The University of Aberdeen has partnered with Blue Gentoo to develop the Intelligent Hydrate Platform (iHP), as announced by the university's Oil & Gas Innovation Centre (OGIC).

High-pressure, low-temperature environments existing near the sea-floor can cause produced fluids to freeze, forming a solid, ice-like substance known as gas hydrates. Gas hydrate formations can block production pipelines and complicate sub-sea oil and gas field production.

iHP will monitor and control the injection of monoethylene glycol (MEG) at sub-sea oil and gas fields. The most reliable technique to address hydrate formation is with dehydrators such as MEG. The in-situ monitor will reduce both capital and operating expenses as excessive injection rates are eliminated, according to OGIC. This culminates into lower infrastructure costs as it reduces the quantity of chemical stored on-site, transported, recycled or regenerated.

The device will monitor hydrocarbon parameters to calculate required MEG injections and make adjustments in real-time without human intervention. The risk-based approach relies on Blue Gentoo’s technology to monitor, measure and manage gas hydrates throughout the life of the well.

Current technologies to mitigate the formation of gas hydrates include trace-line heating systems or injection of inhibitors, such as methanol. The cost associated with these options can be quite substantial, as excessive heating or injection rates are required to eliminate the risks of gas hydrate formation. This is due to rapid fluctuations in temperature and pressure experienced throughout the life of the well and the implementation of systems that account for worst-case scenarios.