Amide Copolymer–Polyether Composition for High-Subcooling Hydrate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kinetic hydrate inhibitors are ineffective at sub-coolings greater than 10°C, costly, toxic, and cause significant foaming, leading to pipeline blockages and production losses in hydrocarbon extraction.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising specific copolymers with amide functional groups and polyethers, optionally with an organic solvent, is used to inhibit hydrate formation, offering longer induction times and reduced foaming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If existing kinetic hydrate inhibitors are used, then hydrate formation can be inhibited, but they are ineffective at sub-coolings greater than 10°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of kinetic hydrate inhibitors by incorporating specific amide functional groups (such as vinylcaprolactam and vinylpyrrolidone units) into the polymer chain. This structural parameter change enables the inhibitor to remain effective at sub-coolings greater than 10°C, extending the temperature range where reliable hydrate inhibition occurs.
2Reliability
If existing kinetic hydrate inhibitors are used, then hydrate formation can be inhibited, but they cause significant foaming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the harmful foaming effect by carefully selecting polymer structures with specific amide functional groups that inherently reduce surface activity. The vinylcaprolactam and vinylpyrrolidone units provide effective hydrate inhibition while minimizing foaming, thus converting a potentially harmful property into a beneficial one.
3Reliability
If existing kinetic hydrate inhibitors are used, then hydrate formation can be inhibited, but they are costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs polymers composed of readily available monomers (vinylcaprolactam, vinylpyrrolidone) that can be synthesized through conventional polymerization processes. This approach replaces expensive proprietary inhibitors with cost-effective, easily manufacturable alternatives that maintain reliable hydrate inhibition performance.
4Reliability
If existing kinetic hydrate inhibitors are used, then hydrate formation can be inhibited, but they are toxic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects polymer components with amide functional groups (vinylcaprolactam, vinylpyrrolidone) that are chemically inert and environmentally benign. These substances do not exhibit toxic properties while maintaining effective hydrate inhibition, creating a safe chemical environment for hydrocarbon extraction operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition effectively delays hydrate formation for several hours to days at sub-coolings greater than 10°C, enhancing production efficiency and safety while being environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
The formation and growth of these crystals are usually induced by a drop in the temperature of the production fluids
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a composition comprising: at least one copolymer of which at least one of the repeating units comprises at least one amide function; and at least one polyether having a molecular weight (Mw) greater than 60 g·mol−1, and the use of the composition for delaying or preventing the formation or agglomeration of gas hydrates, in particular in a method for extracting oil and/or gas and/or condensates.