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Improved industrial induction time-based technique for evaluating kinetic hydrate inhibitors
Mahboobeh Mohammad-Taheri1, Bahman Tohidi2,3,4, Bahram Ghanbari5
1Chemical Polymeric and Petrochemical Technology Development Research Division, Research Institute of Petroleum Industry, Tehran, Iran.
Frontiers in Chemistry
|June 6, 2024
Summary
This study introduces the HME method, combining water-hydrate memory with the induction-time technique, to improve the accuracy and repeatability of kinetic hydrate inhibitor (KHI) laboratory testing. This cost-effective approach offers more definitive KHI evaluations than traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Petroleum Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Kinetic hydrate inhibitor (KHI) laboratory testing is crucial for oil and gas operations.
- The standard induction-time (IT) method for KHI screening suffers from data scattering due to stochastic hydrate nucleation.
- The crystal growth inhibition (CGI) method offers comprehensive data but is time-consuming and costly for industry needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a cost-effective laboratory technique for accurate and precise kinetic hydrate inhibitor (KHI) evaluation.
- To investigate the impact of water-hydrate memory on improving the accuracy and repeatability of the induction-time (IT) method.
- To establish a procedure combining water-hydrate memory with the IT technique for more definitive KHI performance assessments.
Main Methods:
- Reviewed the concept and creation of water-hydrate memory.
- Identified and experimentally investigated factors influencing water-hydrate memory, including heating rate during dissociation and target temperature.
- Developed and applied a procedure integrating water-hydrate memory with the IT method (termed the 'HME method') for KHI evaluation.
Main Results:
- Replications at target temperatures (12.3-12.4°C and 11.5-11.7°C) demonstrated improved data repeatability using the water-hydrate memory approach.
- The HME method provided more conclusive results for evaluating KHI performance compared to the standalone IT method.
- Enhanced precision and accuracy were achieved with the HME method, reducing uncertainties in KHI screening.
Conclusions:
- Combining the induction-time method with water-hydrate memory (the HME method) significantly enhances the accuracy and repeatability of kinetic hydrate inhibitor evaluations.
- The HME method offers a more definitive and cost-effective alternative to traditional IT testing and the complex CGI method.
- This approach is poised to become a popular and valuable tool for the oil and gas industry in assessing KHI performance.
