ABSTRACT The economic development of many multiphase flow production systems requires a full understanding of hydrates and their control. BP Exploration has recognised this and has set itself the goal of developing the necessary understanding and ability to deal with hydrates and hydrate forming systems. Three key areas have been targeted for investigation to develop the tools necessary to optimise the economics of hydrate forming systems. An important advance by BP in the first of these key areas is presented. The new BP phase equilibrium hydrate formulation is used to rigorously examine options for using a range of pure and mixed inhibitors.