Ice (in the form of gas hydrates) is a major concern for producers and developers of oil and gas fields. Hydrates form when natural gas mixes with water at high pressure and low temperatures. These block or restrict hydrocarbon flow and impact the reliability of supply.

Traditional methods of hydrate management involve injecting large quantities of MEG, methanol or other inhibitors into the hydrocarbon stream. A more recent approach is to use tracer-heated pipelines (particularly for large subsea developments).

Due to the fear of hydrate formation, injection often becomes a strategy of over-dosing based on the worst case scenario. This costs the industry billions of dollars per year in increased CAPEX and OPEX, as well as an increased environmental footprint. Yet even with an over-dosing strategy, hydrates remain a significant and on-going risk to production.

Blue Gentoo has technology and expertise to actively manage gas hydrate risks, firstly, at planning and development stage and then in situ for the life of a field.