Hydrate Inhibitor (HYDROSOL)
Gas hydrates are ice-like clathrate solids that are formed from water and small hydrocarbons at elevated pressures and at lower temperatures. Their density is similar to ice (“slushy ice”). They form well above the freezing point of water. The hydrate formation temperature increases with increasing pressure. Formation of gas hydrates in the oil & gas production process at any time of decreasing temperature and/or increasing pressure, while water and light hydrocarbons (methane, ethane, propane), H2S, CO2, presenting.
Low Dosage Hydrate Inhibitors (LDHI) can be divided in two categories; Anti-Agglomerants (AA) and Kinetic Inhibitors (KI).
Anti-Agglomerants allow gas hydrates to form, but these are then dispersed in the hydrocarbon phase, thus preventing larger aggregates to form and give blockage. Kinetic Inhibitors, on the other hand, delay the first appearance of stable hydrate crystals.
Kinetic Hydrate Inhibitors (KHI) are the intelligent solutions, which are specialty polymers that delay hydrate formation. Only ultralow dose rate <1% vs. max to 50% of THIs (Thermodynamic Inhibitors, such MEG, MeOH) is required. KHIs reduced OPEX/CAPEX dramatically.