Algorithm for optimization of methanol consumption in the «gas inhibitor pipeline-well-gathering system»

Abstract The article proposes an algorithm of actions to optimize the consumption of methanol which is used as an inhibitor of hydrate formation in the process chain of oil and gas production. The proposed approach was developed in the process of analyzing the methanol supply system and planning measures to optimize it for the Eastern section of the Orenburg oil and gas condensate field. The algorithm consists of five sections which to a greater extent affect the efficiency of the inhibition system and are closely related to each other. These are data preparation, determination of equilibrium conditions of hydrate formation, calculation of methanol consumption rates, analysis of the inhibition system flexibility, operational control. The proposed solution in the form of an algorithm makes it possible to carry out a complex analysis of the hydrate formation prevention system, to determine the most optimal solutions to reduce the consumption of methanol.