Hydrafact Secures Third Innovate UK Grant to Revolutionise Hydrate Inhibitor Monitoring for CCUS Applications

We are thrilled to announce that Hydrafact has been awarded another significant grant from Innovate UK (IUK), under the UK Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT), to spearhead a ground-breaking project focused on evaluating the effectiveness of our unique hydrate inhibitor monitoring and optimisation technology in the Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) sector.

The energy and CCUS industries are grappling with the critical challenge of flow assurance due to hydrate deposition within pipelines, where hydrate formation often occurs in hard-to-reach locations. Beyond creating blockages, one of the major concerns is the potential rupture risk caused by the rapid displacement of hydrate plugs within pipelines. Any obstruction from hydrate formation poses a serious threat to both the economic viability and operational safety of these systems.

Currently, the industry relies heavily on chemical or hydrate inhibitors to mitigate these flow assurance challenges. However, the high dosages required, especially in systems with significant water content, can lead to increased operational costs, logistical difficulties, and environmental concerns. Enhanced capabilities in monitoring the concentration of inhibitors in the field will enable energy operators to better manage chemical usage, reduce operational expenses, and optimise CO₂ transportation, storage, and gas production processes.

The objective of this innovative project is to develop the world’s first ultrafast and smart online hydrate inhibitors monitoring technology. Led by Hydrafact, this pioneering project is set to make a significant impact on the UK’s CCUS value chains and has the potential to extend its influence globally, offering substantial export opportunities. With our unique technology and services, we are committed to optimising every aspect of the process to maximise output and strengthen our national and international standing, firmly establishing our industry presence in the area of CCUS.

The outcomes of this project will drive considerable improvements in our competitiveness and productivity, enabling us to deliver rapid, cost-effective, low-labour, and highly accurate technological solutions. This technology will be instrumental in advancing industrial decarbonisation efforts and supporting the achievement of net-zero emissions targets.