Hyperbranched Polyester Polyols as Gas Hydrate Inhibitors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas hydrate inhibitors are either toxic or non-biodegradable, posing environmental concerns and safety risks in subsea oil and gas production, where hydrate formation can lead to equipment plugging and operational hazards.
Innovation Solution
Development of non-toxic and biodegradable hyperbranched polyester polyol-based gas hydrate inhibitors, chemically modified with hydrophobic or hydrophilic substituents to interact with hydrate surfaces and phases, preventing agglomeration and formation in crude oil, condensate, and gas systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional gas hydrate inhibitors (quaternary ammonium salts, traditional polymers) are used, then hydrate formation is inhibited, but the inhibitors are toxic and/or non-biodegradable causing environmental harm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of hydrate inhibitors from conventional toxic substances (quaternary ammonium salts) to non-toxic hyperbranched polyester polyols with specific molecular weight ranges (1,000-50,000 g/mol) and controlled hydroxyl functionality (2-8 groups), achieving both effectiveness and environmental compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite hyperbranched polyester polyol structures combining multiple functional groups (hydroxyl, carboxyl, amine) within a single molecular framework, creating a multi-functional inhibitor that provides both hydrate prevention and environmental safety
2Reliability
If thermodynamic hydrate inhibitors (methanol, monoethylene glycol) are used at high concentrations (10-60%), then hydrate formation is prevented, but large quantities of chemicals are required and regeneration facilities are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts from high-concentration thermodynamic inhibition (10-60% methanol/monoethylene glycol) to low-concentration kinetic inhibition using hyperbranched polyester polyols at 0.1-5% concentrations, achieving effective hydrate prevention with significantly reduced chemical quantities
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs biodegradable hyperbranched polyester polyols that naturally decompose after use, eliminating the need for expensive regeneration and recycling facilities required for conventional thermodynamic inhibitors
3Reliability
If anti-agglomerants are used to prevent hydrate plugging, then hydrate particles are stabilized in the oil phase, but continuous oil phase is required and surfactants may be toxic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of anti-agglomerant surfactants by replacing toxic quaternary ammonium salts with non-toxichyperbranched polyester polyol structures containing hydrophobic and hydrophilic segments, achieving plugging prevention without toxicity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite surfactant structures within thehyperbranched polyester polyol molecules, combining hydrophobic hydrocarbon chains and hydrophilic polyol groups in a single molecular architecture, enabling effective anti-agglomerant performance without requiring continuous oil phase
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 modified hyperbranched polyester polyols effectively delay hydrate formation and prevent plugging, demonstrating subcooling effects that maintain system functionality without the hazards associated with toxic or non-degradable inhibitors.
Implementation Method 1
The hyperbranched polyester is substituted at the terminal hydroxyl groups by hydrophobic or hydrophilic substituents to provide a suitable interaction of the polyester with the hydrate surface
Implementation Method 2
Thehyperbranched polyester is substituted at the terminal hydroxyl groups by hydrophobic or hydrophilic substituents to provide a suitable interaction of the polyester with the hydrate surface
Implementation Method 3
The modifiedhyperbranched polyester polyols effectively delay hydrate formation and prevent plugging, demonstrating subcooling effects that maintain system functionality
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a non-toxic and biodegradable low dosage gas hydrate inhibitor comprising hyper-branched polyester polyols having hydroxyl end groups which are chemically modified. Further, the invention relates to a method for controlling gas hydrate formation and plugging of gas hydrate forming fluids and the use of the gas hydrate inhibitors for this purpose.