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Hydrate Temperature Calculator

Motiee (1991) Correlation per GPSA Data Book

Hydrate Formation Temperature Prediction
Uses Motiee (1991) correlation for accurate hydrate formation temperature estimation. Valid for sweet natural gas (SG 0.55-0.90) at pressures up to 4000 psia. Accuracy: ±2-3°F.

Gas Properties

psig
Air=1.0
°F

Hydrate Formation Conditions

Three requirements:
1. Free water present
2. Temperature below Thyd
3. Pressure above Phyd

Typical Thyd at 1000 psia:
SG 0.6: ~62°F | SG 0.7: ~66°F | SG 0.8: ~71°F

Prevention Methods

Thermodynamic:
• Methanol (10-30 wt%)
• MEG/DEG glycol injection
• Gas dehydration (<7 lb/MMscf)
Mechanical:
• Line heating/insulation
• Pressure reduction

Motiee (1991) Correlation

T = A₀ + A₁·log(P) + A₂·log²(P) + B₁·γ + B₂·γ² + C₁·γ·log(P)
T = Hydrate temperature (°C)
P = Pressure (psia)
γ = Gas specific gravity
Ref: Hydrocarbon Processing, 70:98-99

Standards & References

  • GPSA
    Gas Hydrate Formation Charts
  • GPA 2145
    Predicting Hydrate Formation Conditions
  • CSMGem / Multiflash
    Advanced hydrate prediction software

Important Notes

  • Motiee correlation valid for sweet natural gas (SG 0.55-0.90)
  • Requires free water present - dry gas (<7 lb H₂O/MMscf) won't form hydrates
  • CO₂/H₂S >10% shifts Thyd upward - use CSMGem for sour gas
  • Design margin: operate ≥10-20°F above Thyd
  • Correlation accuracy: ±2-3°F for typical natural gas

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Motiee correlation for hydrate temperature prediction?

The Motiee (1991) correlation calculates gas hydrate formation temperature as a function of pressure and gas specific gravity. It provides accuracy of ±2-3°F for typical natural gas compositions per GPSA data book validation.

What three conditions are required for gas hydrate formation?

Gas hydrates require three simultaneous conditions: free water present in the system, gas at or below the hydrate formation temperature, and sufficient pressure. Removing any one of these conditions prevents hydrate formation.

What are the main hydrate prevention methods?

Hydrate prevention uses either thermodynamic methods (chemical inhibitors like methanol or MEG that depress the formation temperature) or mechanical methods (dehydration to remove free water, heating to maintain temperature above hydrate point, or insulation to reduce heat loss).

What correlation does this hydrate temperature calculator use?

It uses the Motiee (1991) correlation to calculate natural gas hydrate formation temperature per GPSA standards.

Does this calculator include inhibitor requirements?

Yes, it calculates methanol and MEG inhibitor requirements along with hydrate risk assessment per GPSA standards.

What is the difference between this and the hydrate prediction calculator?

This calculator uses the Motiee (1991) correlation specifically for hydrate formation temperature, while the hydrate prediction tool uses the Hammerschmidt correlation.