆Hf  n solvent  (Eqn. 2)

Hammerschmidt Equations

KHw I
∆T =
100M − Mw I (Eqn. 3)

Derivations of Hammerschmidt Equations

Hammerschmidt Equation (Eqn. 3) Solved for the Weight Percent of Inhibitor

(∆ T)(M)
wI = (100)
KH + (∆ T)(M) (Eqn. 4)

Hammerschmidt Equation Modified for High Concentrations of Inhibitor

2
RT0
∆T = - ln xwater
∆Hf (Eqn. 5)

Hammerschmidt Equation Modified for High Concentrations of Methanol

∆T = −129.6 In (1- xMeOH) (Eqn. 6)

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Free Water Condensed Out of Gas Stream

If the saturation temperature equals the operating temperature:

DW = WToperating - WTminimum (Eqn. 7)

If the saturation temperature is higher than the operating temperature:

DW = WTsaturation - WTminimum (Eqn. 8)

Methanol Injection Rate (General Applications)

Methanol Injection Rate Required to Compensate for Vapor Losses

q MeOHvapor = (vapor-to-liquid composition ratio)(w MeOH) (Eqn. 9)

Methanol Injection Rate Required to Achieve Aqueous Methanol Concentration

(∆W )(w MeOH)

q MeOHaq = (w water ) (Eqn. 10)

Total Methanol Injection Rate

q MeOHtotal = q MeOHvapor + q MeOHaq (Eqn. 11)

Flow Rate of Free Water (Cryogenic Applications)

 1 day 
q water = (DW)(q gas stream)  24 hr  (Eqn. 12)

Depressed Hydrate-Formation Temperature (THdepressed)

TH depressed = TH - DT (Eqn. 13)

Safety Margin

S = Tminimum - (TH - DT) (Eqn. 14)

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Methanol Injection Rate: Vapor Losses (Cryogenic Applications)

q MeOHvapor = (vapor-to-liquid composition ratio)(x MeOH)

 SCF 
379. 5
 lb -mole 
 10 6 
 
(qHCvapor) (Eqn. 15)

Methanol Injection Rate: Solubility in Hydrocarbon Liquid

q MeOHliquid = (solubility of MeOH in HCliquid)(qHCliquid)(MMeOH) (Eqn. 16)

Methanol Injection Rate Required to Achieve Aqueous Methanol Concentration

w MeOHaq × q water
w wateraq
q MeOHaq = (Eqn. 17)

Total Methanol Injection Rate (Cryogenic)

q MeOHtotal = q MeOHvapor + q MeOHliquid + q MeOHaq (Eqn. 18)

Methanol Injection Rate Converted to gpm

1 hr
q MeOH = q MeOHadjusted x densityMeOH x 60 min (Eqn. 19)

Flow Rate of Free Water, q water (Glycol Injection Rate Calculations)

q water = (DW) x (q gas stream) (Eqn. 20)

Rich Glycol Concentration Required to Meet Dilution Restrictions (w richdilution)

w rich = w lean - (allowable dilution) (Eqn. 21)

Inhibitor Injection Rate (Dilution Restricted)

1
∆W × × qgas stream
 100 100 
 - 
 wrich w lean 
q injection = (Eqn. 22)

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ADDENDUM C: INDIRECT HEATER SIZING CALCULATIONS

The procedure for sizing an indirect heater is described in the following steps:

1. Determine if the heater requires a preheat coil.

• Determine the maximum pressure and the lowest temperature that can be expected
at the inlet of the heater.

• Calculate the hydrate-formation temperature (Th) of the inlet gas.

• If Ti is not at least 10°F higher than Th, then the heater may require a preheat coil.

2. Determine the outlet temperature of the heater.

• Calculate the hydrate-formation temperature of the outlet gas. Use the pressure
downstream of the choke.

• The heater’s required outlet temperature is determined such that as the gas flows
through the pipeline, losing heat to the surroundings, the gas will arrive at its
destination at a suitable margin (i.e., 15°F) over the hydrate-formation temperature.

3. Calculate the heat required to heat the gas.

• Determine the heater load (Qg) of the gas for the above inlet and outlet conditions.

• Calculate the amount of heat required to heat any condensate or oil produced with
the gas (Qo).

• Calculate the amount of heat required to heat any water produced with the gas
(Qw).

• Estimate the amount of heat lost to the atmosphere (Qa). A 10% allowance for
heat loss is commonly used.

Qa = 0.10 (Qw + Qo + Qg)

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• Calculate the total heat input required.

Qt = Qg + Qo + Qw + Qa

where: Qt = Total heat input

4. Determine the size and surface area of the heating coil.

• Select coil size from Figure 53.

• Estimate an overall heat transfer coefficient (U) from Figure 54.

• Calculate the log mean temperature difference (LMTD).

• Calculate the area (A) of the heating coil required:

Qt
A = (U) (LMTD)

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FIGURE 53: COIL SIZE SELECTION

FIGURE 54: HEATER-COIL TRANSFER COEFFICIENTS

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