Generalized Mathematical Model of Hydrate Formation in Gas Pipelines

Abstract

A numerical experiment has been carried out to study the influence of the change in the main pipeline cross-section due to hydrate formation on hydraulic resistance and the temperature and pressure dynamics taking into account quasi-stationary heat transfer with permafrost ground. The case where a wet gas is supplied to the pipeline is considered, and the dynamics of hydrate formation is determined along with other parameters. The calculations are carried out until the outlet pressure becomes lower than the standard one. The results of the experiment show that a model assuming a constant hydraulic resistance coefficient leads to a significant underestimation of the allowable pipeline operation time. Consequently, in mathematical modeling of hydrate formation in natural gas pipelines taking into account the relationship between heat transfer and viscous friction is critical.