Development and evaluation of aloe vera dry extract quantum dots as novel hydrate inhibitor for the control of flow assurance problems in the oilfields

Abstract

Application of quantum dots in the oil and gas field operations is an emerging area, especially in tracer application and as hydrate inhibitors. This study involves development and evaluation of a novel low-dosage hydrate inhibitor aloe vera dry extract quantum dots, prepared by hydrothermal method, to prevent the formation of clathrate hydrates. Experimental studies were performed for THF model hydrate system in crude oil-water emulsion to evaluate the effect of wax content on hydrate formation. Quantum dots were tested for varying concentrations from 0.1 wt% to 1.0 wt% and the best result was obtained at 1.0 wt% in the experimental solutions. The quantum dots have shown the ability of anti-agglomerants, which allowed the tiny hydrate particles formed to remain dispersed in the experimental solution for a longer duration of time and also increased the induction time with increasing concentration of quantum dots. The study also revealed that presence of wax delayed the induction time of hydrate formation, but once hydrate formation occurred, the wax particles acted as nucleation sites for the agglomeration of more hydrate particles.