Page 282 - Handbook Of Multiphase Flow Assurance

Experimental and computer study of the effect of kinetic inhibitors on clathrate hydrates 281

The importance of studying and improving methods for hydrate inhibition is great. The
annual cost of hydrate prevention in gas and oil production through methanol injection
alone is over $500,000,000 (Sloan, 1996a). A 1988 accident which may have resulted from
hydrate formation at the Piper Alpha platform in the North Sea cost 167 people's lives and
£3.3 billion in damage and losses (Cullen, 1990; Lovegrove, 1990).
1
Existence of gas hydrates in nature was proven in 1965 (Makogon, 1965). Natural gas
production from the Messoyakh a hydrate deposit in Siberia started in 1969 (Makogon, 1981,
2010). Currently, Japan, China and other countries are considering the possibility of produc-
ing natural gas from their offshore in-situ deposits of gas hydrates. Hydrates can store a tre-
mendous amount of gas. Over 170 volumes of gas at standard T, P can be enclathrated by one
volume of water. The reserve of carbon in gas hydrate deposits was estimated to be twice that
in all other fossil fuel deposits (Makogon, 1982; Kvenvolden, 1994). These resources can be
recovered worldwide once economic methods of production have been developed. The map
in Fig. 10.48 compiled from maps by Kvenvolden (1988, 1994) shows the locations of hydrate
deposits on earth. Hydrates are situated in offshore regions under the sea where hydrostatic
pressure of water provides hydrate stability, and in permafrost regions where low tempera-
tures stabilize hydrates.

FIG. 10.48 Hydrate locations in the world.

1 Hereinafter references (Makogon) are due to Dr. Yuri F. Makogon. Taras Makogon's works are denoted
(T.Y. Makogon).