Experimental Assessment of Moringa Oleifera as an Environmentally Friendly Inhibitor Solution for Gas Hydrate Control

Research efforts have long been focused on developing low-dose hydrate inhibitors (LDHIs) due to their accessibility, reduced quantity requirement, and cost-effectiveness. This study explores the potential of Moringa oleifera extract as an alternative LDHI, leveraging its established applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Utilizing a mini hydrate flow loop comprising 316 stainless steel pipes covered with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) mounted on a steel frame, hydrate formation conditions are simulated. Moringa Leaf Extract (MLE) concentrations of 0.02%, 0.04%, and 0.06% by water volume are compared against Methanol concentrations of 2%, 4%, and 6%. Performance evaluation entails analyzing pressure, temperature, inhibition efficiency, and pressure-time plots. Results indicate that 0.04wt% MLE surpasses all Methanol concentrations, exhibiting an inhibition efficiency of 60%, while the optimal Methanol concentration is found to be 2%, with an efficiency of 56.7%. MLE emerges as a promising alternative to traditional hydrate inhibitors, being readily available, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective.