Patent attributes
A method for predicting a formation of hydrates in a wellbore/riser annulus during a drilling operation. The method includes logging actual mud properties. Actual sets of pressure and temperature data at given locations/intervals in the wellbore or in the drilling riser annulus are continuously measured and/or calculated. A theoretical temperature profile for the formation of hydrates dependent on mud properties and pressure as a function of a true vertical depth in a well is determined. The theoretical temperature profile for the formation of hydrates in a control system is stored. The measured and/or calculated actual sets of pressure and temperature data is compared with the theoretical temperature profile for the formation of hydrates. A signal is issued if the measured and/or calculated actual sets of pressure and temperature data falls below or is lower than a predefined safety margin for the theoretical temperature profile for the formation of hydrates.
