Reducing the man-made impact of hydrate formation inhibitors on the environment by applying gas hydrate technologies

Abstract The extraction of hydrocarbons is significantly complicated by the threat of clogging of technological lines with gas hydrates. Due to its undeniable effectiveness, the most common inhibitor of hydrate formation is methanol. However, due to its potential negative impact on the environment and the health of personnel, the search for effective substitutes for methanol is an urgent task. A comparative analysis of the effectiveness for the mixture of hydrate formation inhibitors of kinetic and thermodynamic action (poly-N-vinylcaprolactam and ethanol) was carried out on the basis of experimental studies. Parameters for the effective use of a mixture of poly-N-vinylcaprolactam and ethanol have been established. Taking into account the low thermal stability of poly-N-vinylcaprolactam, a method of regeneration of spent aqueous solutions for a mixture of kinetic and thermodynamic inhibitors based on gas-hydrate concentration technology is proposed and substantiated. The criteria for effective separation of gas hydrate crystal suspension and concentrated solution are established. Propane is proposed as a hydrate-forming gas. The principle scheme of the research and industrial device for its implementation is proposed and the main parameters of the process are substantiated.