Low Density Gas Hydrate Inhibitor Formulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermodynamic hydrate inhibitors (THIs) used in the oil and gas industry require high concentrations, leading to increased density and viscosity issues, environmental concerns, and high costs, while failing to maintain the desired density range for deep-water applications.
Innovation Solution
Aqueous gas hydrate thermodynamic inhibitor formulations incorporating lithium chloride (LiCl) and low molecular weight glycol ethers or gluconate salts, which allow for effective hydrate inhibition while maintaining a low viscosity and density within the desired range, enabling efficient downhole fluid pumping under high pressure and low temperature conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high concentrations of traditional THIs (methanol, ethylene glycol) are used to inhibit hydrate formation, then hydrate inhibition effectiveness is improved, but fluid density increases and viscosity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by substituting traditional THIs with lithium chloride and low molecular weight glycol ethers, which have different density and viscosity characteristics, achieving the same inhibition effect with favorable rheological properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite inhibitor formulation combining lithium chloride and low molecular weight glycol ethers, where the synergistic interaction between components achieves effective hydrate inhibition while maintaining acceptable fluid density and viscosity
2Reliability
If high concentrations of traditional THIs are used to inhibit hydrate formation, then hydrate inhibition effectiveness is improved, but fluid viscosity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using lithium chloride and low molecular weight glycol ethers, which maintain low viscosity even at effective concentrations, ensuring good fluid flowability for pumping operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs low molecular weight glycol ethers with favorable rheological properties that provide effective inhibition without the viscosity penalties of traditional THIs, enabling easier fluid handling
3Reliability
If high concentrations of traditional THIs are used to inhibit hydrate formation, then hydrate inhibition effectiveness is improved, but environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes environmentally problematic traditional THIs with lithium chloride and low molecular weight glycol ethers, which have reduced environmental toxicity while maintaining effective hydrate inhibition capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical identity parameters from traditional organic THIs to alternative compounds with better environmental profiles, achieving the same functional effect with reduced ecological harm
4Reliability
If high concentrations of traditional THIs are used to inhibit hydrate formation, then hydrate inhibition effectiveness is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a composite formulation where lithium chloride and low molecular weight glycol ethers work synergistically, potentially reducing the total amount of inhibitor needed while maintaining effective hydrate inhibition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition to compounds with different solubility and effectiveness characteristics, which may reduce the overall quantity of inhibitor required to achieve the desired protection level
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 use of LiCl and glycol ethers in the THI formulations reduces the need for high concentrations of traditional inhibitors, maintaining fluid flowability and reducing environmental impact by achieving the required density range of 9 to 11 lb/gal, thus overcoming the limitations of existing THIs.
Implementation Method 1
THIs are additives that change the hydrate's thermodynamic forming conditions, thus preventing hydrate growth under normal hydrate forming conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A method of inhibiting gas hydrate formation in downhole fluids, including providing a downhole fluid and mixing the downhole fluid with an aqueous gas thermodynamic hydrate inhibitor formulation to form a downhole fluid mixture. A concentration of lithium chloride in the downhole fluid mixture is at least about 1 wt % and a density of the downhole fluid mixture is in a range of about 1.08 to 1.3 gm/cm3 at a downhole temperature of about 50° F. or less and a downhole differential pressure of about 500 psi or higher. An aqueous gas thermodynamic hydrate inhibitor formulation and oil and gas well drilling system including such a formulation are also disclosed.