The application of kinetic inhibitors to gas hydrate problems
Laboratory and field tests since 1991 have shown the feasibility of replacing the classical inhibitors (methanol and ethylene glycol) with kinetic inhibitors. Although the kinetic inhibitors have limitations, they have been shown to be effective in preventing the formation of hydrate plugs in field situations. In many cases, there is an economic advantage to using the kinetic inhibitors. An analysis of the conditions in the production facilities must be done to ascertain the applicability of a kinetic inhibitor. The data and tests which are required to determine the applicability of a kinetic inhibitor are discussed. The application of kinetic inhibitors to flow fines in producing fields is presented. The cost to the Petroleum Industry to inhibit the formation of gas hydrates is greatly increasing with the development of offshore reservoirs. Gas hydrates are likely to form in subsea flow fines unless the water is removed down to the lowest dew point encountered, highly effective insulation is used or inhibitors are used. The first two possibilities are generally prohibitively expensive or the technology for subsea application does not exist. In many cases, kinetic inhibitors offer lower cost alternatives to classical inhibitors and are more environmentally friendly. The results show that kinetic inhibitors can be economically applied to field production systems. This is an area where there is very little published information at this time. In addition the data (both field and laboratory) which is required to verify the effectiveness of a kinetic inhibitor is illustrated. This information will help producers with hydrate problems evaluate the use of kinetic inhibitors. Savings in the range of 50% of the chemical costs and reduced down time can be realized in many cases.
- OSTI ID:
- 128937
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950501--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
A new generation of gas hydrate inhibitors
Mass- and heat transfer effects on gas hydrate growth