ABSTRACT
Gas hydrates are ice-like clathrate solids that are formed from water and small hydrocarbons at elevated pressures and at lower temperatures (Figure 9.1).1,2 The temperature below which hydrates can form increases with increasing pressure and can be as high as 25°C-30°C (77°F-86°F). Typical pressure-temperature conditions for formation of gas hydrates are shown in Figure 9.1. Gas hydrates are most commonly encountered in subsea or cold climate wet gas or multiphase (oil-water-gas) pipelines, where they can block the ow of uids, but they can also be formed during drilling, completion, and workover operations as well as in gas-processing facilities, gas and water injection lines,194 and aqueous chemical injection in gas lift lines if the pressure-temperature conditions are right.195
