Evaluation of regression formula for predicating natural gas hydrate formation conditions

The formation of natural gas hydrate can cause severe problems in natural gas production and transmission. Thus, it is essential to accurately predicate the hydrate formation conditions. In view of this, the main regression formulas for predicating hydrate formation temperature were reviewed and evaluated. These formulas include Makogon formula, Towler formula and Bahadori formula. By comparing the calculated and experimental value of hydrate formation temperatures, the average relative deviation (ARD) was obtained. For sweet gas, the ARD is 0.55%, 0.40% and 0.43%, respectively. For gas with low CO₂ content, the ARD is 0.41%, 0.32% and 0.52%, respectively. The Towler formula shows much better results than the other two formulas. For sour gas, the above three formulas can not accurately predicate the hydrate formation temperatures.