A Biodegradable Anti-Agglomerant Leads to a Low-Viscosity, Transportable Hydrate Slurry in a Multiphase Flow

Abstract This work presents a biodegradable anti-agglomerant (AA) that is not only environmentally acceptable (Yellow) but also able to deliver a low-viscosity, transportable hydrate slurry with dispersible hydrate particles. A high-pressure rocking cell was used to test the performance of the developed AA candidates. Compared to the nonbiodegradable AA candidates, the selected AA performed better in various scenarios. All tests included a gas mixture that forms Structure II hydrates, a clean oil sample from the field, a subcooling of approximately 15 °C, and steady-state and shut-in and restart scenarios. The AA demonstrated the ability to treat hydrate problems under water cuts of up to 50 vol% and salinities of up to 6 wt%. In addition, the product passed a series of stability and flowability tests under various temperatures and pressures. These tests aimed to qualify a chemical product for injection via a subsea umbilical line without causing any blockages or damage.