Functionalized Alpha-Hydroxy Alkyl Ethers for H2S Scavenging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrogen sulfide removal processes from production fluids are inefficient and can cause corrosion due to the use of toxic scavengers, and existing methods struggle to meet the stringent requirements for natural gas to contain less than 4 ppm of hydrogen sulfide.
Innovation Solution
Contacting a fluid containing hydrogen sulfide with a treatment fluid comprising functionalized alpha-hydroxy alkyl ethers, which react with hydrogen sulfide to reduce its amount, using compounds like glycerol bis hemiformal mono phosphate ether or oligomeric glycerol bis hemiformal di-phosphate ether, and employing a squeeze treatment to enhance adsorption onto subterranean rock surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional amine-containing scavengers are used to remove hydrogen sulfide, then the scavenging capacity is sufficient, but corrosion and scale issues occur due to toxicity and acid formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the scavenger by using functionalized alpha-hydroxy alkyl ethers instead of traditional amines. This parameter change maintains hydrogen sulfide removal capacity while eliminating the harmful side effects of corrosion and scale formation associated with amine-based scavengers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite molecular structures combining alpha-hydroxy alkyl ether backbones with functional groups (carboxylic acid, phenolic hydroxyl, or sulfonic acid). This composite approach achieves effective hydrogen sulfide scavenging without the detrimental effects of traditional amine scavengers.
2Productivity
If active treatment compounds are used to react with hydrogen sulfide, then the removal efficiency improves, but the process complexity and equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The functionalized alpha-hydroxy alkyl ethers are injected directly into the production fluid stream where they automatically react with hydrogen sulfide in-situ. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex external treatment equipment and allows the scavenger to perform its function within the existing pipeline infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses functionalized alpha-hydroxy alkyl ethers as intermediary substances that mediate between the hydrogen sulfide and the production fluid. These intermediaries react with hydrogen sulfide to form non-corrosive products that can be easily separated or disposed of, simplifying the overall process.
3Reliability
If liquid scavengers are injected into pipelines to remove hydrogen sulfide, then the treatment effectiveness improves, but the risk of secondary contamination and handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the scavenger system by using functionalized alpha-hydroxy alkyl ethers with optimized solubility and reactivity characteristics. These parameter changes enable effective hydrogen sulfide removal while improving ease of handling and injection compared to traditional liquid scavengers.
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
Effectively reduces hydrogen sulfide levels in fluids, preventing corrosion and meeting industry standards for natural gas purity, while avoiding scale issues associated with traditional amine-containing scavengers, and demonstrating high scavenging capacity and reaction efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the hydrogen sulfide reacts with the functionalized alpha-hydroxy alkyl ether to reduce an amount of the hydrogen sulfide in the fluid
Implementation Method 2
employing a squeeze treatment to enhance adsorption onto subterranean rock surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
Functionalized alpha-hydroxy alkyl ethers have been found to perform as non (or anti-) scaling hydrogen sulfide scavengers. A method of scavenging hydrogen sulfide includes contacting a fluid containing hydrogen sulfide with a treatment fluid including a functionalized alpha-hydroxy alkyl ether. Accordingly, the alpha-hydroxy alkyl ether reacts with the hydrogen sulfide to reduce the amount of hydrogen sulfide in the fluid. The functionalized alpha-hydroxy alkyl ether is functionalized with a phosphate group, phosphonate group, sulfate group, or sulfonate group. A broad range of alpha-hydroxy alkyl ethers are disclosed.