Lean, Fast, and Feasible: Kinetic Hydrate Inhibitor Enables Cost Effective Flow Assurance Strategy to improve Offshore Project Economics; Unlocking Marginal Tie Back Production

Abstract Gas hydrates present a significant operating challenge in offshore production, occurring when natural gas and condensed water amalgamate under high pressure and low temperature within subsea pipelines. Conventional mitigation techniques—such as insulation, heating, or high-concentration thermodynamic inhibitors (e.g. Mono ethylene Glycol)—necessitate substantial infrastructure and considerable capital expenditure. Low Dose Hydrate Inhibitors (LDHIs), particularly Kinetic Hydrate Inhibitors (KHIs), are emerging as an attractive alternative, delaying hydrate nucleation at low concentrations and offering a flexible, cost-effective solution for marginal fields and tiebacks. This paper presents a case study from Field T, an offshore gas development in East Malaysia tied back via a 16″ × 78 km subsea pipeline to an existing hub. To reduce cost and complexity, KHI injection was selected as the recommended flow assurance mitigation concept, supported by extensive laboratory testing, including hydrate control performance and compatibility with a co-injected corrosion inhibitor. The field started up successfully in 2023 with continuous KHI injection and has since operated reliably with no hydrate events. The study highlights how KHIs can deliver robust hydrate management while avoiding CAPEX-intensive infrastructure, enabling acceleration of production from marginal fields. Lessons learned on qualification, deployment, and surveillance are shared, providing guidance for future offshore projects in Southeast Asia and beyond.