Impacts of CO₂ and H₂S on the risk of hydrate formation during pipeline transport of natural gas

Abstract

Evaluation of maximum content of water in natural gas before water condenses out at a given temperature and pressure is the initial step in hydrate risk analysis during pipeline transport of natural gas. The impacts of CO₂ and H₂S in natural gas on the maximum mole-fractions of water that can be tolerated during pipeline transport without the risk of hydrate nucleation has been studied using our novel thermodynamic scheme. Troll gas from the North Sea is used as a reference case, it contains very negligible amount of CO₂ and no H₂S. Varying mole-fractions of CO₂ and H₂S were introduced into the Troll gas, and the effects these inorganic impurities on the water tolerance of the system were evaluated. It is observed that CO₂ does not cause any distinguishable impact on water tolerance of the system, but H₂S does. Water tolerance decreases with increase in concentration of H₂S. The impact of ethane on the system was also investigated. The maximum mole-fraction of water permitted in the gas to ensure prevention of hydrate formation also decreases with increase in the concentration of C₂H₆ like H₂S. H₂S has the most impact, it tolerates the least amount of water among the components studied.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

hydrate / hydrogen Sulphide / CO₂ / dew point / pipeline

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