COURSE OVERVIEW:

Flow Assurance Fundamentals: Hydrates, Wax, and Asphaltenes is an essential program dedicated to the prevention of blockages in the hydrocarbon production stream. As fluids move from the warm reservoir to the cooler surface environment, the physical state of various components can change, leading to the formation of solids that threaten to plug wells and pipelines. This course provides a clear, technical introduction to the "big three" organic solids that challenge global production operations, focusing on the science of why they form and the primary methods used to control them.

The scope of this training includes the thermodynamic triggers for hydrate formation, the molecular behavior of paraffin wax, and the complex stability of asphaltenes. Participants will learn how to read phase diagrams and identify the specific pressure and temperature conditions that pose the highest risk for deposition. The curriculum provides a balanced view of prevention and remediation, teaching attendees how to distinguish between proactive inhibition and the reactive measures required to clear an existing blockage.

Coverage also includes the mechanical and thermal strategies used alongside chemical treatments to ensure steady-state production. Attendees will explore the basics of pipeline pigging, the role of subsea insulation, and the use of heat tracing. By mastering these fundamentals, participants will be better equipped to support flow assurance teams, interpret field data, and implement basic monitoring programs that safeguard production uptime and asset integrity.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Define the primary flow assurance challenges in oil and gas production.
• Explain the physical structure and formation conditions of gas hydrates.
• Distinguish between the Cloud Point and Pour Point of crude oil.
• Identify the triggers for asphaltene precipitation in the wellbore.
• Summarize the mechanical and chemical methods for hydrate prevention.
• Explain the role of pigging in managing wax and liquid holdup.
• Analyze the impact of temperature loss on fluid rheology and pressure drop.
• Recognize the signs of an impending blockage in a production system.
• Compare the use of thermodynamic versus kinetic inhibitors.
• Describe the function of subsea insulation in flow assurance.
• Interpret basic fluid analysis reports for flow assurance risks.
• Identify safe operating windows using pressure-temperature plots.
• Assist in the development of basic flow assurance monitoring protocols.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Junior Production Engineers, Operations Staff, Chemical Technicians, and Personnel new to flow assurance or subsea production.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.