PIPELINE HYDRATE INHIBITOR AND METHOD OF REDUCING HYDRATES USING THE HYDRATE INHIBITOR

摘要

Compositions and methods for reducing the formation of hydrates within subsea or over-land pipeline systems. The compositions and methods include the use of organic salt solutions, such as an acetate salt solution, to precondition, treat, and/or dewater the pipeline systems, or employ the use of the organic salt solutions during other pre-commissioning operations. An effective concentration of an organic salt solution acts to reduce hydrates and/or inhibit hydrate formation within the pipeline systems.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
introducing an aqueous composition comprising an acetate salt into the hydrocarbon production pipeline system, wherein the aqueous composition introduced into the hydrocarbon production pipeline system has a concentration of the acetate salt in water ranging from about 0.1% to about 50% of saturation of the acetate salt in water at ambient conditions before introducing the aqueous composition into the hydrocarbon production pipeline system; and flowing a hydrocarbon through the hydrocarbon production pipeline system, wherein the concentration of the acetate salt in the aqueous composition is adequate to reduce the formation of hydrates during hydrocarbon flow compared to hydrate formation that would occur if the acetate salt had not been introduced.