Low dosage kinetic hydrate inhibitors for natural gas production systems

摘要

Copolymers containing acryloylmorpholine and vinylimidazole, and optionally vinylcaprolactam and/or n-vinyl pyrrolidone, have shown superior results in hydrate inhibition tests at conditions of 7° C. subcooling dosed at 1 vol % based on the water cut of the system fluids. The copolymer product has also passed high TDS (total dissolved solids) brine compatibility tests and secondary property tests including foaming and hot injection tests which make it useful as a kinetic hydrate inhibitor in gas production systems susceptible to the formation of natural gas hydrates.

主权项

1. A hydrate-inhibited fluid comprising:
water; hydrate-forming guest molecules; and at least one kinetic hydrate inhibitor (KHI) in an amount effective to inhibit formation of hydrates at hydrate forming conditions, where the KHI comprises a terpolymer comprising monomers selected from the group consisting of acryloylmorpholine, vinylimidazole, vinylcaprolactam, n-vinyl pyrrolidone and combinations thereof.